If you live in the Raleigh area, you cannot go wrong with a Grand Marquis Ballroom wedding. Aquira and Brian celebrated an extraordinary day and passionate love at one of our favorite venues. We hope you enjoy these glimpses from this special day.

To see Aquira’s bridal portraits, click here.

Grand Marquis Ballroom Wedding Quick Facts 

• Bride & Groom: Aquira and Brian
• Bridesmaids/groomsmen gift:
  • Bridesmaids – Make-Up, Earrings, Floral Robes
  • Groomsmen – Gucci Cologne
• First Dance Song: Why I love you-Major
• Venue: Grand Marquise Ballroom

Aquira & Brian’s Love Story

Brian and I both have degrees in Biology and met while working for Laboratory Corporation of America. Brian first approached me about doing a 5k run with him, along with other people from work. Then we started hanging out as friends, and good times blossomed into a beautiful relationship!

Since day one, we have enjoyed an amazing relationship. Brian has been the epitome of a great man! Our quiet gentle natures made us truly a perfect match. This is why I knew early on that Brian was the ONE. 

Brian proposed on November 5th, 2016 at Wrightsville Beach. We were walking on the beach, when Brian started to profess his love for me. Then he pulled out a beautiful Pandora charm of a little ring box, with a ring inside and said, “The real ring is coming soon.”

We stopped and a lady walked up to us, saying, “ I’m a freelance photographer. Do you mind if I take some pictures of you?”

I looked at Brian and said, “Like always, I’m down for a picture, but only if you want to.” So we started taking pictures and as we walked closer to the water; Brian got down on one knee. He asked “Aquira will you marry me?” I had no idea what was happening in that moment! I was so shocked!!! So I think I said, “Yes!” But either way, he knew my answer without a doubt would be YES!!  The photographer that he hired continued to take pictures of us once I received the ring!!

From there we began to walk towards the hotel from the beach and Brian said, “I know you want to call and tell your Mom.” As I was talking to my Mom, our parents walked out of the hotel. They had been watching the entire proposal from the hotel window. It meant so much to me that he had our parents in attendance for this special occasion. We had a nice dinner together at the Shell Island Resort, where my future father-in-law is Executive Chef. We stayed in a beautiful oceanfront suite that night at the Shell Island Resort. He had champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the room when we arrived. Brian put a lot of thought into planning this special proposal for me, my dream come true. This was the very best day of my life! I’m thankful and blessed to experience a love like this! 

Wedding Shoes and Jewelry

I always knew I would wear the Sex and the City shoes on my wedding day. That vener changed, but I do love red bottoms so I had to incorporate them into my day.

Your Raleigh Vendors

Venue: Grand Marquise Ballroom

Wedding Planner: Elana Walker Events

Photography: Donnell Perry Photography

Florals/Decor: Fresh Affairs

First Dance Choreographer: Valonda Calloway

Wedding Cake: Ambrosia Cake Creations 

MUA: Makeup By Jocelyn WD

Entertainment: DJ Free

Caterer: Unforgettable Food Affairs

Video: Moments & Memories

Singer:  Koury Thompson

Officiants: Rev.Troy Russell and Rev.Reginald King

Your Wedding Dress Style

I knew when I walked into the Bridal shop and saw the dress on display that it was the ONE! I wanted something vintage and unique. The fit and flare style with knife pleats was what I was looking for.

My wedding dress: Radiance by Sottero and Midgley lace with Swarovski crystal beading and sweetheart neckline.

Manolo Blahnik-Blue Shoes/Reception shoes- White leather flats by Christian Louboutin
Jewelry:
I wanted to keep it simple but just enough to bling!
Earings: Handmade crystal chandelier earrings from Hungary by Mke Design Wedding
Bracelet: Crystal vintage by David Tutera

What’s your favorite image from your wedding, and why?

My favorite image of myself was in the mirror of the Grand Marquis bridal suite right before I walked down the aisle. I love how calm I was. I’m always calm and laid back so this showed the real me.

Tell us about your flowers by Fresh Affairs.

 I love roses and hydrangeas and I wanted to incorporate some blush colored flowers (blush peonies)

How/why did you choose your ceremony venue?

It was a good location for my family and my husband’s family. I loved the staircase!

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

Our wedding day was perfect! Our favorite part was taking our wedding vows! I realized that the moment I prayed for was finally here.

Was there any particular theme or style for your reception?

Elegant blue/white theme-table numbers were named after fine wines, and we had a wine unity ceremony and wine bar.

How was your wedding photography experience with Donnell Perry Photography?

Donnell and his team were great to work with, and we truly enjoyed them. They did a great job in capturing our special moments.

And your beautiful cake by Ambrosia Cake Creations?

We had a 5-tier quilted and rhinestone design. Top tier had our wedding monogram in silver with some added blush flowers. The cake stand was Swarovski crystals by the venue.

For the GROOM: What things do you love the most about her?

I love her as a person and how kind, affectionate, and caring she is.

For the BRIDE: What things do you love the most about him?

I know I’m always getting the real him. He is the best man with a sweet soul. I love his determination and his intelligence.