“I knew he was The One when I began to realize that he possessed qualities that I admire in my father,” says the bride. “Qualities like he’s a God-fearing, loving personality, responsible/balanced and family-oriented. For me, these are characteristics representative of a good husband, father and partner who I can grow my life together with.”
“I was looking for something simple yet elegant,” says Danaka of her wedding day hairstyle. “I also knew I didn’t want to wear my hair down because it would cover the beautiful design of the back of my dress and I would wear a comb headpiece, so I wanted an elegant ponytail like a design with curls where the comb could rest.” Gia Pebbles of Aura Salon and Boutique styled the bride’s hair while Tiwa Lawrence was on makeup duty.
“Ultimately, I chose a dress by Mori Lee,” says Danaka. “The style was a fit and flare, so not quite mermaid but fitting around my hips. There was a sweetheart neckline too. The back was filled with sparkly beads and white buttons. I also had a beaded sash sown onto the dress at the center. I had the dress altered into the bustle for the reception.”
Danaka found these fierce blue shoes by Audrey Brooke shoes online for her big day.
“I always thought I would find my husband in college or at work,” Danaka explains. “You know, college sweethearts or the cute guy you bump into in the hallway at the office? Then someone told me that by our age, we are most likely to marry someone who is already in our lives. Little did I know, Demetrice was literally there the entire time.”
“It is very hard to pick one thing I love the most about Danaka because all of her attributes work collectively to shape her into who she is,” says Demetrice. “Nevertheless, if I had to choose one thing it would be her love for herself. I believe before we can love anybody else we first have to love ourselves. Danaka has exemplified loving me by the way she carries herself, through speech and actions.”
Danaka wasn’t kidding when she said the back of her gown was gorgeous. These details are everything!
A little helper was on hand to help the bride with her train.
The bride wasn’t the only lady with the perfect hair and makeup on the big day. Her bridesmaids were stunning too.
“I love most that he loves God,” says Danaka. “My faith shapes the decisions that I make and the person I am. So, naturally, I sought after a partner who does the same. Demetrice puts God first as the head of his life. He has a genuine relationship with God and pushes me to want to do more with my relationship with Christ.”
“I knew Danaka was the one when I was sick,” says Demetrice. “She stayed by my side and nursed me back to health. I knew that she was special because not every woman would do that. Let me not forget to mention she makes very good sweet potato pie. There is not a thought that goes through my mind where she is not considered.”
“We gave our florist, Lyn Graves of Fresh Affairs, our theme – keep it classy and elegant and within the color pallete – and allowed him to work his magic,” Danaka explains. “I didn’t know much about flowers, but asked that he use less hydrangeas – I’m not a big fan of those.”
“I wanted to choose something that was favorable to everyone’s skin tones and body type, while being flowy for the spring season,” says Danaka of this lovely bridesmaid dress choice. “The warm purple color was instantly a hit – complementary for all the ladies. The chiffon style of dress also allowed us to have two styles (3 strapless and 2 halters), yet kept the look cohesive.”
“My attire was designed by Danaka and myself from a bespoke men’s store in Raleigh, NC named Liles Clothing Studio,” says the groom. “The look I was going for was a classic, but custom design. I customized a dinner jacket to match our wedding colors – a navy blue jacket with black lapels and custom burgundy paisley lining on the inside. Custom black suits pants and black velvet shoes and a black velvet tie rounded out my attire.”
“The woman I married is a virtuous woman,” Demetrice proudly shares.
A gorgeous bunch!
It looks like the groom and the fellas have this pose down.
“Her words are encouraging,” Demetrice explains. “Her smile sparkles at all times of the day. She is career-oriented yet still manages to make some time for me. She upholds Biblical principles and her mind is focused of serving God first. I can hold conversations with her about anything and her intellect is what makes her a rare gem among all women.”
“Demetrice initially comes off as a quiet and reserved person,” says Danaka. “Though true, with me he is chatty and silly. He’s super smart and an amazing listener. He’s also very thoughtful. Demetrice does little things that remind me that he’s thinking of me. For example, when I’m traveling, he may buy me a small gift for when I return. Or, he will help me when I’m stressed by taking things off my to-do plate.”
“True love, to me, was unreal,” says Demetrice. “I did not think there was a ‘one’ for me. So when I met Danaka and we began to date, I was shocked at how well we clicked. At the age of 26 I did not think I would be married, but I am happy I found true love in Danaka.”
A lovely setup for a lovely ceremony.
Danaka and Demetrice had double the cuties come down the aisle to get their guests ready to greet the bride.
“My father walked me down the aisle,” says Danaka. “Even though he is a pastor and well equipped to be the officiant, it meant the world to have my father walk me down the aisle and give his blessings over our marriage. I’m very traditional in that having my father walk me down the aisle was a symbol of acceptance of our marriage.”
The groom anxiously awaits his beautiful bride. We always love these shots; they’re so powerful and moving.
“As we walked down the aisle, I saw him at the other end with tears streaming down his face,” says Danaka. “After that, I was pretty much done.”
“It’s hard to describe, but I really felt connected to him at the altar,” says Danaka. “It was a beautifully surreal moment where between the tears on his face and mine, I tried to absorb all the sentiments swirling around me. It felt like no one else was around, but it was just him and me making a commitment.”
The couple participated in a unity candle ceremony to unite their families as one.
Nearly 110 guests were in attendance on the couple’s romantic big day.
“Looking into Danaka’s eyes made me feel humbled,” says Demetrice. “I was still in shock that anyone would choose to marry me with all of my flaws. She looked past the parts of me that were not perfect and still said yes. When I looked into her eyes, I saw myself and knew I was made better because of her.”
Tender kisses at the altar sealed the deal.
We’d like to formally introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Williams!
“Demetrice and I knew we wanted to have an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception,” says Danaka. “We both love the beauty of nature and thought it would add some vibrancy to a spring wedding. Treyburn offered the best of many worlds – outdoor ceremony, cocktails on the veranda overlooking the garden, an indoor reception and all at the right price point.”
Gorgeous blooms lined the couple’s reception tables and greeted guests as they took their seats to welcome the newlyweds into the room.
Floating candle centerpieces added a whimsical and romantic touch to the couple’s elegant reception party.
Danaka and Demetrice chose “So Beautiful” by Musiq Soulchild for their first dance song. We love this pick!
“Looking back, it definitely was one of the best and most memorable days of my life,” says Danaka. “The day went by so quickly, I wish I could relive parts of it. But I was really happy to know that the day was relatively stress-free and that those who I care about the most were there in support.”
Absolutely decadent. Need we say more?
This couple is picture perfect!
All of the single ladies in the house had a blast celebrating classic traditions with the bride.
“We hired DJ Mass Appeal,” Danaka shares. “He played the music for the ceremony, cocktail hour and for the reception.” It looks like it was a great time!
Cheers to the newlyweds!
Join us in congratulating Danaka and Demetrice on their marital bliss! Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!
