Sonia and Emilio should have met long before their first date.
We met through a mutual friend. We were both excited about starting new chapters in our lives and just focusing on self improvement. However, we were not expecting to find the love of our lives; I was definitely not planning to fall in love with a Duke fan, (Go TarHeels!) God had plans that ultimately brought us together when we least expected it. While talking we realized our paths should have crossed so many times before; we are both from small towns in Eastern NC, he went to college with my sister, they have mutual friends and we both lived in the same areas at different points in our lives.
The passing ships eventually collided and fell in love. The beautiful couple officiated their love in their home state with a lavish ceremony we couldn’t wait to share.
Coterie member Nouveau Events planned this magnificent gold and floral wedding. The romantic affair was covered in an array of blooms, giving the wedding an air of elegance. Gold accents boasted luxury throughout the space. The reception tables were draped in muted gold table coverings while gold vases filled with berry colored flowers were placed along the aisle.
Take a look at this stunning Raleigh wedding photographed by Coterie member Dajuan of In His Image Photography.
Bride: Sonia Morgan
Groom: Emilio Waters
Wedding Location: City Club – Raleigh, NC
Wedding Date: 04/25/2015
Quick Facts
First Dance Song: You & I – John Legend
Favorite Item on the Menu: Boneless braised short ribs and cake
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: Vince Camuto shoes and wedding jewelry for bridesmaids and whiskey decanters for the groomsmen.
Tell us all about the proposal:
A week before we were scheduled to take a mini vacation to Asheville/Biltmore, (that Emilio secretly planned and he’s definitely not a planner, that should have been the 1st clue), Emilio gave me a fortune cookie that read, ‘Be prepared to receive something special within the week (2nd clue).’ Little did I know, this was the start of the proposal. We arrived in Asheville and Emilio was acting very nervous the entire time and insisted on keeping this small bag with him at all times(3rd clue). The highlight of the trip was when I turned around to find Emilio down on one knee.
How was your dress shopping experience?
Wedding dress shopping was an experience! I went to 9 bridal stores in 3 states during my search for the perfect glamorous dress that still made me feel like a bride. My dress was a trumpet style with a sweetheart neckline and a beaded bodice. It was totally not what I was expecting to buy but I loved it.
What are your favorite memories from your wedding?
My best memories are walking down the aisle to see my husband, having our 1st prayer after our vows, and the 1st look with my Dad.
What advice would you give our brides-to-be?
Keep your focus on what’s most important which is marrying your best friend and life long partner. Don’t stress about having a perfect day because unexpected things can happen. We had a fire alarm and had to evacuate down 28 flights of stairs during the start of our reception but the only thing we cared about when we got to the bottom of the stairs was that we were married and together. At the end of the day nothing will matter except that you are husband and wife.
Vendors
Photography – In His Image
Wedding Planner – Nouveau Events
Florist – Fresh Affairs
Cake – Ashley Cakes
Stationery – Three Little Birds
Videography – Bluebox Weddings
Wedding dress designer – Justin Alexander
Bridesmaids dresses – Alvina Valenta
Hair – Tracy Riggs
Makeup – Sharon Davis
Shoes – Badgley Mischka, Nordstrom
Venue – City Club
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