Scoobie West & Company exquisitely created this modern, ballroom wedding experience inside The Hotel Avalon that celebrated a blending of two families and the couple’s black greek letter organizations during the couple’s three-day wedding event.
After meeting each other at North Carolina A&T State University, Mandell and Kimberly quickly became close friends. Love blossomed from there. Later on, Kimberly got the surprise of a lifetime while visiting Puerta Vallarta with friends when Mandell popped out a gorgeous engagement ring right in the middle of the pool! After being stunned by the proposal and then seeing the ring appear from underwater, Kimberly gave Mandell her stunned but happy approval with a YES!
From designer wedding looks created by Badgley Mischka and Bespokuture to the sweetest serenades during the reception, this modern ballroom wedding in Georgia had the best personal and memorable touches including a fantastic groom’s cake as a fun nod to Mandell’s fraternity! Their magical day was beautifully captured by Janet Howard Studio and filmed by Love in Motion.
To get more of the sweet tea about Kimberly and Mandell’s incredible proposal story and their modern ballroom wedding day, be sure to scroll through the gallery below!
- Couple: Kimberly Jackson (formerly Wright) and Mandell Jackson
- Occupations: Southeast Executive Vice President for the American Cancer Society | Health Equity GM and Vice President for Quest Diagnostics
- Wedding date: June 17, 2022
- Wedding location: The Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, GA
Quick Facts:
- Bridesmaids Gifts: Personalized robes and t-shirts, gourmet candy and personalized hangers for their dresses.
- Groomsmen Gifts: Bottles of Claze Azul Tequila, and cases of Leaf Cigars
- Gifts for one another: Kimberly gave Mandell two round of golf and a stay at Pebble Beach Golf Course. Mandell gave Kim a Louis Vuitton Boetie Zipped Monogram MM
- Ceremony entrance song: “You’ve Got A Way With Me” by Shania Twain
- First dance song: “He Heals Me” by India Arie
- Giving back: It was important for us to procure women and minority owned businesses.
How we met…
During Homecoming at our alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University, in Greensboro, NC. We happened to be walking into a day-party at the same time. He asked me to dance, we became close friends immediately and it blossomed from there.
Our proposal story…
We were on a trip to Puerta Vallarta with two other couples. At some point while hanging out in the pool Kimberly decided it was time for a drink refill for the group. After we all waded up to the bar in the center of the pool we proceeded with our traditional toast. Mandell decided to take the lead on the toast and in the middle of it casually asked Kimberly to marry him. It did not quite register with Kimberly until Mandell reached into his swimming trunks pocket underwater (yes, underwater) and pulled out the ring box. To say Kimberly was shocked was an understatement. She still often thinks “Who pulls a gorgeous engagement ring out of the swimming trunks while standing up in a pool with water to their waist?!”
Wedding style and shopping experience..
- Kimberly: It was a wonderful and magical experience. My daughter and stepdaughters we part of the process and enjoyed every minute. Having them there was priceless.
- Mandell: I knew for a very long time that Omar Kennibrew, owner of OSK styles, would custom craft my groomsmen and groom’s lady. He has been my primary custom clothier for years.
Celebrating black excellence…
We are both members of black Greek-lettered organizations. Kimberly is 32-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and Mandell is a 36-year member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. We incorporated the singing of our hymns and the members of Kappa Alpha Psi including the sweetheart song. It was a glorious sound to hear the black magic and excellence in the ballroom.
Our memories…
The entire three-day affair was incredible. To bring 250 of our closest friends and family together including Mandell’s 99-year-old grandmother after the worst of the COVID-19 was miraculous and a blessing. Kimberly’s favorite memory was a surprise video featuring her lovely new stepdaughters followed by a special song performed by Mandell accompanied by Grammy award nominated pianist, John Burk. There was not a dry eye in the room.
Before you say I’Do…
Plan your wedding in a manner that allows you to unplug and take in every moment. Hire people to manage and take care of the things that require the greatest focus and attention.
Vendors
- Wedding Planner: Scoobie West & Company
- Make up and bridal styling: Kristen White
- Hair: Crystal Gresham Giles
- Custom Tuxedos: Bespokuture
- Flowers: Flowers by Yona
- Photographer: Janet Howard Studio
- Videographer: Love in Motion
Looking for even more modern ballroom wedding inspiration for your upcoming ceremony?
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