“Stephanie was a God send to us, from the moment we met her at the wedding show. She has a fun personality, and truly tailored our planning process to not just me, but my now husband as well. I am more of the planner and visionary, and my now husband is more laid back, and she worked great with both of us. The monthly, (then weekly- as we got closer to our date), skype calls were amazing, I always felt like we were all on the same page. She is extremely organized, and works with the best vendors. She picked our wedding photographer, and we fell in love with her too! My favorite part was feeling like we were gaining friends by working with Stephanie and Matt- they are just that personable! It was certainly a bit weird not talking to her weekly, or seeing her name pop up in our emails. If you are planning a wedding, STOP immediately until you call Stephanie!!”

India & Colin met and started dating in high school; they’ve been together so long that India’s youngest sister, who stood at the altar as a bridesmaid, was only 4 when the two started dating, and she can’t remember a time that Colin didn’t feel like a brother. It was one of those love stories where everyone who got their hand on the mic, from the officiant to the best man to the DJ, couldn’t help but tease them for taking their time getting to the altar. And when you take your time before getting married, you really want your wedding to feel like a dream. When I sat down with them for a design meeting, I asked what kind of vibe they wanted to go for. Colin answered with, “We just want it to feel romantic. Like, we want our guests to remember why they fell in love.” And a romantic night is just what they got.

These longtime lovebirds finally tied the knot on Nov 9, 2019 in front of 140 friends and family members, at the beautiful NOAH’s Event Venue in High Point. The ceremony began with both of their moms walking down the aisle together, each lighting small candle for the unity candle ceremony before taking their seats. Colin and the wedding party made their way to the altar, which was decorated with a lovely red and white floral arrangement, with red flower petals on the ground and black lanterns lining the aisle. As India and her dad made their way down the aisle, Colin couldn’t help but tear up, even though he’d held her hand and prayed with her during a first touch and saw his beautiful bride during a first look earlier that day.

Images by Amber Robinson Raleigh Wedding Photographer india coli

During the ceremony, India & Colin chose to take communion together, light a unity candle, and have the bishop’s wife read Deuteronomy 28. They exchanged their rings, said their vows, and shared a sweet first kiss as they were finally pronounced husband and wife.

Cocktail hour followed in the lobby of the building, while the couple and bridal party braved the cold for some stunning photos beside the pond outside. Cocktail hour was decorated with a few cocktail tables dressed in wine-colored linens, a guest book table, and a sweet memorial table. A final table had space for cards and gifts, as well as a game of “Find Someone Who…” to help their guests mingle and get to know each other.

When guests made their way to the reception hall, they could definitely feel the romance of the space. The ceiling was draped with white fabric and chandeliers, and sweet centerpieces included photos of the couple along with candles. Gold chargers gave an added pop of color to guest tables, and each place setting had a Hershey Kiss for something sweet.

The bridal party and couple made their grand entrance to the reception, and India & Colin went into their first dance, which was followed by a blessing over dinner. When dinner came to a close, it was time for toasts, and everyone wanted to get their hands on the mic to shower the couple with love and support. After a heartfelt thank you speech by the couple, the cake was cut and parent dances began. A bouquet and garter toss followed, and then it was time to pack the dance floor. After a year of working together, India & Colin really felt like friends, and it was so sweet to see them dance their night away.