Joy and Mark’s love story began when they were first introduced at the birthday of a mutual friend.
Staying in contact, over time Joy and Mark began to notice the first signs of romantic interest. Both feeling the potential for something more, they began dating, and with one date leading to another, they were soon inseparable. Mark and Joy were pronounced husband and wife in an industrial-chic, historic event space in Columbia, South Carolina. Read all about their love story, intimate family dinner proposal, and wedding experiences.
Bride & Groom: Joy & Mark
Wedding Date: Oct 11, 2019
Wedding Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Tell us how you met! We met through our mutual best friends. One of my best friends and Marks’ best friends are also best friends! We met at her birthday dinner and were introduced then. After that, we remained in contact and began dating.
Tell us all about the proposal! The proposal was simple and sweet! When we talked about this topic in the past, I was always nervous about having a crowd. So we normally have dinner at his parent’s house on Sundays. This particular dinner, his mom prepared a special request from me since my birthday was the next day. After dinner, we were all sitting around as we usually do and I was at the table about to do some work. He began walking towards me and took his cap off. That was the moment he got down on his knee and asked me would I marry him and spend the rest of my life with him! And of course, I said YES!
What was wedding shopping like for you? I honestly did not know the style of dress I wanted when beginning my dress shopping experience. I had several inspirational pictures of styles I liked. I actually flew out of state to Maryland for my bridal shopping experience which was one thing I wanted. I tried approximately 13 dresses and then was almost about to go until my best friend questioned it and one of the owners brought out two more dresses. This was divine intervention! I tried on both and then tried on the other one again! I knew that was the dress for me! I adorned the dress by adding an off the shoulder sleeve, half sequence veil, and rhinestone belt! Curvaceous Couture made my shopping experience one that I will never forget.
Tell us about your wedding style! We had no specific theme, however many things I knew ahead of time to be included on our special day. The colors I always knew the color palette we wanted to use. Since we had a fall ceremony we picked rich orange and purple tones. We had a very traditional wedding ceremony. We also decided to write and include both traditional and personal vows into the ceremony.
Let’s talk wedding decor! We had an amazing and talented team decorating our space. I loved that everyone communicated well with each other to ensure that our desires were completed, which made everything less stressful and everything comes together beautifully! As a hobby, I do a lot of crafting, so of course, I had to make some of the decors. I made our welcome signs, and customized our card and gift boxes.
Our floral arrangements were amazing! One of my favorite flowers is a Calla Lily and besides the color palette, that was one of my only real requests to include this beautiful flower in our bouquets and arrangements. All the bouquets were vibrant and lush and matched the decor perfectly. Michelle and her team did an awesome job, that just comes naturally to her. She is a true designer and loves what she does!
What are some of your most memorable wedding day moments? As a bride, I know my most anticipated moment would be seeing Mark for the first time. I couldn’t wait, but I was extremely nervous at the same time!
Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day? Just enjoy! Savor every moment. The day itself went so fast, so definitely sit back and try to relax and enjoy your special day. Enjoy your spouse and the family and friends that you have chosen to spend this special moment with you.
Vendors:
Dress Store: Curvaceous Couture
Hair Stylist: Harmony Hair Studio
Tuxedo & Men’s Attire: Imperial Custom Clothiers
Makeup Artist: Beauty by Shantika
Specialty Foods: RM Enterprises Bartending
Invitation Designer: LMH Printing
Lighting: Ambient Media
DJ: DJ Solomon Smalls
Cake Designer: Parkland Cakes
Design & Decor: Your Signature Designs
Caterer: Perfectly Plated
Ceremony & Reception Venue: 701 Whaley
Event Planner: The Diva Wedding Planner
Photographer: Smithalee Photography
[…] READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE […]