Married October 13, 2018
Videographer: David Pittman-Always Video Production
Band: David Manning-Omega Sound and Entertainment
Florist: Crystal Aiola – The Crystal Vase
Hair: Caitlin Ford – Salon Porche
Makeup: Catherine Braud – Salon Porche
Brides Gown: Mori Lee
Bridal Boutique: Lulu Allyn
Tuxedos: Mens Warehouse
Stationary: Gems Printing Company
Live Painter: Amber Bayham – Rhyanne’s Live Art
Candles: Candles/centerpieces-Crystal Vase, Lighting-Omega Sound and Entertainment

How did you meet?
We met at Eric’s fraternity formal. We did not go as each other’s dates but we hit it off from the start.

Include a little bit about yourselves. What do you do?
Candice is a first grade teacher and Eric is a finance consultant.

What is your favorite thing about each other? Share a personal story.
My favorite thing about Eric is his sense of humor.
My favorite thing about Candice is her eyes.

How did the proposal go? Who proposed to who, were you surprised?
Eric proposed in the Sculpture Garden in City Park. I always told him that I did not want to be proposed to in a crowded, public place but that I would love for both of our families to be there. His parents were coming in town one weekend to visit so we decided to go to the Sculpture Garden. He asked if my parents would like to meet us so my mom, dad, and brother met us there. We walked around the garden and he said he wanted to take some pictures near the water/bridge area. His family took a picture, then mine, then we took one together. After our picture he got down on one knee and proposed. I was so surprised and elated that he got everyone together to witness our special moment! After the proposal, we walked out of the garden area and my entire extended family was waiting to surprise me. It was truly perfect!

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
St. Rita in New Orleans- it is such a beautiful, but less popular, church for a wedding!

Where was your Reception held and why did you pick this site?
Chateau Country Club- Chateau was the first place we toured and it stole our hearts from the start. It was exactly what we had pictured for our special day and had all the extras we could possibly want.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception?
Memory table, live painter, glow sticks, 2nd line style exit, Backstreet Boys sing/dance off

Pick one moment in the day that was your favorite thing?
Candice- My favorite moment happened while we were at the Cornstalk getting ready. I was sitting on the bed awaiting my turn to get hair and makeup done and looked around and saw all the people I love, minus Eric of course, in one room. It was really special knowing they all were there to support me!

Eric- My favorite moment was walking down the aisle with my mom and dad because I knew I was joining the same bond that they have held for the past nearly 40 years. It was special to have them escort me into this new journey.

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
Yes! It seemed like the first dance happened and then we second lined out the door!

What was the inspiration behind picking the color palette and decor that you picked?
Candice’s favorite color has always been coral and we knew we did not want a typical fall color palette for our wedding. We wanted a variety of shades and colors so Candice chose the same dress for the bridesmaids but different colors to bring more variety to our decor. She also made floral signs to display around the reception to tie our colors and theme together. The bouquets and floral arrangements showed a range of colors and flowers as well.

Eric chose grey for the groomsmen but a darker grey for himself because we wanted more of a nontraditional look. I think the diversity of the colors really made our wedding unique.

From the Bride – When you first saw the groom, what were you thinking/feeling?
I was feeling relieved that the day was finally here! I knew from early on that I wanted to marry Eric and was so happy that we would be together forever.

From the groom – When you first saw the bride, what were you thinking/feeling?
When the doors opened to reveal Candice I was flooded with emotions. We agreed to not have a first look so that it would be genuine emotion when those doors opened. I thought I may tear up, but as she got closer elation took over and the world slowed down. Everyone said the moment would fly by, but in that moment seeing her walk down the aisle, my excitement took hold and it was truly a beautiful moment.

Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
Gambinos- almond cake with strawberry filling. It was fantastic!

Did you do a first look? If so how did you feel about it? If not, do you wish you had?
No and we are very happy with our choice!

Did you have a coordinator or did you plan everything yourself? If you didn’t have a coordinator any advice for brides planning their own wedding?
We did not have a coordinator; Candice did almost everything on her own. I would recommend delegating duties to maid of honor and the moms because I had a hard time letting people help.

What was your first dance song? Why this song?
“I Get to Love You” by Ruelle. We had been listening to first dance song options for a while but when we found this song, it just felt right. The lyrics, the tempo, everything was perfect.

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
DJ Kevin Martino and he killed it! He knew the perfect song to play and exactly when to play it. When the reception needed a pick me up, he put on “I Want It That Way” and had a dance off between the girls and guys. It was awesome and another one of our favorite moments of the night.

We want to hear YOUR advice for future brides.
Let people help you! I am such a type A control freak that I stressed about every little detail until the day of. I wish I would have relinquished some control and let our moms and my maid of honor help more than I did.

Also, just enjoy the day! It really does fly by in the blink of an eye. Don’t sweat the small stuff because things are bound to go wrong, but in the end, all that matters is you and your husband.

Anything else you want to say?
Studio Tran was amazing! Corine and Kacie made us feel comfortable and had so much good advice throughout the whole night. We were highly satisfied and would recommend Studio Tran to all!