From the Blog

Durham Wedding with Mardi Gras Flair

Published February 22, 2017

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Updated February 22, 2017

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Happy Wedding Wednesday! With Mardi Gras a couple weeks away, we wanted to share a Durham wedding that captures some of that fun Louisiana style! Take a look at Jasmine and Joel’s colorful and raoucus wedding – complete with a brass band. This wedding was also featured in the 2017 edition of Southern Bride & Groom Magazine.
The Kings Daughters InnEven though Joel Guerrero’s blind date at a friend’s birthday party was a bust, it was a blessing in disguise because he met the love of his life there, Jasmine Stringer. Joel proposed in the ballroom at the Carolina Theater in Durham, one of the couple’s favorite date-night spots. He rented the tiny theater for a private screening of Jasmine’s favorite movie, Breakfast  at Tiffany’s.
African American bridewedding fashion DurhamBridal updo with flowersColorful wedding bouquet by Eclectic Sagecolorful corsages for wedding guestsblue sapphire engagement ringGroomsmen feather bowtiesDurham hotel weddingKing's Daughters Inn DurhamFor their wedding celebration, the couple wanted a raucous and joyful “mid-summer night’s Bull City  garden party” – a mashup of all things they love about their families, their city, and the life they have  built here together.
Feather bowtie for groomThe Kings Daughers Inn DurhamNorth Carolina bride and groomWedding at Duke Gardens“Heather and her team at Eclectic Sage are masters at their art! Together, we came up with some really fun and creative ways to make florals a highlight in our design and the arrangements they created were truly one of a kind,” shared the bride.
wedding favor fansDuke Garden weddingsRaleigh NC floristsJasmine and Joel (honoring his Louisiana roots) led their family and friends in a second line strut out the door and into the street to the sounds of Marvin Gaye from the brass band.
Get Lit Special Event LightingThe RIckhouse decorated by Get Lit Lighting Durham NC live bandsReception entertainment ideasReceptions at The Rickhouse DurhamLive bands at weddingLive music at weddingDurham NC wedding photosThe Rickhouse was a perfect fit for the couple, and they loved the connection to Joel’s childhood – the terrace overlooks the original Durham Bulls Stadium which was where he watched local ball games in his youth.

“Amanda Scott of A Swanky Affair was the brains behind the whole operation,” Jasmine said. “We never could have pulled off such a complex and creative affair without her! She had everything you want in a great coordinator, plus an excellent eye for style!”
Weddings at The Rickhouse DurhamWedding chalk art in DurhamModern wedding centerpieceDurham Rickhouse weddingGeo candle holdersWedding DecorGold wedding decorModern wedding decorBull City cakeChocolate wedding cakeCake cutting photosSB&G Preferred Vendors
WEDDING CONSULTANT A Swanky Affair | RECEPTION The Rickhouse | CATERER Donovan’s Dish | FLORIST Eclectic Sage | PARTY RENTALS Party Reflections | LIGHTING Get Lit Special Events | WEDDING PARTY ACCOMMODATIONS AND PORTRAITS The King’s Daughters Inn | GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS Aloft Hotel at American Tobacco Campus | REHEARSAL DINNER The Pit rooftop | RECEPTION MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT SPIN
Durham bride and groomOther Wedding Contributors
PHOTOGRAPHY Carolyn Scott Photography | BRIDAL LUNCHEON 
Watt’s Grocery | CEREMONY Sarah P. Duke Gardens | OFFICIANT  Daniel P. Stringer (brother of the bride) | BRIDAL GOWN Maggie Sotero from Elegant Bridal | BRIDAL SHOES Badgely Mischka | HAIR Qi Essentials | MAKE UP Tiwa Lawrence | JEWELRY Bauble Bar | MEN’S FORMALWEAR J. Crew; custom bow ties made by artist/designer Tracey Telford at FeatherGameBirdsUK.com | CAKE Once in A Blue Moon Bakery | STATIONER Wedding Paper Divas | REHEARSAL DINNER MUSIC Makin’ Ends Meet | CEREMONY MUSIC Alex Gorodezky | BAND Second Line Band: Boom Unit Brass Band | TRANSPORTATION EcoStyle

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