Regal North Carolina Summer Wedding: Jennifer + Alex

Dr. Jennifer Durham and Dr. Alex Crisp who recently celebrated graduating from dentistry school, invited family and friends to the Prestonwood Country Club for their big day. Surrounded by calla lilies, hydrangea, and roses during both the ceremony and in the oh so glamorous ballroom, Prestonwood was the perfect place to bring out the regal atmosphere the bride yearned for.

A special touch was added by the couple during the reception with their signature cocktail, “Where the Buffalo Roam,” served in monogrammed stemless wine glasses. This cocktail was the recipe of the drink that Jennifer and Alex had on the night Alex proposed.

Wedding Date: June 6, 2015
Wedding Location: Prestonwood Country Club
First Dance Song: “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: The bridesmaids received a Kate Spade bag with earrings and bracelets as well as a floral silk robe with their names inscribed. The groomsmen gifts were suspenders, cigars and cuff links.

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!

Alex and I were visiting Denver, CO, a place neither one of us had been before, during the holidays. We were at a really nice restaurant enjoying a delicious meal and Alex absolutely insisted that we walk the few blocks back to our hotel at the end of the meal. I, however, thought that given the cold weather and possible snow, we should take a taxi back. Alex insisted that we walk back. We walked a couple of blocks and stopped on this street that was decorated beautifully with lights and Christmas decorations. Flurries had also started while we were walking! My husband bent down from what I thought was to tie his shoe again! I said, “Alex, come on, let’s go!” His response was, “I don’t have to tie my shoe this time.” He pulled a ring out of his pocket and on bended knee, he asked me to marry him. Alex says there was a crowd of people around us cheering us on but I didn’t notice any of that as I was totally on cloud nine! My cheeks were frozen on the way back because I was smiling the whole time!

Wedding Style

When shopping for my wedding dress, I only went with my mother. She’s my best friend and has helped me with all my other dresses up to this point, such as prom dresses, formal gowns, etc, so it was just her and I when I found my wedding dress. I wanted to trust my instincts because I knew when I found the perfect dress, I would know better than anyone else. I found my wedding dress after shopping at three stores and trying on about ten wedding dresses. I wanted a dress that I didn’t see too many brides wearing. Originally, I thought I wanted a mermaid style dress, but after trying on a number of different dresses, I realized I’m only getting married once and I wanted a dress. I thought the mermaid dress would be a little too simple for me. I also did consult with my husband to see what style dresses he liked and he mentioned he wanted to see me in something strapless. So I found a dress that was dropped waist to show off my figure, but had a full tulle skirt to give me a glamorous look. I wanted to look stunning on my wedding day. I tend to dress more conservative, leaning more towards elegance and sophistication with my style of dress, and I think my wedding dress was perfect for me.

Culture

My husband and I are very family oriented. He comes from a larger family and I come from a smaller family, where close friends have become like family. We made sure to include those close friends that had become like family that had known us since childhood into the wedding. We jumped the broom at the end of our ceremony and had a close family friend place the broom.

Memories

The best memory from my wedding was walking down the aisle. I had my Dad with me on my arm and I was filled with so much emotion when I saw my husband standing at the end of the aisle with me. Also, seeing my bridesmaids and groomsmen at the aisle, some of them I had known since childhood, and knowing the support they had for us was overwhelming. Walking down the aisle, I was able to see our family and friends that were there that day. I felt so much love and support, knowing those people were there to support us in our marriage. That truly was an overwhelming and wonderful feeling that I won’t ever forget.

Help a bride-to-be out!

The best advice I can give to engaged couples is to remember the goal of your wedding day which is to get married. At the end of your day, as long as you said those vows and made the commitment to share your lives with one another, nothing else matters because you’ve succeeded in your goal for the day. 

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Monica Noa, Nouveau Events 
Photographer: Southern Love Studios
Videographer: AOJO Videography
Venue: Prestonwood Country Club
Make-up: Christy Ponte
Officiant: Pastor Al Gee
Florist: Embellished Blooms
Stationery: Desktop Diva Stationery
Rentals: CE Rentals
Lighting: Simpsound Lighting and Sound
Ceremony Music: NC Strings
Band: NCCU Jazz Ensemble
DJ: DJ Supreme Entertainment
Transportation: A Formal Affair and Classy Transportation