#Black Southern Belle loves a good home town love story. Brooke and Orlando are just that. This North Carolina raised couple met in 8th grade and the stars were obviously aligned for them to meet and eventually wed this year. They had a beautiful southern wedding pops of color and southern details. Learn more about these North Carolina sweethearts today!
Bride Name
Brooke Shenell Miles
Groom Name
Orlando Keith Daye
Wedding Location
Twelve West Main in Thomasville, NC
Wedding Date
September 5, 2015
Alma Mater
Bride: Campbell University (undergrad) and North Carolina State University (grad)
Groom: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Current City where you live:
Greensboro, NC
Hometown:
Mebane, NC
How did you meet?
We officially met the first day of 8th grade
How long did you date?
8 years
How did he propose?
On the morning of December 31, 2014, Orlando asked me to meet him at the Veteran Garden gazebo in downtown Mebane, NC. When I arrived at the garden, Orlando met me with a gift bag in hand. As we sat down at the gazebo, he handed me the gift bag and said, “I came across these last night and it reminded me exactly how long I’ve been in love with you.” The gift bag was full of love letters I had written him in high school. I began reading them as we laughed and reminisced. After enjoying our walk down memory lane, Orlando said, “I am so in love with you and I am ready to spend the rest of my life with you.” I, oblivious to where this particular conversation was going, as we had expressed such sentiments many times over the last 8 years, said, “I am so in love with you too and I am ready to spend the rest of my life with you also.” But then, Orlando got down on one knee, removed the ring from his pocket, and said, “Brooke Shenell Miles, I love you and I can’t imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?” I said, “Yes!” between sobs with the biggest smile on my face. It was the perfect way to end the year as we memorialized the past and began to step into our future. As we turned to walk away from the gazebo, Orlando said, “I want you and your mom to have a happy memory when you look back on 2014” and I instantly knew this wasn’t exactly how he planned to propose but out of love for me and my family he allowed us to conclude a rough year, filled with the loss of loved ones, including my maternal grandmother, on top of the world.
When did you know he was the one?
During 11th grade, after the passing of a classmate, I made it a point to let all of my closest friends know what they meant to me. One night, after reading my message expressing how much his friendship meant to me and how much I cared about him, Orlando responded saying, “I’ve loved you since the first day I met you.” In that moment, I knew he was the one, because for years, I had felt the same way. I knew my best guy friend, and biggest crush, was meant to be so much more.
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
I spent the first three weeks of my career training in Chicago and upon my return home, Orlando arrived at my house with roses and a gift basket he made himself. The basket contained my favorite wine, favorite snack, favorite candy and two DVDs. Without me saying a word, he knew after three weeks away from home and him, I wanted nothing more than a night in, on the couch, in his arms. It was perfect!
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
I love Orlando’s positivity and how it has completely changed my life for the better. I consider myself a realist and at times I over analyze situations and worry about the outcome. But, Orlando naturally looks for the positive in every situation and the good in every person. His positivity is uplifting and he helps me not to stress and reminds me to go with the flow, because everything happens for a reason and it will all turn out for the good.
What part of wedding planning made you crazy?
I love planning, so I enjoyed most of the planning process. However, the last week of minor details and finishing touches was a bit overwhelming. It probably didn’t help that we moved the weekend before the wedding. ☺
What part of wedding planning could you not live without?
All the memories made with my mom and bridesmaids. From dress shopping and working on DIY projects to the bridal shower and bachelorette weekend. I have an amazing group of women who have been in my corner for years and completely had my back through all the planning and day of festivities.
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
“Oh my goodness! It’s finally our time. We have so many people to tell!” (A lot of people had been waiting a long time for this to happen haha)
What was your favorite part about the ceremony? Walking down the aisle and seeing his face and reaction as he saw me
What was your favorite part about the wedding?
The reception was amazing! We wanted a party and boy did we have one! Everyone had such a great time and it meant so much to have so many people we love celebrating with us.
Did you do any DIY? If so, what?
Invitations
Programs
Favors (personalized candy buffet bags, candy bars, mini bottles of water and mini bottles of Verdi)
What were your wedding colors?
Coral and Navy with pale yellow accents
What was your wedding theme?
Simply Vintage
What is your favorite part about being married to each other?
Seeing each other every day! This is the first time we’ve ever lived together and the first time since high school we’ve seen each other on a daily basis. It is amazing and so worth the wait!
What did you learn about each other through the wedding planning process?
We naturally have a partner approach to decision making. Despite all the stress of planning, moving, and working, we didn’t actually argue about any decisions we had to make. We both shared our opinion and came to a compromise with ease. During all the chaos, that was really reassuring.
VENDORS
Save the Dates: vistaprint.com
Flowers: Sherri Miles
Catering: Alida Farmer
DJ/Entertainment: Julian Houston of Anything Music http://www.anythingmusicdjs.com/
Dress: Alyssa Bridal and Formal http://www.alyssaweddingdresses.com/
Rentals: Alamance Party Rentals
http://www.alamancepartyrentals.com/
Wedding Planner: Sherri Miles
Photographer: Tracey Ebert of Spotlight Photography
http://www.myspotlightphotography.com/
FULL GALLERY
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