There were double the celebrations on the Dawkins’ wedding day with guests toasting the couple and a new baby on the way in their surprise wedding reveal!
After meeting on Instagram, Everett and Beatrice’s relationship went from strength to strength as the couple traveled to see each other by traveling back and forth from DC to NY. Navigating long-distance dating and realizing he had met his one and only, Everett surprised Beatrice by popping the question during a brunch celebration for another family member which turned out to be their own proposal day!
The Fleet’s outdoor ceremony was a beautiful sun-filled celebration that had hints of spring with gorgeous florals and a magnificent glass observatory at Edinburgh West in South Carolina. Working with Smithalee Photography, the couple’s snapshots joyfully captured the festive mood of their wedding (especially since there was an added surprise with their baby wedding reveal that made their day unforgettable in every way!).
Scroll down to view more pics from the couple’s stunning day!
- Couple: Beatrice & Everett
- Wedding date: March 4, 2023
- Wedding location: Taylors, South Carolina
How we met…
It’s interesting because we both attended Florida State at the same time and had mutual friends but never ran into each other. We ended up speaking through DM’s and set up our first date in the city. The date was literally perfect. So perfect that we found ourselves on a few more before Everett relocated to Tampa to play for another team.
At that moment, we decided to slow down as I wanted to explore the city more and he was getting settled into a new space in his career. But we never stopped communicating and whenever I would visit my mom in Tampa we would catch up.
Fast forward to 2017; he moved back up north. The flame rekindled and after a few monthly flights back and forth from NYC to DC…… the rest is history!
What makes us, us!
Bea: As a Capricorn, you know I love structure, planning and knowing what’s next. Everett is the epitome of a risk taker being a Gemini. He inspired me to open my own online boutique after being successful in the industry for other businesses. Two years later, Haus of Belle boutique is still going strong. I will forever be appreciative of him for pushing me to believe in myself and assisting me with making it happen.
We also loveeeeeeee Viking aged/Renaissance period movies. From Game of Thrones to Vikings, to the Last Kingdom. Finding someone who liked these shows as much as I do was one of the first indicators that he was my person (After years of people looking at me sideways, lol).
Everett: We deeply love each other. Our special connection is something that everyone notices and brings to our attention no matter where we go. When two people find genuine love and decide to be with each other, it can be a beautiful thing.
We are very similar when it comes to a lot of things, like loving old-school jams and vinyl. At the top of our playlist is Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Etta James, The Temptations… the list goes on. Being alike helps us understand each other better. We’re the perfect match.
When you know, you know…
Bea: I felt it on the first date after talking about our upbringing and family values. It felt like…. two people from the South in the big apple finding home in each other.
Everett: With Bea and I, the energy was there from day one. When we first met, distance was an issue but once we got back close enough to each other it was like we never skipped a beat. When I moved to DC and she traveled down from New York, it let me know she was serious about us being together so after a couple of months, I asked her to be my girl. I couldn’t see myself without her.
Our proposal story…
Bea: I thought that we were going to the wedding brunch of our favorite cousins who were getting married the next month. We drove from Greenville to Atlanta as we were going to have it at our other cousin’s restaurant “Blaqhaus.”
When we arrived, we were greeted at the door with one of my favorite songs playing that Everett had been playing all week. At the time I thought nothing of it because of course we both love the song. Then Everett was handed a mic, and started thanking everyone for being there. As we come around the corner I see both of our families gathered around. I spot my oldest sister who loves the comfort of her home more than anything lol. I knew something big was happening.
Right after that, I noticed the balloons that read “Bea will you marry me” and my world went silent. I cannot tell you much after that because I was in a pool of happy tears. He got down on one knee and I said “OF COURSE!”
Everett: From the planning standpoint, I wanted to pick a location that was midway between South Carolina & Florida because her family is from Tallahassee, so I settled on Atlanta. My cousin who was about to get married helped set everything up. I told Bea that we were going to celebrate them so she had no idea.
Once everybody was at Blaqhaus we made our way over. The whole time she was still clueless to what was going on, even when she walked in she didn’t catch on until the music stopped. It was a great day surrounded by family & friends.
All about the bling…
Bea: Let me start off by saying…. HE DID SO WELL! I was pleasantly surprised. Everett designed an Emerald cut solitaire diamond ring with a hidden halo finished with a diamond pave band. The funny part about this ring is that I have always said that I am not the halo type of girl. I like to get straight to the point lol. So in true Everett fashion, he added a hidden one because he thought it would be a nice touch and a funny insider for us to giggle about for years to come.
Everett: Proposing had been on my mind for a while. I knew it was time to make it official, so I started planning. When it came to the ring I couldn’t find an oval as she mentioned earlier in our relationship. So I went with the emerald cut and she ended up loving it.
The ceremony…
Making our wedding plans…
Bea: I am honestly ready to see my son be the mirror image of his dad in a matching tuxedo! They are literally my world.
Everett: I let her handle most of the planning. It’s not really my thing. I’m mostly excited about us standing on the stage and saying I do. We have a beautiful family that’s based on love and I’m happy that the day is finally coming.
The reception…
A surprise wedding reveal…
Want more gorgeous southern wedding inspiration like this wedding reveal?
Click here!
Vendors:
- Groom: Everett Dawkins
- Bride: Beatrice Fleet Dawkins
- Venue: Edinburgh West
- Groom’s attire: Gregory’s Boutique
- Groomsmen attire: Thomas and Sons
- Dress store: The Castle Prom and Bridal
- Bridesmaids dresses & personal stylist: Haus of Belle Boutique
- Bridal jewelry: Haute Cole Couture
- Brides Hair: Porsche’ Rashi
- Bridesmaid/girls hair: The Mane Infinity Hair Studio
- Makeup Artist: Kiss and Makeup By T
- Makeup Artist: Portia Janee
- Photography/Videography: Smithalee Photography
- Dj/Emcee: Traxx Daniels
- Bar: Bearded Bartenders
- Cake: Couture Cakes
- Submitted via Two Bright Lights
Leave a Reply