Real Weddings: Kirsten & Darius

Black African American bride Kirsten groom Darius marriage married wedding ceremony reception color palette Indianapolis Indiana marquee letters carriage neon letters fairy tale elegant classy chic glam white gold traditional celebrity inspired

While previewing Ball State University in Indiana the summer going into freshman year, Kirsten and Darius met one another and began a friendship. By junior year they were an item. One December, Kirsten, who is a diversity, equity and inclusion manager, planned a birthday party for Darius, which was rare because his birthday is only four days before Christmas. With about 40 friends and surrounding them, the surprise was actually on Kirsten when Darius proposed to her at midnight during his own birthday party. To plan for their large June 2021 wedding of 200 guests in Indianapolis, Kirsten expertly handled it all by herself. The guests were given a dress code of women in either white or black and the men only in black. There were even a few non-traditional touches: Kirsten was escorted down the aisle by her mother and the pair had no wedding party. It was sentimental for the couple to have their wedding on Juneteenth day, which they chose with intention, and happily jumped the broom in honor of that day and their ancestors. As the night wore on, guests were having a blast in the intricately wooded ballroom dancing and strolling to tunes spun by Darius’ fraternity brother and friend, the well-known SlickVic the DJ. Their fairy-tale and celebrity inspired wedding turned out to be the dream they wished for and more.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN

TIME OF YEAR: Summer

WEDDING STYLE: classy, chic, princess

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Scottish Rite Cathedral and Event Space

DESSERT: Cake

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Best Part” by H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar

INSPIRATION: The iconic wedding of actress Gabrielle Union to professional basketball star Dwayne Wade

SPECIAL FEATURES: carriage send off; bride wore two dresses and changed her hair while the groom changed tuxedos; guests were assigned a dress code; unplugged ceremony requirement; bride played recorded audio meant for the groom to hear on wedding day before walking down the aisle; Mr. & Mrs. Norwood signature cocktails; guests signed the couple’s coffee table photobook; live streamed ceremony; large marquee letters; custom neon sign and greenery wall; first look; cord knotting tradition

HONEYMOON: Jamaica

COLORS: