Karmen and Justin’s classy black-tie wedding at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee boasted timeless romance, featuring lush white florals, elegant decor, and soft gold details!
Karmen and Justin first met while they were away at medical school. After becoming study partners, they quickly became good friends. On Justin’s 25th birthday, they went on their first date and have been together ever since.
Knowing that Karmen didn’t want an over-the-top proposal, Justin planned the perfect intimate proposal on Christmas day.
He took me outside and gave me a gift and it was my engagement ring! He expressed how much he loved and cared for me with the sweetest words… He then asked if I would marry him, and I said YES!… It was a perfect Christmas!
– Karmen
Karmen and Justin wanted their special day to be nothing short of classic elegance and their vendor team absolutely nailed it! For Karmen, the entire day was a memory she will cherish forever: “From the introductions to the last dance, everyone had a blast!… We still have people saying it was the best wedding they’ve ever experienced!”
Read more about their love story and see the beautiful details below!
- Couple: Karmen & Justin
- Occupations: OB/GYN | Vascular Surgeon
- Wedding date: October 1, 2022
- Wedding location: The Peabody, Memphis, TN
Quick Facts
- Gifts for Bridesmaids: Wedding day makeup, earrings, personalized jewelry box, personalized robe, slippers, and Personalized tote bag.
- For Groomsmen: Personalized toiletry bag and a bottle of champagne
- For one another: Bride received a Balmain handbag and Groom received an Omega watch.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Anything for You” by Ledisi and PJ Morton
- First dance song: “Superstar” by Usher
How did you meet?
Justin and I met in medical school. We are both originally from Memphis where everyone knows everyone (our families know each other!), but our paths didn’t cross until we were in school. It was our first year and Justin asked me to study with him through a Facebook message and we quickly became friends. Our first date was on his 25th birthday and we’ve pretty much been together since then.
Tell us about the proposal.
The proposal was intimate and sweet. Justin knew I didn’t want an over-the-top event and he delivered. He proposed on Christmas Day, which I wasn’t expecting. He took me outside and gave me a gift and it was my engagement ring! Then, he expressed how much he loved and cared for me with the sweetest words. At this point, I was shaking from excitement. He then asked if I would marry him, and I said YES! Afterward, we went back inside to let everyone know about the exciting news! It was a perfect Christmas!
Wedding style:
I would describe our wedding as classic elegance. I wanted a soft, floral garden that oozed timeless romance. The attire for the event was black tie. I wore a lace beaded fit and flare gown by Martina Liana and had a floral veil to compliment my dress. I decided on a classic bridal updo with the addition of pearl accents to add a soft and romantic feel.
Justin went with a timeless look. He wore a custom tuxedo; a white jacket with black lapels and black pants. My bridesmaids wore a navy fitted gown with a split for a touch of sexiness. The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos with suspenders keeping with our theme of tradition and elegance.
How was your wedding shopping experience?
The wedding dress-shopping experience was so much fun! Finding the perfect dress was such a joyful experience. Going from boutique to boutique, and trying on different dresses, filled me with excitement. I initially wanted a ball gown but was encouraged to show off my curves with a fitted dress. I knew my husband would appreciate this. I’m glad I decided on the fit and flare, which gave me a timeless look!
What is your best memory from your wedding day?
The entire day was a memory that I will forever cherish. Every time I think about our wedding day, I smile because it was truly my vision come true. The best memories were walking down the aisle to my husband. I smiled during the entire ceremony. I was truly filled with joy standing next to my husband. The reception was “A Movie!”. From introductions to the last dance, everyone had a blast! I truly wanted this day to be about us, but it was also for our friends and family. We still have people saying it was the best wedding they’ve ever experienced!
What is the best advice you can give to engaged couples?
Enjoy the engaged season! Don’t get so caught up in planning that you forget to just enjoy the journey. When it is time for planning, vet your vendors. Ask all the questions and find out if they will meet your needs. It is your day, and you want to have the right people by your side to make sure it is perfect.
Looking for more classic weddings like this one at The Peabody Memphis?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Historic Peabody Memphis
- Photography: JAO Photography
- Videography: Unleashed Vizuals
- Designer/Florist: Curry & Co Events
- Wedding Coordinator: Purple Door Planning
- Catering: The Peabody
- Wedding Cake and Groom’s Cake: The Peabody
- Wedding Dress: Martina Liana
- Wedding Dress Boutique: Maggie Louise: Bespoke Experience Bridal Boutique
- Bridal Hair: D. Rachelle
- Bridesmaids’ Makeup: Color by Cas’mere
- Bridal Shoes: Loeffler Randall
- Stationery: White Ink Calligraphy
- DJ: DJ Bluboi
- Saxophonist: Cameron Ross Music
- Photobooth: Selfie Memphis
- Linens, Specialty Chairs, and Furniture Rentals: White Door Events
- Aisle Runner: The Original Runner Company
- Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Galina Signature at David’s Bridal
- Groomsmen Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Leave a Reply