Vanessia and Corey’s Timeless and Sophisticated Wedding in North Carolina

When Vanessia and Corey became co-workers it was as if fate brought them together. Their relationship quickly progressed and they became best friends looking to each other for support and guidance as they navigated life. Over time their fondness for one another grew and they realized they were meant to be together.

Read all about Vanessia and Corey’s timeless regal wedding in North Carolina which was beautifully captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Artije Photography.

Bride & Groom: Vanessia & Corey
Occupations: Leasing Assistant & Travel Agent and Night Auditor
Wedding date: August 19, 2017
Wedding location: Poplar Springs Christian Church & the Garden on Millbrook in Raleigh, NC

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met in 2015 while we were both working as night auditors at the Hilton North Raleigh-Midtown (we worked there together until August 2017). We just really clicked as co-workers and eventually progressed as really great friends. We would talk about everything helping each other along the way. He would help me regarding my daughter as I was a single mom (really platonic but God had other plans). Around November 2016 after a trip, we just knew that we were supposed to be together. Eventually, in December 2016 after 1 year and 3 months as being friends he asked my daughter if he could date me and things quickly progressed. We dated a little over 1 month and on January 16, 2017 (on HIS birthday) surrounded by family and friends, he surprised me with a proposal at Buku restaurant in Raleigh, NC. He had disappeared close to the end of the meal and cupcakes started coming out. As I was looking for the waitress to bring me mine I saw a plate coming towards me with chocolate covered strawberries and a ring box in the middle. He got on one knee and asked. With tears in my eyes I quickly responded “Yes!” It was a precious moment and the start of our journey to forever. Oh yea, I did get my cupcake a HUGE pig-pick in flavored cupcake made by my maid of honor J

What was wedding shopping like for you? It was quite an experience. My mom as of this year is a 10 year cancer survivor so she wanted to make sure this moment was priceless. I initially found my wedding dress during a random trip to Carolina Bridal World in Smithfield, NC. We just went there to look around so I would get a feel for what I might like. We had grabbed multiple dresses and then I saw that one right before I was going into the fitting room. It reminded me of my mom’s wedding dress that was burned in a fire so I just grabbed it. When I put the gown on and walked outside the ENTIRE store (which was packed) just stood in awe. All eyes were on me. Strangers were tearing up, my mom and maid of honor began to tear up and my daughter was just amazed. I knew I loved it immediately. However, we had planned a trip to my birthplace of Boston, MA to go with my God-Aunts. I tried a couple of dresses on but eventually went right back to the original dress I had tried on in NC. It was a successful trip though as I was able to get it quicker from Massachusetts than I would have from the previous location. We also were able to purchase my veil and headpiece via the infamous wedding salon “The Vow” in Boston.

My wedding dress was by Allure Bridal. It was a chic ball gown style that exuded elegance and had a very regal feel. The sheer neckline/back and lace that defined my arms was absolutely perfect for our theme. I couldn’t get away from it. I FELT LIKE A BRIDE.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We decided to add in a more religious aspect to our wedding. I’m an ordained minister and just talking with my husband we wanted this day to reflect our love for one another and God’s love. We did communion but opted to add in a “foot washing ceremony.” This allowed us to further vow to serve each other whole-heartedly in actions. We also included our daughter in the “Sand Ceremony” which signified the blending of our new family forever.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: The bridesmaid, Jr. bride and flower girl were given customized robes with their names on them, hotel stay was provided, and jewelry. The groomsmen were given red and silver cufflinks.

Favorite item on the menu: Our food was absolutely amazing. No complaints could be found anywhere! We gave our guests a choice of 1 of 2 entrees: Chicken Florentine stuffed with spinach and served with Linguini Alfredo or Classic Lasagna. Corey had the chicken. He loved it and said it was juicy. I had the Classic Lasagna and both meals were favorites for me.

First dance song: “The One He Kept For Me” by Maurette Brown-Clark. I was able to have one of my sisters in Christ sing it for us. Prior to meeting me, Corey had been in a horrific accident which could’ve taken his life. I was single for many years waiting on God to have the right one find me. So this song was perfect for us as we were kept for each other.

What is your best memory from your wedding? (Groom) My best memories are seeing Vanessia walk down the aisle and sharing our first kiss as husband and wife. (Bride) My best memories are seeing Corey’s handsome self while I was walking down the aisle embracing every step, surprising our daughter with vows, and the impromptu mother-daughter dance as my mom sang at our reception.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? (Groom) To the soon to be newlyweds I want to encourage you to keep God 1st and to communicate all things with your spouse. (Bride) As Corey stated to keep God first, please do pre-marital counseling it gives you the solid foundation & tools to having successful marriage, and stay true to your vision as a couple. This is your time! Make it memorable your way.

Vendors:
Photography: Ronald Parker and Tamaro Johnson, Artije Photography
Wedding Dress Designer: Allure Bridals, The Allure Collection
Wedding Dress Salon: Party Dress Express Fall River, MA
Maid of Honor’s Dress: Carolina Bridal World Smithfield, NC
Bridesmaid’s and Jr. Bride’s Dresses: Savvi Formal Wear Raleigh, NC
Makeup: Temeka Kail, Graciously Beautiful
Shoes: “Jewel” by Badgley Mischka
Ceremony Location: Poplar Springs Christian Church Raleigh, NC
Reception Location: The Garden on Millbrook Raleigh, NC
Videography: Rashaad McNeil, R&M Productions and Jocelyn Drawhorn, Jocs Photography
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: The bride did her own planning and coordinating however, she did receive great insight from Mrs. Terry Spicer of Spiced Elegance
Decorator/Florist: Alicia Eatmon, Essence Events
Cake: Nichole Smith, Butterflies Bakery
Stationary: Beth Lassiter, Lovely Little Bee
DeeJay: DJ Billy Bill
Liturgical Dancer: Arianna Arnold
Party: Nana’s Unlimited
Lunch Boxes for Vendors: Charles “Chip” Hunt IV, Hunt’s Catering
Band: Tevin Vines (organist), Aaron Barbour (Bass Player), Antonio Hart (Guitarist), Demetris “DJ” Hart (Drummer), Aarik Duncan (Psalmist), Aaron Barnes (Psalmist), and Evangelist Veronica Morgan (Psalmist)