Michael and Melissa's Jewel Toned Ballroom Wedding Featured a Vintage Cadillac & Their Very Own Caricature Artist

Melissa and Michael’s southern ballroom wedding was the perfect intimate soiree with gemstone-inspired florals, tons of romance, and a fun custom portrait of the two created by their very own wedding caricature artist.

I didn’t even suspect anything the day of the proposal when I witnessed another young lady being proposed to in front of the estate.
– Melissa

The future bride and groom started their journey to “I do” with Michael’s surprise proposal at America’s largest private estate, The Biltmore, in North Carolina. After touring the historic grounds, Michael popped the question (along with surprising his new fiancée with a hidden photographer) who captured the special moment. For Melissa, it was also a double celebration since it was her birthday weekend, which ended with her saying yes to her future husband-to-be.

With the bride wearing a gorgeous Maggie Sottero gown and the bridesmaids echoing the jewel-toned inspiration with their dresses, the couple’s wedding style brought along their sense of fun energy and love in every detail.

More details from their ballroom wedding are waiting below!

Couple: Melissa Gunter and Michael James
Occupations: Talent Acquisition Consultant | Business System Analyst
Wedding date: November 4, 2023
Wedding location: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Quick Facts:

Bridesmaid’s gifts: I gave my bridesmaid floral robes.
Gifts for one another: We didn’t exchange gifts on our wedding day because we shower each other with our love and presents, all the time.
Ceremony entrance song: “Because You Loved Me” Instrumental by Celine Dion
First dance song: “So High” by John Legend

How did you meet?

We met at a New Year’s Eve Party in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Vibrant jewel-toned colors and fun entertainment (including a caricaturist) made this ballroom wedding in South Carolina one of a kind.

Tell us about the proposal.

Our engagement story took place at one of the most beautiful, picturesque, iconic settings for a surprise proposal: the Biltmore Estates, in Asheville, NC.

During our visit, the Biltmore still had the beautiful Christmas light setup inside and outside the house. Michael planned a trip to the Biltmore for my birthday weekend. I didn’t think much of it. A part of me wondered, but the logical side of me knew it wasn’t happening. I didn’t even suspect anything the day of when I witnessed another young lady being proposed to in front of the estate. We spent the early afternoon exploring the house along with the winery, and Antler Hill Village.

When the night had come, as we started walking, we found a couple who was down for a photo-taking exchange; we took theirs and they took ours. Once we had our photo taken, Michael grabbed my hand knelt down, and asked me to marry him. I said “Yes!” in between tears of joy as the couple cheered us on.

Michael had hired a photographer to capture the whole thing, so I can never forget that special moment. I could not believe he was able to keep this huge secret from me for so long and pull off this amazing surprise.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?

When I went shopping, I only went to 3 boutiques and one store. But the one boutique Simply Blush Bridal that I did go to, was so easy to work with and made me feel amazing during my shopping experience. I was so nervous about trying on dresses and they were really patient and made the whole experience wonderful! I actually purchased my wedding dress from them!

The dress reveal…

Wedding style…

Our wedding style was jewel-toned and incorporated rich, vibrant, colors that resembled precious gemstones paired with gold accents, and lush floral arrangements creating a romantic atmosphere. My wedding dress was a Maggie Sottero fit and flare with a
sweetheart plunge neckline, with glitter 3D floral tulle.

My bridesmaids were gorgeous in their bridesmaid dresses; each wore a different jewel-toned color and a different style of dress.

Michael wore a custom tuxedo in navy midnight blue with a black shawl lapel and a black bow tie. Our groomsmen wore custom tuxedos in navy midnight blue with a black shawl lapel and an amethyst purple paisley bow tie.

The ceremony…

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?

No, but Melissa did incorporate something old, something borrowed, and something blue. Melissa’s something blue was her pale blue garter. Our something borrowed was family photos of our deceased family members (Michael’s Parents & Melissa’s Grandparents, and Melissa’s Godfather). Finally, our something old was our classic getaway car: a 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood 60.