Elegant, Intimate Atlanta Wedding

It all began on Cinco de Mayo. Ashley Scruggs, an attorney, was spending the day with friends for one of their bridal appointments and the ladies stopped for lunch at a local Atlanta restaurant, El Aztec. Meanwhile, Phillip Howard, an educator was heading to the very same restaurant with his friends to celebrate the holiday. While Ashley’s friends hit the dance floor, Ashley sat behind. Phillip, who noticed her before, made his move.

The two kept in touch and Phillip soon invited Ashley over to a Memorial Day cookout. Though the two still hadn’t gotten to know each other enough for Ashley to say yes. Communication dwindled down after this but the flame was still lit. Fast forward almost a year later as Cinco de Mayo neared. Phillip, reminded of Ashley, decided to reach out. The two met for a first date at Strip in Atlantic Station, the very next day after church. Ashley and Phillip talked for hours! Within a month, they began dating which ultimately led to the most beautiful engagement and an equally romantic and fun Fall wedding.

Wedding Date: October 25, 2014
First Dance Song: “Spend My Life With You” by Eric Benét and Tamia
Favorite Item on the Menu: The oven roasted salmon was my favorite!

Tell us all about the proposal!

Phillip snuck into my apartment one evening and set the stage. When I opened the door, I found a path of rose petals and candles lining the foyer and leading to the living room. When I walked in, Phillip was down on one knee with a ring in one hand and a dozen roses in the other.

Wedding Style

My wedding dress was a stunning lace trumpet gown. It had a sweetheart neckline with beautiful crystal beading across the top. The back of the gown had a trail of crystal buttons and the bottom showcased a beautiful lace scallop trim. My favorite wedding accessory was my cathedral veil as it added even more dramatic flair to my look.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts

The ladies were given monogrammed silk robes to wear the morning of the wedding as we prepared. They also received a necklace to wear with their bridesmaid dresses. The groomsmen received an engraved pocket knife.

Culture

Phillip is part of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. His fraternity brothers surrounded us during the reception and sang their traditional “Sweetheart Song.” I’m a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and my sorority sisters also sung our hymn during the reception.

Memories

My favorite memory from the wedding was when Phillip first saw me walking down the aisle and he began to tear up. It was so sweet and pure and really touched my heart.