From the Blog

Terry & Alicia’s Luxurious Wedding Day at the Grand Marquise Ballroom

Published August 9, 2023

·

Updated August 9, 2023

Socialite Events wedding

Advertisement

Blush Wedding with Pampas Grass Faux Floral Design

By Katie MacKinnon

Alicia first saw Terry in the parking lot of their local Target in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Alicia’s mom boldly introduced the two between the aisles, and they exchanged numbers. Terry called a few weeks later, and the pair “hit it off like we had known each other forever,” Alicia says.

On May 7, 2022, the couple hosted a lavish celebration at the ornate Grand Marquise Ballroom in Garner, North Carolina, following a romantic ceremony officiated by Reverend Dr. Otis T. McMillian.

Candlelight and a mix of black, white, maroon and pink tones brought together the luxurious wedding day. Silk blooms from FauxReal Flowers carried on the color scheme with white and blush florals, lush pampas grass and greenery. “All of the florals were breathtaking,” Alicia says. “FauxReal Flowers exceeded our expectations.”

Romantic Wedding Style Inspiration

The couple’s “bohemian romance” theme was inspired by Alicia’s whimsical floral illusion laced wedding dress from Anjolique Bridal in Cornelius. Her Bridesmaids’ dresses were purchased from An Affair to Remember in Fayetteville.

Blush and Gold Wedding Design

The couple rented tableware and blush linens from Curated Events Raleigh. April Pyatt, owner of Durham-based wedding planning company Socialite Events, helped the couple bring this elaborate design to life. “April and her staff were the ultimate professionals,” Alicia says. “She was able to execute my vision of ‘bohemian romance’ perfectly!”

Just as soul food holds a special place with Alicia and Terry, it held a place on their big day as well. “Cake Couture left nothing to be desired with the southern cuisine they provided,” Alicia says. Fried chicken, bourbon glazes salmon, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes and southern style green beans were served, to the delight of their guests.

In what became Alicia’s favorite moment of the wedding, all of the guests were called to the dance floor for a group photo while music started to play. Everyone danced the electric slide, re-creating a scene from the movie “The Best Man.” Terry and Alicia later used the group photo to decorate thank-you cards.

Reflecting on the day, Alicia offers this advice for engaged readers: “Have a moment with your partner to look around the reception and bask in the love in the room from all your family and friends. Everyone is there to celebrate you, so live in the moment.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Weekly Wedding Planner

We're Here for You Every Step, Every Week

NC vendor spotlights, real wedding inspiration and planning advice from our local wedding community.

You're in! Go find your welcome email (could be in Spam or Promotions) and whitelist us so you don't miss a thing.

Find Your Wedding Pros

Ready to Start Booking?

Browse NC venues and vendors who fit your budget and your style.

Search the Directory

Why Trust Our Recommendations

How We Choose Our Vendors

We've been connecting North Carolina couples with wedding pros for more than 40 years. Every vendor in our directory is a local business we know – and we only recommend the people we'd send our own friends to. Read more about how we choose.

We review their work

Our editors look at real weddings, portfolios and style before anyone joins.

We check the business

Business registration, insurance and years of experience are part of every application.

We ask around

References from fellow NC wedding pros and past couples round out the picture.

Love is love

Every vendor supports our mission to represent all weddings, including LGBTQ+ couples. Read our statement on inclusivity.

Scroll to Top

Step 1 of 3

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

2027 Magazine Preorder

Reserve Your FREE Copy of the 2027 Wedding Guide

Real weddings, local vendor features, budgeting advice and creative inspiration from across the heart of North Carolina. Preorder now and we'll ship your free copy straight to your door in January.