Elegant Summer Wedding in Columbus, Ohio: Kandice + Eric

After meeting in college and participating in the same choir in between studying, Kandice, a law student, and Eric, an engineer became the best of friends. It wasn’t long before Eric planned a simple, private trip to Mexico where he would propose to Kandice after a meal that specifically included a number of her favorite dishes. The happy couple wed in an elegant ceremony in front of their closest family and friends in Columbus, Ohio.

Wedding Date: August 8, 2015
Wedding Location: Hilton Columbus at Easton in Columbus, Ohio
First Dance Song: “Love Of My Life” by Brian McKnight

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!

We met at our alma mater, Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Eric joined the African American Voices Gospel Choir (AAV) – of which I was a member throughout undergrad – to play the saxophone when he arrived at Ohio State to pursue a doctorate in chemistry. We became the best of friends.

During Christmas of 2014, Eric surprised me with a trip for New Years. Days later, when we arrived at the ticket counter, I learned to my surprise and delight, that we were headed to Playa del Carmen. The trip was amazing. On the last night, he told me we had dinner reservations. The restaurant was clear, with only one table set for two centered. Without ordering, I was served some of my favorite dishes, each the chef beautifully decorated. Eric walked me down memory lane, outlining many of our good times and laughing about all of the not so good times. Next, he was on one knee. Bottles were popped, the ring was flossed, and we danced the night away.

Wedding Style

I went wedding dress shopping with my mom and we had a blast. Making the final decision was difficult because I tried on every style and basically felt amazing in each one. But we landed on a dress that had a little bit of everything that I was looking for and we didn’t break the bank.

Culture

We decided to jump the broom. Recognizing that everyone has not always been afforded the privilege to have their love acknowledged, incorporating this tradition was our way of paying homage to those who have fought for love and are still fighting. Eric’s Aunt decorated a gorgeous broom for us which made it even more special.

Memories

The joyous experience of being surrounded by all of our friends and family meant the world to us. A lot of people truly went out of their way to make sure our day was as special as possible and we felt so blessed. I expected everything to be beautiful and to have an amazing time but our guests filled the room with love and really made the day magical. Also, my daddy killed it on the dance for during our father daughter dance.

Help a bride-to-be out!

Don’t be afraid to break away from tradition and do your own thing. And when tackling the details of day, always keep your big picture goal in mind. We really wanted everyone to have a good time so most of our decisions were tailored to accomplish that goal.

Vendors:

Photography: Comfort Witcher, Comfort Photography
Event Designer: Kathy Rowan Brantley
Wedding Director: Faye Pointer
Wedding Coordinator: Willa Marie Jackson
Wedding Dress Salon: Global Bridal Gallery
Hair: Christine Poindexter
Mother of Bride’s Hair: Laurency Wyatt at Style Outloud
Makeup: Almaz Faces by Yodit
Venue: Hilton Columbus at Easton (Karen Barwick)
Florist: Oberer’s Flowers
Cake: The End Dessert Company
Stationery: Just Paper and Tea
Wedding Center Piece Art Work: Brittany Dunlap
Photo Booth: Picture Perfect Photobooths LLC
DJ: Adonis Brooks
Master of Ceremony: Krandall James Brantley