Justin and Traci had a beautiful wedding on August 22, 2015 at the Clark Opera Memphis Center in Memphis, TN. The wedding was planned and coordinated by Ashley Oldham of 117 Event Design with florals by Kamesha Richard of Ava Loren Design. The wedding had touches of Lavendar Blush, Tea Rose and Navy with compliments of Silver and Gold and pops of Fuchsia Punch.
From the Groom:
We met while I was employed with Lifetime Fitness (gym). Traci would come in like clockwork at 3:30 am in the morning, during the latter portion of my overnight shift. Side Note: This afforded her the perfect amount of time to work out and have her hair done for work (lol). For three consecutive days, she made her way to a stair master machine on the second floor that happened to be within my line of vision from the first floor lobby. This was a peculiar initiative, considering the availability of two dozen or more machines at that hour of morning. Needless to say, I took her gesture as an invite and engaged her ostensibly as a personal trainer; though truthfully, I worked with the hospitality department of the company at the time. Small talk led to an exchange of contact information and a meeting at Starbucks shortly thereafter and the rest is history in the making.
The Proposal
My proposal, though far more romantic and calculated, would also employ elements of a carefully planned ruse. The year 2015 would mark my fourth appearance at her family’s Thanksgiving dinner and I thought it a perfect opportunity for asking her hand in marriage as a complete surprise to most in attendance. Prior to the event, I shared my intentions with her mother and requested permission from her father. I also contacted her closest friends and had them to hide upstairs. As a minister and man of the cloth, it was typically anticipated that I would ask God’s blessing over the meal at each gathering. During the time for prayer, I went into a spill about our growth and development as a couple, which culminated with me “popping the question” and her reply of “YES!” and the acceptance of a sparkling diamond ring.
Ava Loren Design:
Designing a classic, chic affair was always our goal in developing the setting for the marriage celebration of this handsome couple. With the theatrical nature and contemporary edge of their selected venue, we designed a concept with details and layout that blended both modern flair and timeless romance to compliment their keen eye for classic style. The combination of theatrical lighting, luxurious linens in navy sequin and blush lamour, bountiful floral arrangements in pinks, green and creamy whites and romantic candlescapes made for the perfect setting for the draped circular ceremony canopy where the couple exchanged their wedding vows. The transformation of the space from ceremony to reception party was made complete with the use of pops of fuchsia punch lighting in a rose motif and the feature of the couple’s custom monogram to highlight the dance floor for a night of fun and celebration.
Coordinated Collaborators
Photography: Rob Lyons Photography || Videography by Kyle Taubken || Wedding Planner: Ashley Oldham of 117 Event Design || Florist: Kamesha Richard of Ava Loren Design || Wedding Dress by Allure Bridal via Low’s Bridal || Bride’s Reception Dress by Andrea Fenise || Bridesmaid Dresses by Alfred Angelo via Pearl’s Place || Hair by r: Allison Person (Salon 22) || Makeup: Meosha Williams (freelance artist)| @meoshawillmua || Shoes by Badgley Mischka || Groom’s Tux Designer: Paul Smith via Barney’s || Groomsmen Suits: Express || Ceremony location: Clark Opera Memphis Center || Cake: Ginger Clark (Cakes by Carolyn) || Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas || Caterer: Michael Francis of Heart and Soul Catering
