An elegant & sophisticated DIY wedding in North Carolina proves brides can truly do it all!
Crystal Hardy and her hubby, Brandon, weren’t afraid of tackling their wedding plans head-on. Inspired by a theme of elegance, sophistication, and modern touches, Crystal planned their entire wedding herself. From decor to hiring and seeking out the best vendors and choosing a venue, she thought of every detail. She even found her wedding dresses online from Pinterest boards!
Celebrating with family near and far, their wedding day was (in Crystal’s words) “PERFECT from start to finish!” And while it’s stressful planning your own DIY wedding, it’s a process she encourages other brides to consider. Ultimately, no matter how one decides to plan their wedding, she says, “I encourage all brides to do things exactly the way you want them. It is your special day, and it goes by so fast.”
More sweet details on their DIY wedding below!
- Couple: Brandon & Crystal Hardy
- Occupations: Machine Operator & Training Coordinator for Department of Public Safety.
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: March 19, 2022
- Wedding location: IL Bella Gardens Albemarle, NC 28001
- Gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen: The Bridesmaids received proposal bags that included, several gifts. They also received Jewelry Sets for the Wedding.
- Gifts for one another: Crystal gave Brandon a 2nd wedding band with their names engraved on the inside.
- Ceremony entrance song: The One He Kept for me Maurette-Brown Clark
- First dance song: Remarkable Jaheim
The bride…
The groom…
How they met…
Brandon & I met back in 2012. We had seen each other a few times at his sister’s house but only spoke. On Labor Day we were at a cookout and somehow the conversation about having kids came up. I used to have this wild fantasy that I wanted Sextuplets. When I would tell other guys this, they would tell me I was crazy and run away from me. Well Brandon did the exact opposite, he said LET’S GET IT! I thought to myself he’s a keeper but he’s also CRAZY LOL!
So as time went on, we hung out on occasion and as all friendships, we had our ups, downs, ins, and outs. One thing I can say, he was PERSISTENT! We had some trying times during our relationship that was official 12/31/2015. But God’s grace brought us back together every time. In 2020 I became a licensed foster parent and although we weren’t technically together then, I’m pretty sure if it wasn’t for Brandon, I would have lost my mind and ran away. He stepped right in as a foster dad, and we did it for 6 long months. It was fun, hard, easy, difficult, rewarding, exciting, and challenging. It strengthened both of us and our relationship.
The proposal…
We had talked about it a couple of months before. I actually was able to pick out my own ring. So, I was well aware, just didn’t know when. I was super surprised because I did not expect it that particular night. I cried and screamed when he got down on one knee.
The ceremony…
Jumping the broom…
Wedding style & attire…
Our style was Elegant, Modern, & Sophisticated. I allowed the bridesmaids to pick their own style of dress from the designer, Mori Lee. Each dress was a different style, but they all had sequins and was long and flowing in Navy or Coral. The guys chose Navy Michael Kors suits. The groomsmen had suspenders and bowties whereas the groom, father of the bride, & brothers of the bride had vests and neckties. This was to distinguish between the two.
The Junior bride & Flower girls also matched the style of the others in the wedding party with Floor Length Ball Gowns. My Ceremony dress was a Timeless princess ball gown wedding dress with elaborate bodice details in Vanilla Latte with a Nude Illusion. My reception dress was more Dazzling Beaded Embroidery on Tulle Plus Size Mori Lee Bridal Wedding Dress in the Mermaid Style. My shoes matched both gowns perfectly. I wanted something comfortable but also dazzling. I chose the Remi Sandal from the Badgley Mischka Collection. They were perfect!
Wedding shopping experience…
Wedding shopping for me was different verses others. I used Pinterest to find both of my dresses. I found where they were located, tried them on and I knew instantly it was the one. Both of my dresses were discontinued however I was still able to find them. I did have to drive 4 hours to Virginia for my Ceremony dress. Once I got there and tried it on, I immediately fell in LOVE. Of course, I did the usual and try on a few others, but they did not make me feel like the original one. We did the same for my mom, found hers online and then found a local boutique and ordered it.
Cultural elements…
We hired a vocalist to sing the Lord’s Prayer during Communion as well as Total Praise at the end. We also completed the sand ritual to honor both of our families and to bring us together as one. In the AME Zion church it is common to include communion for the Bride & Groom during the ceremony. When my dad passed, I inherited a set of wine glasses and a carafe which we used for the wine.
We also included the African American tradition of jumping the broom. This symbolized leaving behind the past and jumping into the future to secure our Love together and God as our guide.
Best wedding day memory…
So many memories… I had family that traveled from as far North as New York and as far south as Florida. Including all our local family. I had 3 Honorary Bridesmaids who I included as well and that was a very special memorable moment to me. But my best memory was walking down that isle and seeing all my guests, family & my soon-to-be Husband gazing at me.
Since my father passed away 11 years ago, I had my two Big-Brothers to walk me down the aisle. Each walking me separately. Also, I did my music playlist about 6 months before the wedding. This was very special to me as well as my wedding party and even some guests commented how each song was perfect for the moment. I didn’t share any of the songs with anyone prior to wedding rehearsal and when they heard them, they loved them.
Bouquet toss…
Best DIY wedding advice for other engaged couples…
I did a DIY/Pinterest inspired wedding. I knew what vision I wanted and decided not to hire a planner, decorator, or rent elaborate decorations. I had 18 months to plan this special day and it turned out perfect! However, I will advise future brides to delegate and ask for lots of help. I did not get to enjoy the moments before my wedding on that day due to running errands, making sure things were right, and staying busy. I hate I missed special moments with the bridesmaids, family, and friends. However, I encourage all brides to do things exactly the way you want them. It is your special day, and it goes by so fast.
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Vendors:
- Venue: Il Bella Gardens Albemarle, NC
- Day of Coordinator: Rev. Fannie Covington
- Soloist: Mrs. Chyna Goodwin
- Photographer: Kourtnie Cameron with K. Allen
- Videographer: Mitch Hornsby at Pisgah Pictures
- Florist/Designer: Megan Yarboro of Troy Flower & Gift Shop
- Cakes: Cakes by Elizabeth
- Make-Up: Kailey Williams Skin & Make-up with Mary Kay
- DJ: Dj Shaq Diesel
- Brides Attire: Urban Set
- Bridesmaids attire: Carolina Bridal World (Triad)
- Groom & Groomsmen attire: Jim’s Formal Wear
- Honorary Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal
- Flower Girls & Junior Bridesmaid Attire: JJ’s House
I also did my own wedding…made the cake, did the flowers, decorated the church, hosted the breakfast and prepared the dinner the night before! It was so much fun, and so satisfying!