Charita and Joshua first met at church during a Young Adult Ministry meeting. Joshua was immediately drawn to Charita who initially did not share the same feelings. But through his sweet and romantic perseverance, Joshua eventually won a first date with Charita followed shortly by her heart when she realized that they shared the same relationship sentiments – demonstrating his commitment and respect for her. And on the 24th of June, in an intimate church setting, Charita and Joshua became husband and wife before loving family and friends.
Read all about Charita & Joshua’s love story in their intimate church wedding in North Carolina – beautifully captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member, Artije Photography. View the entire vendor list below.
Bride & Groom: Charita & Joshua
Occupations: Physician Assistant & Commodity Manager
Wedding date: June 24, 2017
Wedding location: Durham, NC
Tell us how you met. Her version: We met at church. One of my friends and classmates at the time had invited me to their initial Young Adult Ministry meeting. At the time I had visited the church but was still looking for a new church home. Joshua also attended the meeting that night, as he was a member there, and we spoke to each other but that was it. After that I continued going to the church became actively involved with the young adults as did Joshua. I eventually realized that he liked me because he would contact me frequently about random things but I wasn’t interested in him because he didn’t fit my “ideal picture” of the man I was supposed to marry. On June 23, 2015 Joshua sent me a text stating that he was interested in me and I kindly declined but he continued to pursue me by recruiting my friends for help. After some convincing from my friends, I finally decided to go out with him in August of 2015 but I still wasn’t for certain. For a couple of years, I had been praying that my future husband would agree not to kiss until the wedding day, no sex before marriage and no living together before marriage. On our first date I mentioned this and Joshua didn’t seem to be on board about the kissing part. But on the second date out of nowhere he told me that he wanted to do all three things and at that moment I knew he was the one….so from that moment on our journey began.
His version: We met at the first Young Adults Ministry meeting at Baptist Grove in February. I came in late that day, saw Charita and thought she was attractive. Fast forward to April, our church had revival and six of us ended up going out to eat at Chili’s that night. Charita sat across from me and we had great conversation. After that, I knew I wanted to get to know her more. Throughout the months I leveraged our mutual friends to help me in my pursuit. I eventually got Charita’s number, that’s another story in itself, and began texting her. I found out when she had tests and wished her luck, asked about how they went and began to pray for her. Fast forward to June 23rd, 2015, I sent Charita a nice text message saying that I was interested in her. She kindly declined. The Young Adults went to Carowinds that following Saturday, the last Saturday in June, and I met her best friend Shawnetta. I began to leverage her as well and the first weekend in August I was able to take Charita on our first date. We’ve talked every day since.
What was wedding shopping like for you? Wedding dress shopping for me was great! I took my godmom, one of my best friends, my mother-in-law and my now husband’s grandmother with me. I made appointments for 2 stores and ended up finding my dress at the first one. When I went in I was looking for a ball gown with a lot of beading but the dress I chose caught my eye because of the sparkle and I decided to give it a try. It was the 5th dress I tried on and as soon as I came out and saw myself in the mirror I knew it was the one. I made signs for each of them that said “yes”, “no” and “maybe” and of course that dress got 4 “yeses!” Even though I found the dress at the first store I couldn’t settle on it at first so I went to the second appointment anyway but nothing compared to that dress I chose so I went back and got it. The day was one that I will never forget. My wedding dress was a fit and flare lace dress that had a sweetheart neckline and buttons in the back and underneath the lace was an entire layer of sequins.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? In our wedding we incorporated the African tradition of jumping the broom.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids each received a monogrammed canvas tote bag. Inside the bag was a wooden hanger engraved with their first name, a blue kimono robe, a necklace and earring set and a pair of cinderollies.
Each groomsman received two pair of socks and either a money clip, cuff links or drinking mug with their initials and/or favorite sports team.
Favorite item on the menu: Salmon
First dance song: We did a medley of songs and dance styles for our first dance. We started with a traditional slow dance to “Love” by Musiq Soulchild, then we did a ballroom dance to “We Must Be In Love” by Soul For Real, next was Chicago Stepping to “Best In Me” by Anthony Hamilton and we ended with a Hip Hop 90’s themed dance to “Where The Party At” by Jagged Edge.
What is your best memory from your wedding? Bride: My best memory from the wedding was our first kiss. I was really anticipating that moment since it would have been our first kiss ever and it was absolutely wonderful. The joy in knowing that we had kept our promise to each other and that we were able to share that special moment for the first time with everyone in the background cheering us on was so exciting, especially since for the most part none of them knew that it was our first kiss ever.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? The best wedding advice we could give to a couple is to remember the day is about the two of you so do what makes you happy and stay within your budget. The wedding is a day but the marriage is a lifetime so don’t forget in the engagement phase to prepare for the marriage.
Vendors:
Wedding Dress Designer: Justin Alexander
Wedding Dress Salon: Maggi Bridal
Wedding Reception Dress Designer: Maggie Soterro
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Dessy
Bridesmaid’s Dress Salon & Bridal Dress Alterations: Bridal Boutique of NC
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: JoS. A. Banks
Hair: Sweet Curls (LaMonica McDuffie)
Hair Laid by Britt (Brittany McDuffie)
Makeup: Makeup by Aline Franco
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Ceremony Location: First Calvary Baptist Church Durham, NC
Reception Location: NOAHS Event Venue – Morrisville, NC
Photography: Artije Photography
Videography: One Love Productions, LLC
Florist & Event Designer: Amazing Floral Events
Cake: Wildflour Baking Company
Stationery: Privmadia Creations Wedding Party
Transportation: A Formal Affair
Bride & Groom Send Off Transportation: White Glove Transportation
Caterer: Chinelo’s Catering Service, LLC
Accommodations: Hyatt House RDU
Photo Booth: Forget Me Not Photo Booth
DJ: A Hearlobe Experience
Wedding Day Coordinator: Mrs. Gail Aiken
Leave a Reply