It almost seemed as though Stephanie and Michael weren’t meant to be together. They’d met during Stephanie’s summer internship where their mutual friend was a permanent employee. “He joined our group of friends for lunch and sparks flew. He was really tall and really handsome and I just knew he was going to get me into trouble! Michael still remembers that day in astonishing detail – right down to the way my hair was styled and the white slacks I wore,” Stephanie shares. They spent a few months together before she had to return to school at Hampton in the fall. The couple continued their relationship while Stephanie was away at school but the distance was too much to endure.
After graduating, she returned to Memphis where Michael had been waiting for her. “Throughout the years Michael would call my mom’s house to see how I was doing. My mom has had the same phone number for over 40 years. He made sure my mom told me that “Michael Taylor” had called. He remembers spotting me in that white Celica–the car I got the summer we met–driving down various streets in the city,” she says. She was rarely home to receive his calls but one afternoon she happened to be home when he phoned again. Stephanie comforted him as he spoke about the passing of his dear aunt and they formed an unbreakable bond. But it still wasn’t their time.
Eight years had passed when they ran into each other at Macy’s and had the opportunity to briefly catch up. “I was certain our time had passed. I was just living my life until one day in April of 2008, I was sitting in my office and I got a call from him. Weeks earlier Pat had secretly gotten my office number and given it to Michael. Sparks flew again and the rest is Taylor-made history!” Stephanie shares.
The couple sealed their relationship with a gorgeous blush and gold wedding in Memphis. The ballroom at the Cadre Building in Memphis sparkled as reception tables were clothed in gold sequin linens. Ivory florals danced softly atop matte gold vases while similar arrangements nestled sweetly in glass candelabras. It was an elegant affair for two lovers truly united by fate. Take a look at their beautiful wedding designed by Coterie member Studio 1524 Floral & Event Design and photographed by Elizabeth Hoard Photography.
Quick Facts
Favorite item(s) on the wedding menu: Wedding Cake! And herb crusted pork tenderloin with Mustard sauce
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids received monogrammed robes, jewelry, makeup service and personalized hangers.
First dance song: “Love Ballad” by LTD
Bride: Stephanie Brisco
Groom: Michael Taylor
Wedding date: 07/26/2015
Wedding location: The Cadre Building – Memphis, TN
Tell us all about the proposal!
It was May 10th, 2014, a day before my birthday. We had taken Little Trouble to his soccer game. My mom and dad were there. Now my parents are great friends, but they were awfully chatty and smiley that morning. I was photographing my mini Lionel Messi and turned around to ask what they were talking about. “Fishing” they both said in unison. (Suspicious Act #1) We leave the soccer game and I go shopping with my sister Audrey. While I am out, Michael calls and says we have dinner reservations at 9:30 at the Capital Grille. I’m a little annoyed because I knew nothing of this, its 5 p.m. and I “hadn’t a thing to wear”. I rush to find something and I tell my mom how I guess I should find something nice to which she responds, “Yeah, you probably should.” instead of her usual “You have a thousand things to wear,” etc. (Suspicious Act #2) I talk to Mike’s mom on my way home and she says “I hear you’re going to dinner tonight at the Capital Grille” and she is practically singing our whole conversation. (Suspicious Act #3) We start getting ready and Michael is dressed and waiting on the couch a whole 30 minutes before me! If you know him, you know that he will capitalize on every second to perfect his look and there are at least 10 minutes of mirror admiration prior to any departure. But he was waiting! I was thinking to myself , “He must be really hungry…” (Suspicious Act #4). The proposal occurred at exactly 12 a.m. on May 11 – my birthday and Mother’s Day. It was perfect and sweet and thoughtful and just between the two of us. Michael had been planning this for some time – picking out a few different rings, getting the momma approvals, and even asking my dad for my hand. I called my mom and cried, “Momma, I’m getting married!” And she said, “Yes, yes I know!”
How would you describe your shopping experience and your dress style?
Wedding dress shopping was a fairy tale! My best friend and matron of honor, LeKecia Glover surprised me with car service to travel to Brinkley, AR to Low’s Bridal and Formal Shoppe with my mom and my brother’s girlfriend. I had carefully selected my top 3 dresses and brought the images and information with me in my wedding notebook. We pulled those gowns and tried on a few extras but when I tried on the dress I would ultimately choose there was a collective “Awwww, That’s it!!!” Ironically, it was the my first choice and I purposely tried it on last. We ended the afternoon with a fantastic lunch. I wanted simple, elegance for my wedding dress – no embellishments of any kind. I wanted the love and happiness of this wonderful time in my life to be my best accessory.
What are your best memories of your wedding day?
My best memories from our wedding was our first look and our reception! The first look was so intimate and special. We were able to take in all of the emotion of the day together and alone. I was very glad because Michael is very private and the emotion of the moment is something we will always cherish. Our reception was so much fun! We had a large dance floor but our guests were so excited that they created another dance floor on the landing! It was really rocking in there and we really wanted our guests to have a great time!
What advice would you give to our brides-to-be?
Make your day reflect the love you share and the tremendous blessing that marriage is. Decide to let go of the minutia long before the day arrives and I assure you that your wedding day will be perfect no matter what happens!
Congrats to the lovely couple! We loved your elegant blush and gold wedding.
Vendors
Event Design and Florals – Studio 1524 Events and Floral Design
Catering – Delectables Catering and Company
Photography – Elizabeth Hoard Photography
Wedding Dress Salon – Lows Bridal and Formal Shoppe
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
Cake – Julie Joffre, Cakes for All Occasions
Wedding Dress Designer – Mori Lee
Bridesmaids Dresses – Designer: Angelina Faccenda, Salon: Ballew Bridal
Hair – Stephanie Taylor Thomas, Owner -Take One Salon
Make-Up – Marci Clark
Shoes – Badgley Mischka
Ceremony and Reception Location – The Cadre Building
Wedding Stationery Design – Pompcreative
The pictures just don’t do the wedding justice. The beauty of the shimmering gold and subdued blush hues were only outshines by the glow of the love between Stephanie and Mike on that evening. So glad I could be s part of you guys special day!!!
where are you bridesmaid dresses from and what color? they are stunning… just as your entire wedding :)
Hi. Thank you! They are by Angelina Faccenda for Mori Lee – style# 20435 in blush. You can order them from any bridal boutique that carries this designer.