This Raleigh couple’s 1920s Art Deco wedding celebration at the Barclay Villa in Angier, North Carolina is one of the most gorgeous themed weddings we’ve seen here at Black Southern Belle. Tishre Hunter’s and Jahmaal Tillman’s attention to detail, and thoughtful execution of their nuptials make this southern love story one that you’ll surely never forget. We asked the couple a few questions about their history, and the wedding planning process.
How did you meet?
We met online in February 2008, and then in person at Starbucks where Tishre worked at the time.
How did he propose?
We went on a pathway at NC State Centennial Campus, where we sometimes go walking. It was overcast and slightly drizzling, which is my favorite weather. He wanted to walk up to a lake but the grass was wet and I hated walking in wet grass so he proposed in the middle of the pathway. I cried and regular proposal things happened. I remember a brown lab ran up and circled us happily before it was called back by it’s owner. It was nice because there were not really people around, and it was private with nice weather.
What was the most stressful part of wedding planning?
I was stressed and overwhelmed by my own merit, although having help from family and awesome vendors made things much better. The day of, surprisingly, I didn’t feel anxious or sick–I was happy. I was pumped with adrenaline and ready to get married. I’m still surprised that I pretty much functioned normally that day, with all the people around. It was cool seeing ]everyone’s hard work come together. I felt very happy and loved that day.
What was your favorite part of the wedding?
Bride: Being at the bottom of a stairway waiting to go into the reception. I was in the foyer mirror and Jahmaal was watching me through the rails on the stairway. Also, when we were holding hands and getting married. It was like all anxiety was erased the moment I held his hands. I was normal, I read my vows without stuttering, and it didn’t bother me that people were watching the whole thing.
Groom: Reading the personalized book from my bride.
Wedding song, explain choice for song:
“Made to Love” by John Legend. Because it sounded like a modern 20s like song, and it was appropriate for a wedding. I didn’t have a backup song.
Favorite wedding detail:
Bride: THE CAKE! OMG THE CAKE! It made me cry. Overall though, everything. Everything was stunning. It felt like we were in the 20s.
Groom: The hot apple cider for the guests, even though I did not get to partake in that delicacy.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
Getting back to a normal routine, growing old together and still saying “that’s what he/she said jokes”.
Advice for couples on their wedding day:
Bride: When people say it goes by in a blur, it really does. It helps to have moments where you pause and slow down. Even mid-conversation with someone, look around, take it in and close your eyes. Doing that helps create a more accurate memory of the moment. I can still you tell you what color some of our guests were wearing.
Groom: Say your own vows, even if you have to write them down. It just makes it much more special.
Vendors:
Photographer: Creative Silence
Ceremony and reception location: Barclay Villa
Cake : The Art of Cake
Caterer: Catering Works
Favors: Cookies made by the bride
Wedding planners: Savoir-Faire Signature Events
Music: All Events DJ’s
Hair and makeup: Riveting Artistry & Radiant Faces
Flowers: Embellished Blooms
Enjoy a full gallery of their beautiful ceremony below. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Tillman!
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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 :)
