The couple’s choice of dazzling red that was featured throughout their intimate and luxe ballroom wedding echoed the passionate love story of Jeremiah and Candace’s romance.
Jeremiah and Candace both met on the BLK dating app and it proved to be the best decision ever! Well, truth be told at first by the looks of things, it seemed as if Jeremiah’s dream vanished into thin air when Candace’s profile totally disappeared off the online platform.
Both parties took a break from the dating site, and then suddenly Jeremiah saw Candace’s profile again (we’ll let you read what he said, lol). But as you’ve already guessed it these two love birds fell in love and then had the most magical winter wedding.
After seeing this ceremony, you may want to give that app another try. You never know who may pop up (wink!) Swipe, swipe…
To get the scoop on their love story and luxe ballroom nuptials, scroll down!
Some responses have been edited for clarity.
- Couple: Jeremiah And Candace Brown
- Occupations: Software Systems Architect | Nurse Project Manager
- Wedding date: December 10, 2022
- Wedding location: Columbia, South Carolina
Quick Facts:
- Groomsmen Gifts: Monogrammed Whiskey Decanter and Glass set. 2. Gold Watch 3. Gold cufflinks
- Bridesmaids Gifts: Makeup, jewelry and personalized trinkets
- Gifts for each other: We had discussed wedding day gifts and decided that we were not going to exchange gifts. Neither of us knew that the other still decided to secretly purchase a gift.
- Bride’s Gift: I surprised her with her dream car, a Mercedes GLE AMG 43 coupe, with the keys presented to her in a box with instructions to scan a QR code that opened a video of me presenting the Benz to her.
- Groom’s Gift: I surprised him with an album from a Boudoir photo shoot that was presented to him while we were getting dressed.
- Bride’s entrance song: This Is Why I Love You (Major)
- First dance song: Love of My Life (Brian McKnight)
Our love story…
I joined the BLK dating app in November 2019 and saw a profile name which was “Candy”. I couldn’t revisit the profiles, so I periodically asked my friends on the app if they were able to navigate to her profile link, especially since she hadn’t replied to my initial message.
Occasionally, her profile was active; at other times, it vanished. I kept wondering ‘Who is she? Where is she? And more importantly, Why hasn’t she swiped right on me?’ Months, including Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day, passed. Then in March news about Covid began making headlines but we both had previously taken a hiatus from the app in December.
Just keep swiping…
On March 12th, Candace reactivated her profile. Coincidentally, I suddenly re-activated my profile that very same night, and early on March 13th, I started swiping. Suddenly, Candy’s profile reappeared.
I jolted upright in bed, wondering who fumbled the bag that led to her being back on the app. Then I moved to my “thinking chair,” and scrutinized her updated pictures, still marveling at her beauty. I held up my phone and said, “Candy, you need to swipe right on me. I am going to change your life. Don’t miss your blessing!”
In the morning a notification pinged his phone. It was a super match with Candace! After reactivating her account the previous night, and checking her matches, she swiped right on me. Later that day, we connected over a call. We then made plans for a date at The Pump House in Rock Hill, SC.
Making it last…
This period during the pandemic was challenging for many relationships, but it became our golden time. Our primary activity was discussing and dissecting TV shows, which turned out to be a unique way to delve deep into each other’s minds and personalities. All of these events aligned us on our journey of friendship, love, and ultimately, marriage.
Sweet surprises…
Popping the question…
Before I officially proposed to Candace, we were already exploring wedding venues because we knew they booked up early. While our intention to get married was an ‘open secret’, I wanted the proposal itself to be a standout surprise, especially since Candace boasted that she would know exactly when I was going to propose.
Collaborating with an event planner and the venue’s coordinator, I arranged a second tour of 1208 Washington Place, pretending that we needed to confirm it was the right choice as our wedding venue. Secretly, I had arranged for the corner of the venue to be decorated with blossoms and candles that lit a path to a decorated arch.
As the venue coordinator led us through the expansive, multi-leveled space, we eventually reached the main floor. There, a photographer stood ready and a speaker began to play our favorite song, “Matrimony”. Seeing the lavish setup, Candace thought, “Someone’s already set up for a special event here.” However, it wasn’t until our song started and the photographer captured her reaction that she recognized it was all for our proposal.
Getting ready…
The planning process…
We relished the experience of selecting vendors, organizing events, and coordinating accommodations for our wedding weekend together. Unlike a lot of grooms, Jeremiah was heavily involved in the planning. Browsing wedding videos on social media for inspiration was also a fun part of our planning process.
Prepping the groom…
The wedding theme…
We were going for classy and elegant, which showed in our style and décor.
The ceremony…
Honoring our heritage…
There are documented examples of people of African descent jumping over a broom in the U.S. starting in the 1800s. Because enslaved Africans generally had no legal right to marry before the Civil War, they saw jumping the broom as a symbolic way to recognize their unions. We chose to follow this African tradition during our wedding as well.
Reception details…
On the dance floor…
Looking back…
Jeremiah: A memorable moment from our wedding was when the song “Spend My Life With You” began playing, signaling my entrance. My brother and dearest friends, all familiar with my journey, grasped the profound significance of that instant for me and why the tears started to flow. It was as if the sheer understanding that I was about to marry the love of my life filled me with an overwhelming surge of happiness before I even saw her coming down the aisle.
Candace: My best memory is when the curtain was pulled back as I was about to walk down the aisle, and I saw Jeremiah standing at the altar. It’s like I got tunnel vision, and I didn’t see anything or anybody else but him. At that moment, nothing else mattered more to me than marrying my man. A close second would be the surprise choreographed dance that Jeremiah and his groomsmen performed for me during the garter removal/toss.
Our advice…
Savor every moment of the journey, from the proposal to the final vows. Embrace each second without stressing or worrying. Protect your energy. The day unfolds so swiftly that if you’re not truly present, you’ll feel that you missed it.
Vendors:
- Planning: Sophisticated Affairs
- Wedding Designer: Couture Events
- Photographer: Ariel Enid Photography
- Videography: Dorn Long Film
- Wedding Dress Designer: Morilee
- Wedding Dress Salon: NY Bride & Groom
- Bride’s & Groom’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
- Bride’s Hairstylist: Cenovie Olivia
- Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie
- Make-Up Artist: Esthetized by Nadia
- Groom| Groomsmen Tux: NY Bride & Groom
- Caterer: Hudson’s Classic Catering
- Wedding Cake: Bonnie Brunt Cakes
- Bartender: Maze Bartending
- DJ: DJ B Sam
- Stationery: LMH Stationery & Designs LLC
- Photo Booth: Photo Bomb SC
- Floor Wrap: Authentic Wraps
- Venue: 1208 Washington Place
There’s something sweet about South Carolina weddings! To see even more…
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