Real Weddings: Cici & Charles

Black African American bride Cici groom Charles ceremony reception wedding marriage married tie the knot color palette black and nude neutral natural romantic upscale lush floral chic elegant country club Memphis Tennessee South

It was a trip to Canada to celebrate her cousin’s wedding that allowed for Cici’s path to cross with Charles’. This trip would change her life forever. At the wedding, Cici, a nurse and graduate of Florida A&M University, caught the attention of Charles. Ever the charmer, Charles, an engineer who had studied at the University of Memphis and later pursued at the University of Washington, confidently approached Cici. The two didn’t let one another out of sight for the rest of the night. Upon leaving the wedding, Cici warned Charles that she lived in Miami, FL in the United States, believing she might not see him again for that reason. To this Charles cleverly responded, “they still make planes don’t they?” From that moment, Charles demonstrated he was willing to pursue Cici wherever she lived, and the two began a long-distance relationship. The miles seemed insignificant as they embarked on a journey of building a deep connection and love for each other. One Thanksgiving, Charles had a surprise planned. While the couple was visiting family for the holiday, everyone was gathered together to play Trivial Pursuit, which Charles orchestrated. Charles has children from a prior marriage and wanted to include them in the momentous joy that would be an engagement between himself and Cici. On the next turn, Charles’ son asked a planted question which was, “will you marry my dad?” Taken aback, Cici laughed the question off, imploring her soon-to-be step son to stop joking and read the real question. Charles immediately got down on one knee with a ring stating that it was the real question, and officially asked if Cici would take his hand in marriage. The couple, who shares exquisite taste, planned a wedding with the help of a seasoned wedding planner where 115 guests attended. On a serene September evening in 2022, at Orion Hill in Memphis, TN, the couple exchanged vows. Cici’s father proudly walked her down the aisle, and the wedding beautifully blended their backgrounds and families, incorporating Haitian music and delectable cuisine to honor Cici’s heritage.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Memphis, TN

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: chic, romantic, elevated

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Orion Hill

MENU: During cocktail hour the couple had passed hors d’oeuvres of spinach artichoke wonton cups, lollipop lamb pops w/ apple chutney, stuffed mushrooms and mini Haitian patties. next, a plated dinner with dual entrees was presented of butter & herb roasted chicken, potatoes au gratin, broccoli rabe w/ lemon butter, lemon red snapper w/ herbed butter, Haitian mushroom rice called “diri djon djon,” a side of charred asparagus and salad.

DESSERT: Wedding cake, gourmet cookies and brownies

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Rutshelle Guillaume” by Rete La

INSPIRATION: elegant with flavors of glam and boho; also the couple wanted to be sure to include odes to Cici’s Haitian background in the wedding

SPECIAL FEATURES: desserts were prepared by the groom’s brother who is a pastry chef, Chef Quinton McNair; at the ceremony the couple presented a painting that Cici, Charles and their children made the night before the ceremony; a live band during the cocktail hour; sparkler send off; guests signed an acrylic guest book; the groom designed their wedding invitations; groom wore a custom tailored suit; bride changed into second look for the reception, which was a black dress

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