The Great Gatsby Inspired Wedding in Chesapeake Bay: Joy + Troy

Joy King says taking the vows was her favorite wedding moment. “I will never forget how seriously Troy said his vows – looking me directly in my eyes and squeezing my hands as he said the words. It was such an honest and emotional moment and so subtle, so I’m not sure how many people really caught it. I did though!”

Troy King, a software developer met Joy Swafford, a web developer and singer in college at the University of Maryland at College Park. The two were friends for about 15 years before dating for over 5 years. The proposal came on Valentine’s Day in the city of love, Paris, France. “We spent the day seeing the sights and had dinner at a small bistro. We don’t normally exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day, so I figured something was up when he said he had a present for me. He asked me quietly at the hotel – just the two of us. It was perfect,” says Joy.

Wedding Style

The wedding, which had a 1920’s The Great Gatsby art deco theme, took place at Hyatt Regency at Chesapeake Bay on November 8, 2014. The first look dress was a white Ralph Lauren gown from Joy’s closet. She dressed it up with a furry bolero jacket, pearl accessories, and a flower headpiece for a vintage feel. And let’s not forget the blood red heels. Absolutely divine.

For the wedding dress, Joy wore a stunning light gold fit and flare by Maggie Sottero (Sahara) with Swarovski crystals on the bodice and a huge, dramatic tulle skirt and a full cathedral length veil which was custom made with Swarovski crystals on the edges. “The veil was my favorite accessory – custom made with Swarovski crystals on the edges.”

Culture

The wedding was quite traditional. Joy’s father, a pastor, officiated the ceremony. Joy, who regularly sings in the Washington D.C. area with Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr. and the Voices of Inspiration was thrilled to have Rev. Williams and her VOI family provide the music for the ceremony.

The Reception

Joy and Troy danced together for the first time as husband and wife to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” Then came the time for family, food, and fun. On the menu? Pan-seared chicken topped with crab and a lemon-tarragon beurre blanc finished with sherry served with a delicious speciality cocktail, Apple Pie Flavored Bourbon.

Help a bride-to-be out!

Get a good wedding planner. Period. My wedding planner, Trisha Cranor of Working Brides, Inc., was an absolute G0d-send. I always tried to remind myself that not everything is going to go as planned and not to stress about changes or glitches. That advice is so much easier to follow when you know that you have a true professional handling the details. Even if things do change, you know that it’s in the hands of someone who understands your vision and will make your day as perfect as you imagined it. I was as close to a stress-free bride as you can get and I definitely owe that to Trisha and Working Brides, Inc. Everything was perfect.

Vendors

Ceremony Location: Hyatt Regency at Chesapeake Bay 
Wedding Planner: Trisha Cranor Working Brides, Inc.
Wedding Dress / Bridesmaids Dresses: Maggie Sottero / Posh Bridal
Hair: James Cornwell
Makeup: Cynthia Jones, MUA
Photography: Keith Cephus Photography
Videography: Caleb Lee East West Productions
Bar: Rental Chicka Fandango
Cake: Clara’s Designer Cakes
Additional Event Design and Lighting: DaVinci Florist and Lighting
Stationery: Randall Santiago Working Brides, Inc. 
Music: Nolan E. Williams, Jr. NEWorks Productions
Event Designer: Sarah Campbell Intrigue Designs