The Amazing Couple: James and Deneé | The Magnolia Room Wedding
I had the pleasure of getting to dive in deep with James and Deneé after the rushed hours, sleepless nights, and “high” of planning for their special day at The Magnolia Room. Of course, the couple is still taking in all their life changes. Their special day was only two short months ago. They have a beautiful lifetime to go! I asked James and Deneé to share the amazing story of how they met, what advice they would give to future couples, and what inspired their wedding decor.
How They Began
As Deneé tells it, it all began back in 2016 after college graduation. She attended USC in Columbia, South Carolina while James attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill. During James’ college years, he pledged Alpha Phi Kappa Alpha and the two met through a sorority sister. After several phone conversations, James felt there was something special about Deneé and he decided to ask her out. He said he just knew she was a keeper! ☺ For the first date, James took her to an Italian Restaurant called Pasquale’s located in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The amazing meal was very memorable! The first date was incredible and the start to two years of dating before tying the knot. James proposed at Battery Park in Charleston, South Carolina following the Cooper River Bridge 10K run, the couple’s annual tradition.
Their Venue: The Magnolia Room
James and Deneé wedding took place at The Magnolia Room located in downtown Rock Hill, South Carolina. The venue is about 15 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Fort Mill, SC. It is just three miles from I-77, which offers out-of-town as well as in town guest easy accessibility. During the wedding planning, James and Deneé were looking for a venue that would seat about 250 people or more and were close enough for family and friends to gather. Being from Fort Mill and with people traveling from South Carolina, The Magnolia Room was the place for them. The gorgeous venue ballroom and reception area can host about 300 guests. The venue has beautiful hanging chandeliers, a mahogany bar with mirrors, and lovely outside areas that can be personalized. The lighting decor and floor space are so elegant, there is no need for extravagant decorations. The Magnolia Room can host events for indoor and outdoor with a beautiful garden in the back (not covered) to host outdoors weddings, of course, if the weather permits. The Magnolia Room really is an amazing choice!
Planning the Unique Event
James and Deneé planned ahead and booked Jpellin Video + Design a couple of months before the wedding. The process was fast and simple! I met James and Deneé through a vendor that I worked with at previous weddings. Getting to know them was a joy and I was honored to capture their special day. During the planning process, the couple shared their vision for an outdoor ceremony and I had to agree, saying vows by the beautiful gardens would warm up a typically cold month. There was just enough sun to cast a glow over the February ceremony. I kept my eye on the rapidly changing weather to make my best lighting prediction. Due to rainy weather, a contingency plan needed to be followed and the wedding was moved indoors.
The Wedding Day
Everything came together as the couple envisioned, despite the move indoors. James and Deneé wanted their guests to feel welcome and have an amazing time as they witnessed their love for one another. With memorability paramount, the couple provided experiences for their guests. Engaging booth stations included an elaborate food table, dessert table, cocktail bar, cigar bar with personal keepsakes, candy bar, and a photo booth were guests could take their pictures and send well wishes to the couple. With a shared love for coffee, James and Deneé gave personalized coffee packets for each guest to experience something they enjoy. Beautiful wedding decorations coordinated their venue in colors of blush pink, gold, white and black. Their goal for classy décor was achieved. I truly had a blast filming James and Deneé’s special day and handing over the beautiful memories I captured – memories that will last them a lifetime!
In Their Words
The couple said their wedding day was a blessing from God, and it was more than what they could have ever imagined. The most memorable special moments were their first dance and the dance Deneé got to share with her mom. Deneé’s advice to future brides is to embrace the entire planning process. “Enjoy the engagement, planning and the days leading up to the special day. Book your wedding videographer early so you can cherish the memories. I’m so glad I booked with Jennifer. She captured all our special memories. A small token to the wise, be sure to eat something prior to the reception because if you don’t, you won’t eat until the end of the night!”
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The Amazing Vendor Team!
Photographer: Enchantment Designs // Wedding & Reception Venue: The Magnolia Room // Hair & Makeup Designer: Portia Janee Mua
