Real Wedding: 3 Takeaways For Fun and Beauty

Originally published on Behind I Do

Courtney and Mario were the sweetest couple. Back in October, my husband Randal DJed their wedding and I was their MC. Their spirit just exuded love and kindness so Randal and I knew their wedding and reception would be fun and full of meaning. 

Here are my 3 coolest take-aways from their wedding reception. 

1) The venue looked amazing thanks to all-star planner Elana Walker! Their reception was held at the Raleigh Marriott City Center and designed by Fresh Affairs. The entire room was piped and draped. The pipe and drape made such a difference. I've seen this room without it and it's not nearly as stunning. If you're working with a bland or basic room, invest in the pipe and drape. The white and gold decor was very sexy and featured beautiful centerpieces. The monogram and lighting from K2 Productions were awe inspiring. 

2) The music. Courtney and Mario enjoy hip-hop and they worked with Randal to choose great songs for the wedding party to enter the reception to including TI's Bring 'Em Out, and Missy's Where They From. This couple was full of surprises and I loved it. They entered the room to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's You're All I Need To Get By and then Randal mixed in the Method Man/Mary J. Blige version of the same song. Courtney and her dad started their father-daughter dance the way you might expect with the sweet Isn't She Lovely, and then they turned up to Randal's custom mix of It Takes Two, All The Way Up, Rollin' With Kid N' Play and Atomic Dog. They even had sunglasses as props.

3) The toasts were really meaningful. This couple chose people to toast who were comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. They shared sweet stories, offered advice and make a lot of us cry and laugh at the same time. I always cringe when I see a person who is scared to death try to deliver a toast. The person trying to read off a cell phone, hold a microphone, and hold a glass of champagne can also be awkward. If you ask someone to toast and that person tells you he or she isn't up for it, believe 'em!

This was a beautiful day for a beautiful couple. I grinned from ear to ear when this hand written thank you card arrived in the mail the other day.

K2 Productions put together a beautiful film of the day so you can see what I've described in action.

All the vendors for this wedding day were top notch:
360 Elite Entertainment -DJ/MC
Raleigh Marriott City Center-Venue
Rev. Dr. Harry L. White, Jr.-Officiant
Ashley Cakes
In His Image Photography
K2 Productions-Videography and Lighting
Elana Walker Events-Planner
Fresh Affairs-Floral Design
Winifred Garrett-Harpist 
S. Davis Make Up Artistry 
Ranata Cooper-Hair
CE Rentals
Watts Chapel
Raleigh Dream Events
Royal Banquet & Event Center
Carolina BBQ