Rich fall hues of brown, auburn, and gold were seen throughout Ashley and Dee’s intimate chapel wedding in Flora, Mississippi.
The couple, who first met in the summer of 2009 at Raising Canes, have been together through multiple degrees, long-distance, and medical school. Sixteen years later, they are even more in love!
Following Dee’s intimate proposal on a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, the couple finally made things official and tied the knot on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, at the Chapel at Livingston. Ashley chose an elegant soft pink Martina Liana gown for her wedding day look while Dee wore a brown suit from Tuxedo Junction.
In front of their dearest loved ones and friends, they exchanged personal vows and honored their African American roots by jumping the broom.
“We expressed our love for one another in the most beautiful ceremony,” Ashley shares. “We will forever remember that moment.”
Read more about Ashley and Dee’s love story and enjoy photos from their fall chapel wedding below.
- Couple: Dr. Ashley Karol Brown & Elarence Deangelo Vinson (Dee)
- Occupations: Clinical Informaticist (bride) and Reginal Manager (groom)
- Wedding date: Saturday, October 7th, 2023
- Wedding location: The Chapel at Livingston in Flora, MS
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen: I gave each bridesmaid an “I DO CREW” bag filled with multiple items such as a personalized compact mirror, emergency kit, tumbler, robes, and other small items. The groomsmen received boxes with a personalized flask and a small bottle of Hennessy.
- Gifts for one another: The groom received a watch. The bride received a custom pandora bracelet.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
- First dance song: “When I Found You” by Bebe and CeCe Winans
How did you meet?
My absolute favorite place is Raising Canes. In the summer of 2009, I was working as a receptionist at a Massage clinic called Massage Plus. Right next door was a Raising Canes. I went all the time. I started to recognize this guy, Dee, working in the back, and eventually, I started getting more and more fries with my order. Finally, a friend who worked with me at Massage Plus convinced me to go out with him. Fast forward sixteen years later, through multiple degrees, long distance, and medical school, we love each other more than ever and still eating Raising Canes.
Tell us about the proposal:
In August 2022, we were supposed to be in Pensacola, FL celebrating Dee’s 35th birthday; however, bad weather was supposed to hit the coast, so we had a change of plans. I was slightly disappointed because I had planned an intimate dinner on the beach and a boat ride. Instead, we decided to go to Nashville, TN since neither of us had ever been.
Once we made it to Nashville, we checked into the hotel and tried to get dinner reservations. Unfortunately, a big concert was going on and all restaurants and other amenities were booked. We decided to enjoy the hotel’s happy hour, order DoorDash, and try again the next day. As I was doing my nightcare facial routine in the bathroom, Dee was on one knee outside the bathroom door. I remember walking outside and asking what are we eating. Since I did not have my glasses on, I didn’t realize he was on one knee!
A couple of minutes after finishing up, I put my glasses on and walked outside to Dee on one knee asking me to be his wife. I remember feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to become Mrs. Vinson.
The dress reveal…
A moment with Dad…
Wedding style:
My goal was whimsical and romantic. I had always dreamed of a gown in a color other than white or ivory. I had fallen in love with a beautiful gown on Pinterest and the nearest store that carried the gown was in Birmingham, AL about three hours away. They offered to get the dress from the designer for me to try on. A friend offered to come with me to try it on. We tried on other dresses before I tried on the one, and I thought it was it. However, the next time when I brought my mom with me to see the previous dress, the store had a new gown by the same designer that checked off all my boxes – whimsical, romantic, and elegant. I knew it was the one!!!
Dee always wanted a nice brown/camel suit. As soon as we walked into Tuxedo Junction, we knew exactly which suit would be the best.
Ceremony details…
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
As an African-American, it was always important for me to “jump the broom.” I wanted our culture to have a part in our vows to one another.
Mr. & Mrs…
The reception…
Sweet details…
What is your best memory from your wedding?
My favorite memory from my wedding was our vows to one another in front of all our closest family and friends. We expressed our love for one another in the most beautiful ceremony. We will forever remember that moment.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Enjoy the process. Let the wedding be what you want it to be. Stick to what works for you and your partner.
Looking for more inspiration like this fall chapel wedding?
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Vendors:
- Photographer: Coriss Watson Photography
- Wedding Planner: Nelson Harrington
- Dress Designer: Martina Liana
- Florist: Little BlueStem
- Ceremony Venue: The Chapel at Livingston
- DJ: Degarrette Tureaud
- Videographer: Dear Wedding Films
- Cake: Rivika Byrd of King Kakes & Katering LLC
- Catering: Fresh Cut
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey
- Groom Attire: Tuxedo Junction
- Invitations: Margo and Bees
- Hair: JRaychele Beauty Bar
- Makeup: Desu Artistry & Erica Sutton of Desu Artistry
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