Candice and Christopher said “I do” in a secret garden elopement at the Hampton-Preston Gardens, reflecting the simplicity of their love which needed no further embellishment.
Our hearts were focused on seeking alignment with the divine, as we prayed and fasted together, yearning for a home spacious enough to embrace our four children.
– Candice (The Bride)
The couple revealed their secret nuptials to their family when they closed on their new home. Candice recalls, “…We revealed our joy to our parents with a simple announcement—a photo capturing the essence of both our wedding and the new house…”.
Keep scrolling for more details on their love story, including their serendipitous first meeting and Christopher’s surprise proposal!
- Couple: Candice and Christopher Morrison
- Occupations: Traffic signal technician & cosmetologist and salon owner
- Wedding date: April 4th, 2024
- Wedding location: Hampton-Preston Gardens
How did you meet?
We met through a serendipitous connection, our paths intertwined thanks to his sister, who owned the salon where I worked.
As we were transitioning into a larger space, facing the looming deadline for an inspection, Chris offered to help overnight. I’ll never forget that night—working side by side, we found an unexpected kinship, discovering just how much we had in common.
Though I had seen him at family gatherings, he had lived out of state, and life had kept us both on separate roads.
I had once joked with his sisters about how attractive he was, only to be met with eye rolls. Little did I know, Chris had been saying the same about me. The seed was planted, years before, when I teased that one day I might just end up their sister-in-law. Fate, it seems, has a way of making dreams bloom.
The garden, adorned with petals of every shade, came alive on that sacred day. Chris and Candice arrived, hand in hand, their smiles echoing the love they shared. They exchanged vows, not with grandiloquent words, but with the language of the heart. In the presence of love, the officiant, the keeper of their secret, declared them partners for life.
– Ariel Pearson (Ariel Enid Photography)
The Proposal:
When Chris proposed, it was as if the universe itself conspired in beauty and surprise. We were preparing for our annual Valentine’s trip with friends, this time to Mexico—a first for us both. I had a feeling the proposal might happen on this trip, especially when the group started planning outfits: all black for dinner one night, all white for a day at sea. I planned everything with care—my hair, my makeup, my jewelry, certain that I would be flawless when the moment came.
But life has its own surprises. As we stood at the gate, ready to board our flight from Charlotte, I heard my name over the intercom, announcing an issue with my passport. My heart raced as I approached the counter, trying to stay calm. The woman scanned my passport, gave me a new ticket, and told me I was all set. Relieved, I turned to rejoin Chris and the others, only to find him on one knee. At first, I almost didn’t notice him—he had to get my attention with a soft “psst.” When I turned, there he was, a small green velvet box in hand, and I realized, this was the moment.
The woman at the counter handed Chris her microphone, and as he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him, I could hardly believe it.
My family and friends were there, phones ready to capture the moment, and even strangers at the gate became part of our story, clapping and cheering when I said yes. I laughed at how I had planned every detail of my outfit for Mexico, only to be proposed to in leggings, Crocs, and a neck pillow at an airport gate. But at that moment, none of it mattered—Chris had outwitted all my expectations and surprised me in the most creative and beautiful way!
As we flew to Mexico, I looked at my ring, then at Chris, and the weight of it all hit me. Tears filled my eyes as I asked, “You really want to spend the rest of your life with me?” He smiled, embraced me, and joked, “Oh, now you want to cry?” We laughed, wrapped in the love and promise of our future.
Our adventure didn’t end there.
On the way home, Chris surprised me with a five-day scavenger hunt that led to the most stunning engagement session. He had planned every detail—a photographer, a videographer, flowers, a stylist, hair, makeup—everything. All I had to do was show up. And that’s how Chris understood the assignment—he made every moment a masterpiece, one that began not just with a proposal, but with the deepest love and intention.
Describe your wedding style and attire.
I knew my heart desired something simple yet radiant. The dress I chose was a reflection of that—elegant in its simplicity, yet captivating in its beauty. I wanted the dress to highlight my essence, allowing me to be the true statement, while still carrying a touch of grace and charm. I discovered it in the most unexpected way, through a secondhand store online, and it felt like destiny, waiting just for me.
What was your wedding shopping experience like?
Finding my dress was a journey of ease and clarity. As I wandered through different styles, I quickly found myself drawn to those who embraced my form and whispered of spring’s gentle touch. With each choice, I envisioned the open air and the beauty of an outdoor wedding, letting the season guide me to what felt effortlessly right.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
We did not weave culture into our wedding. Instead, we let the day be guided by the simplicity of our love, allowing it to speak for itself, unadorned by tradition. The essence of the moment was enough, full in its quiet beauty, needing no further embellishment.
In the end, it was only the couple and love itself. They had stripped away the noise of expectations, the chaos of planning, and the pressure of performance. What remained was a love that thrived in simplicity, a love that resonated in the quiet moments, and a love that was now bound together forever.
– Ariel Pearson (Ariel Enid Photography)
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The most cherished memory of my wedding was gazing into my husband’s eyes as we spoke the sacred words, “I do.” In that instant, the world quieted, and I felt the beginning of a love that would carry us through the rest of our lives. Joy, pure and unbounded, filled my heart, and with it came the deepest sense of peace. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring us together, answering a prayer I had long whispered.
Knowing that we had found one another, with love flowing equally between us, was a gift beyond measure. What made it even more special was that we had secretly eloped two months before. It was a quiet celebration just for us. Our family and friends would only learn of this sweet secret at the wedding reception, months later, as laughter and joy surrounded us once again.
What gifts did you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen?
We chose not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen, for our wedding was a quiet secret kept from family and friends. Our hearts were focused on seeking alignment with the divine, as we prayed and fasted together, yearning for a home spacious enough to embrace our four children.
In our journey of faith and obedience, we awaited for the right moment. When the day came that we closed on our new home, we revealed our joy to our parents with a simple announcement—a photo capturing the essence of both our wedding and the new house and saved the major reveal for our “big” wedding day.
Thus, our celebration unfolded in a sacred harmony of love and fulfillment, a testament to our shared path and the blessings that followed.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
The best advice we can offer is to hold steadfast to your shared vision. Let not the voices of others steer your path; this journey belongs solely to the two of you. Revel in the celebration, but also seek moments where time seems to pause, allowing you to capture in your heart a timeless image of your beloved and the boundless joy of a future together. In these precious moments, find solace and inspiration, knowing that your shared love is the truest guide.
Looking for more garden elopement inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Wedding dress designer: Miss Circle
- Hair: Candy Forever Hair
- Stylist: Chelledidit.as.me
- Makeup: Chelsea Mickens of Pretty Faces Studio
- Ceremony location: Hampton-Prestons Mansion and Gardens
- Photography: Ariel Enid Photography
- Videography: Gael Mercado
- Wedding planner: Reginald Brickhouse
- Florist: Reginald Brickhouse of Pop Out Decor
- Groom’s attire: Fashion Nova
- Submitted via Two Bright Lights
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