Kristina and Joseph were freshmen on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2009. While they knew of each other at that time, their relationship began in 2011 when as rising Juniors they both served as counselors at the University’s pre-orientation for incoming freshmen. As the counselors were making introductions, Joseph heard a distinct voice that could only belong to the beautiful girl he met freshman year from Ridgeland, Mississippi. During break, Joseph made sure to re-introduce himself, secure her phone number, and ask her out for lunch (at the dining hall, of course, where he had unlimited swipes). Upon graduating together in 2013, the relationship endured the 90-minute journeys between Raleigh and Greensboro as Kristina and Joseph established careers in different North Carolina cities. Despite the 77-mile distance, their love grew stronger, and the time spent together more cherished. One of their many dating traditions was an outing at the North Carolina state fair in Raleigh where they often enjoyed sitting for caricatures. These were considered a sweet capturing of their love and togetherness. There is no wonder that as Joseph contemplated a unique, nostalgic approach to his proposal to Kristina, he would incorporate one of their most cherished traditions into this memorable moment. He made arrangements for a caricature artist to be positioned in Romare Bearden Park in Charlotte, NC for he and Kristina to stumble upon while on their way to dinner. What happened next can only be described as magical. As the artist unveiled the drawing, Kristina discovered that this was no coincidence. The drawing showed Joseph, on bended knee, asking Kristina to marry him with the Charlotte skyline draped behind them, an exact replica of what they were experiencing. She said yes, and we said “I do” on April 20, 2019!

In the fall of 2011, we saw the re-make of Disney’s Lion King at the movie theater in Durham.

Describe your wedding dress style?

The groomsmen are those with whom he has shared the most intimate relationships throughout his life and have helped me to grow to become the man he needed to become to be able to marry Kristina. Ranging from family to fraternity brothers, the best characteristic of each of his groomsmen was embedded into him throughout his relationships with them. They included: James Hart (cousin -Best Man), Christian Bragg (Fraternity brother), Phillip Bryant (brother), Denzel McCollum (fraternity rother), David Roberts III (fraternity brother), and David Artin (fraternity brother).

Each of the Bride’s attendants have been there for her throughout various stages of her life and have watched her relationship with Joe grow over the years. They are truly her support system. They included: Kandace Walker (sister and Maid of Honor), Lela Gee-Boswell, (childhood friend), Freshia Koine, (college friend), Oliva Purvis (cousin), Kate Henserling (childhood friend), Marissa Peterson (college friend), Desiri Sido (college friend), and Benjamin Conway (Bridesman -childhood friend).

Fresh Affairs captured a look composed of lush greenery white florals that emitted a modern evening touch with a garden feel that conveyed a romantic garden party that was the wedding celebration’s theme.

I love how she cares and sacrifices for the people who mean the most in her life. I love the energy that she brings to her friends, and she is the heartbeat of their relationships. I appreciate how she works hard and is relentless to succeed in life

The very emotional exchange of vows, with neither of them knowing what the other would share, conveyed the depth of true love and joy as they became one was the most touching and favorite part of the day.

It was a great experience, with the perfect capturing of all important and inspiring moments.

Any funny stories about yourselves?

Romantic evening garden party

The venue was the Carolina Inn on the campus of the Univ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where they began dating in their junior year. They wanted to recapture the scene where their beautiful love began and desired to seal their love in a marriage where it all began.

Ambrosia cake creations provided the cake. It was a naked cake with gold accents and white rosettes with greenery to accentuate the wedding’s green and champagne theme colors. Flavors were carrot cake and strawberry crème.

Our favorite image was The Couple’s first dance where our laughter and ultimate joy of togetherness were beautifully captured.

Cherish every moment of the day, and live in each moment. Remember that it’s your day and its about you and your groom. It’s your only day for all eyes to be on you.

Be engaged, trust the process, listen to your bride, take initiative, and say thank-you. These are things that apply to your future wife, your vendors, and all who are there to celebrate your covenant with your partner and with God.