Khrystina and Ray’s luxury golf resort wedding on Lake Norman featured bright pastels, vibrant florals, and regal dining room reception decor.
Fate brought the couple together through their shared passion for volunteering when they first laid eyes on each other in Charlotte at a back-to-school supply drive hosted by an NPHC Greek organization to raise necessities for the upcoming school year. An instant connection blossomed between them.
When the timing was right, Ray surprised his future wife with a surprise proposal disguised as a photo shoot. In front of their closest family and friends, she happily accepted!
The elegant but chic sophistication of their wedding day came together beautifully beneath sunny, summer skies, and was bursting with love and romance. Highlights of the day included an African American cellist, a champagne wall hand-made by the groom himself, and a romantic, moonlit confetti send-off down the dock to a yacht where the couple spent the rest of their wedding night sailing across Lake Norman.
Keep scrolling for more details on Khrystina and Ray’s wedding day.
- Couple: Dr. Khrystina Morrison Jacobs & Ray Jacobs, II
- Occupations: The bride is a Physical Therapist, DPT; The groom is an accountant.
- Wedding date: August 5, 2023
- Wedding location: Lake Norman, Charlotte/Mooresville, NC – T. National Golf Club Resort
Quick Facts:
- Bridesmaids gifts: personalized tote bags, compact mirrors, jewelry boxes, robes & their bridal jewelry.
- Groomsmen gifts: personalized cigar and whiskey tray & their custom monogrammed dress shirt (for their suit).
- Ceremony entrance song: Ray – “The Only One for Me” by Brian McKnight; Khrystina – “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R.
- Ceremony exit song: “We Are One”, by Frankie Beverly & Maze
- Reception Entrance: “Ape Sh*t” by Beyonce & Jay-Z
- First dance song: “Giving You the Best That I Got”, by Anita Baker.
- Our wow factor: The ceremony took place outside on the course overlooking Lake Norman. Our send-off included a moonlit, confetti walk down the dock to our yacht where we spent the rest of the wedding night sailing the lake.
Tell us about the proposal:
Ray originally had custom matching suits made in the Fall of 2021 by his tailor at Ole Mason Jar. So, he planned a photo shoot to debut the suits. In March of 2022, the shoot day had finally arrived where we captured snapshots around uptown and the last stop was at the rooftop of the AC Hotel – Nuvolé 22.
As I was overlooking the skyline, close family and friends crept up behind us to take their places. As Ray reached for my arm to turn me around, he was down on one knee with the box opened, declaring his love to me with our special crowd there to witness the moment and cheer us on.
Describe your wedding attire:
The bride chooses a sophisticated Mikado mermaid-style dress with a sweetheart neckline and flirty layered skirt. It also featured floating mikado puff sleeves to add variety for a wardrobe change from Winnie Couture (Bridal Atelier).
The groom…
The groom chose a stylish custom one-of-one, 3-piece suit, with fabric made entirely of pure bamboo in Italy for a light, breathable, and luxurious look and feel – curated for the warmer season while also being environmentally friendly. “I wanted to be different, and this was the winner,” Ray Jacobs, II.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
The shopping and planning experience was not as stressful as I expected. Thankfully, a few trusted friends and associates helped tremendously with suggested credible vendors, honest feedback, and advice. The hardest task to juggle was organization and staying on top of daily checklists. The sooner it is completed, the more your mind can be at ease.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Yes! We hired a majority all black vendors from our personal cellist performer/friend down to the cake designer & hand-made champagne wall by the groom himself.
The reception…
What is your best memory from your wedding?
My best memory is being at the beginning of the aisle with my father, seeing the beautiful décor and entire crowd of family/friends/bridal party and my groom, standing in attendance and knowing that all this hard work has paid off! My 2nd favorite memory is cutting the cake!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
- Control the controllable. Each day is a new day to start fresh, gain new understanding & check off your to-do list.
- Eliminate excess paper stationery (programs, menus, placards, etc) & trinkets that aren’t necessary to save money. Most detailed information is on your wedding website such as lists & miscellaneous details.
- Do exactly what you want that is friendly to your budget – so there are no regrets.
- Wedding gifts/monetary funds – utilize what’s best for the couple: downpayment for a home, honeymoon trip, extend the trip to 1st anniversary… make it your own journey!
- We opted for a faux cake bottom design & sheet cake for our guests. Our topper (of 3 layers) that we cut was edible & is freezing for our 1st anniversary. Staff members were able to distribute out in a timely manner.
Looking for more inspiration like this wedding on Lake Norman?
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Vendors:
- Event Planner/stationary: Lisa Duncan
- Florals: April Barnette
- Floor design: Epic Event Rentals
- Wedding Dress: Winnie Couture Bridal Atelier
- Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo
- Groom’s suit: Ole Mason Jar
- Groom’s shoes: Christian Louboutin
- Groomsmen suits: Ole Mason Jar
- Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal
- Yacht: Sun-Daze Boat Charters of LKN
- Cake/Macarons: Sharon Strickland The Cake Florist
- Cellist: Harvey Hall
- Photography: Paris Love Photography
- Videography: Paris Love & CLT Weddings Virtual Tour Guide
- DJ/EMCee: Soulful Sounds
- Makeup: Christian Cameron of BeyondBronzedBeauty Cosmetics
- Hair: Hair Passion Studio
- Barber: Melo Haynes
- Draping/seat coverings: Simply Unique Designs- Myrtle
- Officiant: David Lorick
- Save The Dates: XOXOKristen
- Invitations: World of Wedding Co.
- Battle of The {NC/SC} Border Grab bags: The Bride
- Champagne Wall: Groom Ray Jacobs
- Venue: Lake Norman & Trump Golf Charlotte
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