Todd and Candice by The Cherry Tree Events

When Candice and Todd met on a mission trip to Belize (in Central America) in August 2009, neither of them was thinking about finding a mate.

They were totally involved with the love of their faith and the beautifully spirited friends they were making in the enchanting city of Belize. Candice and Todd were not smitten with each other until after they had returned home from this life-changing experience. And after a few short weeks back home Todd had another life-changing experience in mind, the proposal.

Todd embraced the simplicity and beauty of nature that he saw in Belize and transformed his international experiences into his proposal to make it one of the best moments in the next chapter of their lives. On November 11, 2009 he proposed to Candice under a tree in their quaint neighborhood on the way back from a lovely dinner at Todd’s favorite restaurant, Daniel’s in Apex.

They both love the Italian Ices at Sunset Slush of Raleigh, so Todd creatively hid the engagement ring in a Mango flavored Italian ice, Candice's favorite. With love and celebration in tow, Todd and Candice's friends had previously arranged a surprise engagement party at their home immediately following the proposal. Soon after their engagement, the blissful pair contacted Laci Banks, of The Cherry Tree Events and Décor to help create their dream wedding.

Candice and Todd decided Jones Chapel on the Meredith College campus would be the perfect place to exchange vows. Since they wanted the natural aesthetics of the venue to gleam, the pair decided not to over-decorate the chapel. Nestled between huge oak trees on the historic campus of Meredith College, this amazing chapel’s plush green grounds, classic architecture and ornate organ all create a very beautiful and romantic ambiance that does not need embellishment. Candice and Todd are both devout Christians so they decided on a simple ceremony consisting of family prayer, communion, and hymns that reflected the two of them perfectly.

Candice was absolutely stunning in a strapless sweetheart designer gown infused with beaded, intricate lace detail. She complimented the gown with a monochromatic bouquet consisting of fragrant red roses designed by Flowers on Broad Street. The groom was just as handsome in his traditional yet timeless black tuxedo and red-rose boutonniere.

Following a perfect ceremony, guests headed to an upscale Raleigh hotel for a euphoric celebration which included food, drinks, and lots of dancing. “When I first saw the inspiring and distinctive style of the hotel I immediately knew that’s where we would have our reception. We wanted everyone to have an amazing time celebrating this dream-filled day with us,” Candice explained. With over 8,000 square feet of upscale event space, the already sophisticated hotel ballroom was transformed into the space the bride had always dreamed of, adorned with awe-inspiring candlelight and tons of red rose petals.

Guest favors included assorted slush flavors and custom koozies provided by Sunset Slush of Raleigh. This unique choice of favors was smoothly palatable and the guests absolutely loved it! Once the dance floor was unveiled, the dinner reception definitely transformed into the dancing-the-night-away party Candice and Todd had dreamed about for months.

After exchanging I dos, the pair departed for Turks and Caicos for their honeymoon. As their relationship continues to grow by allowing God to lead, they’ll indeed live happily ever after.