This wedding is very special to #Black Southern Belle as it features our very own Digital Director, Crystal Washington. This modern #Southern Black Belle currently lives in Atlanta, GA and has serious southern roots. Although living in New York for a long time, she has family roots and in Georgia and it shines in her personality and her wedding.
Part of why this site was started was to support #Black Southern Belles who no longer live in the south as well as women who are truly southern at heart. Once you read about this wedding you will see how much of a Black Southern Belle, Crystal Washington is, not mention she is the queen of all things digital!
Bride Name:
Crystal J. Allen
Groom Name:
Stephen J. Washington
Wedding Location:
Central Park, New York City
Wedding Date:
May 2, 2014
Alma Mater of Bride:
Howard University
Alma Mater of Groom:
Howard University
Current City where you live: Atlanta, GA
Hometown:
NYC (Bride), Chicago (Groom)
How did you meet?
We were friends for several years at Howard. (Go HU!)
How long did you date?
Two years.
How did he propose?
On the train on the way to work, he said, “Can we get married on my birthday?” And we did.
When did you know he was the one?
Probably about three weeks after we started dating.
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
When we worked together, he would leave me snacks and notes at my desk. I ate it up, literally. 🙂
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
His willingness to do almost anything to keep our family happy and to provide.
What part of wedding planning made you crazy?
The guest list wouldn’t stop growing and the seating arrangements literally drove me nuts.
What part of wedding planning could you not live without?
The actual planner at the post-ceremony venue. She was amazing.
What was your favorite part about the ceremony?
The scenery, the intimacy, the vulnerability of my husband and me… and my shoes. (Agreed on the shoes!!!)
What was your favorite part about the wedding?
It was a true tale of two cities. We had an NYC experience with a taste of Chicago (we used Garrett’s Popcorn for wedding favors).
Did you do any DIY? If so, what?
We did get the stickers printed to put on the popcorn bags, and made up the bags ourselves (well, my mom did. She’s the best!!)
Who were your wedding vendors?
Invites: Paperlesspost.com (Paper)
Flowers: Ariston Flowers, NYC
Catering: The Plaza Hotel
DJ/Entertainment: Referred Violinist
Dress: LightInABox.com
Rentals: None
Wedding Planner: Diane, The Plaza Hotel and Mother of the Bride
Photographer: Marion Stevenson Sr., Marteen Ayala
Videographer: Joya Brown-Williams
Transporation: Pedi-cab (IT’S NYC!!)
What were your wedding colors?
Spring colors, ivory, pink.
What was your wedding theme?
A Tale of Two Cities.
What is your favorite part about being married to each other?
Every night is like a sleepover with my best friend in the whole world. It’s the openness, the no-matter-what companionship and the power to forgive that makes marriage so special.
What did you learn about each other through the wedding planning process?
That my husband’s happiness is equivalent to my own, and that we made sacrifices for one another before we said “I Do” which says a lot about our love for one another.
This wedding shows how strong Southern roots can be displayed no matter how far away you may be from home or your family. Crystal and her husband now reside in Atlanta, GA and are living life to the fullest and enjoying all the south has to offer, not to mention she can be found doing all things digital for Black Southern Belle!
We wish you many more years of love and happiness and great times in the South!
XOXO
Michiel
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