Lauren Ruth Felton, Founder of Love, Lauren Ruth: The Beauty Vlog That Encourages The Beautiful Soul.™ is a southern bride with Alabama roots. She decided to take her wedding to Montego Bay. This destination wedding has all types of southern inspiration and oozes with all types of fun. No matter where a southern belle has her wedding, she is sure to bring the south with her. Check out our latest wedding feature today!
Bride Name:
Lauren Ruth Felton
Groom Name:
Melvin L. Felton II
Wedding Location:
Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Wedding Date:
June 8, 2013
Alma Mater of Bride:
Spelman College and Washington and Lee University School of Law
Alma Mater of Groom:
University of Southern California and Columbia Law School
Current City where you live:
Irvine, California
Bride Hometown:
Baltimore, Maryland and Huntsville, Alabama
Groom Hometown:
Gary, Indiana
How did you meet?
At the 2010 National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) Convention in Cambridge. As I was walking into the hotel, Melvin came up and asked if I needed help with my bags. What’s remarkable is earlier that day my father told me I was going to meet a “nice, young, and ambitious guy” at this convention, and he told me not to be “bougie” and to give him my email address. I gave Melvin my email address, and he emailed me that night.
How long did you date?
We had a 2 year courtship, and a 1 year engagement.
How did he propose?
At 4 am, the first day of my graduation weekend. Melvin says the ring was burning a hole in his pocket so he could not wait to ask me, hence the early dawn proposal.
When did you know he was the one?
The first day I met him, March 10, 2010. I even told my classmate Amber “I met my husband today!”
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
I was moving apartments my last year of law school, and he flew from California to Virginia just to help me move. Now, that’s love!
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
Melvin is more than I prayed for in a husband, he’s been my biggest supporter and truest friend. There is a whole new confidence that comes with facing the world and life’s challenges with a partner like that because your marriage becomes a safe haven.
What part of wedding planning made you crazy?
Destination weddings come with many advantages, however, not being able to do a food tasting or audition the band made me nervous. Everything ended up perfect though, and the steak tenderloin severed at the wedding was the most delicious I ever had!
What part of wedding planning could you not live without?
My bridal appointments and wedding dress fittings at Monique Lhuillier’s Flagship Melrose Store!
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
I LOVE my ring, and it’s time to move! We dated coast-to-coast long distance for two years, after he proposed I moved to California 3 days later!
What was your favorite part about the ceremony?
Jumping the Broom! I love the history and the symbolism behind it, and before we jumped our officiant had Melvin sweep all the negative energy away with the broom. All of our wedding guests stood and cheered as we jumped, I can still feel the joy from that moment.
What was your favorite part about the wedding?
My father passed unexpectedly a few months before the wedding so my brother walked me down the aisle. We had a moment of silence for him and I really felt like I could feel his presence in the wind. It was comforting to feel he was there in spirit.
Did you do any DIY? If so, what?
I love crafts and scrapbooking so I wanted to DIY, but it’s difficult to do for destination weddings because you can only pack so much.
Who were your wedding vendors?
Invites William Arthur
Flowers Half Moon Resort
Catering Half Moon Resort
DJ/Entertainment Bung Guh Lhung Band and a DJ
Dress Monique Lhuillier
Shoes Jimmy Choo
Make-Up Kendall Norton Green, Instagram:@endall
Hair Kymm’s Creations, Instragram:@kymmscreations
Wedding Planner Vashti Henriques and Andrea Smith
Photographer and Videographer: Ventura Photo and Video
What were your wedding colors?
Lilac and White
What is your favorite part about being married to each other?
Enjoying our newlywed years, everything from going on a hike to a Sunday brunch is a date.
What did you learn about each other through the wedding planning process?
We did not have any major disagreements when it came to wedding planning, probably because I planned the whole wedding. Melvin says he learned “my wife knows how to make things happen!”
FULL GALLERY
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
