SHOP OUR BSB MEDIA FAVORITES

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Spelhouse Love with Georgia Roots

Spelhouse Love with Georgia Roots 14

Today we have a beautiful Georgia bred couple to feature. Lenneia and Jonathan had a southern inspired wedding. From a traditional church ceremony to an elegantly classic reception, this beautiful couple had the epitome of a southern wedding. This Spelhouse couple had a party that friends will be talking about for years and we are so happy to share their wedding and their love story.

Elm_1022

Bride Name-

Advertisements

Lenneia Batiste

Groom Name-

Jonathan Elmore

Bride Occupation:

News Anchor

Groom Occupation:

Oral Surgeon

Wedding Location-

Macon, GA

Wedding Date-

June 20th, 2015

Alma Mater of Bride-

Spelman College

Alma Mater of Groom-

Morehouse College

Current City where you live:

Brooklyn, NY

Hometown of Bride-

Riverdale, GA

Hometown of Groom-

Fayetteville, GA

Elm_787

How did you meet?

We met through my best friend and her boyfriend at the time. My best friend told me that she wanted me to meet this brown skin, curly haired guy that was perfect for me. We finally met, and had an instant connection! However, it was freshman year, so we became best friends—you know how college goes! After college Jonathan moved to New York to pursue dentistry, and I moved to Mississippi to a career in TV. Even though we lived miles apart, we continued to be best friends.  Nearly 6 years after college, we took a leap of faith and took our friendship to the next level and have been together ever since. Many family members and friends often say we finally recognized what they’ve notice all along.  We like to say that we were waiting for our perfect moment!

How long did you date?

This is an interesting question! Well, we have been best friends for 10 years, dating for two years. Let’s just say people were not surprised we tied the knot!

How did he propose?

It started with a trip to Wilkes-Barre, PA. Upon arrival, I was shocked to find out that Jonathan had requested the weekend off from work and planned a surprise trip to Niagara Falls. Little did I know that this would be a weekend full of surprises. When they arrived at Niagara Falls, I was first surprised with a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist. On the ride, we had the opportunity to see the falls up close and were even splashed a little by the water. We then crossed the border and checked into our  hotel room in Canada, which overlooked the falls. Just as I was about to unpack and relax in the room, I was surprised again with a couples massage ( l love massages!). After the massage, we were extremely relaxed and were preparing for dinner at a restaurant that had been selected by Jonathan. When I pulled open the closet, I noticed there was a new dress that had been placed there for me to wear for the evening. I was so excited and surprised at his great taste. Good Job Jonathan! We then headed to dinner, and after the main course was completed, Jonathan grabbed me by the hands and stood me up from the table. He told me how our  time together has been nothing short of perfect and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

Of course she said…..YES!

When did you know he was the one?

I actually knew he was the one when we both finally had an our Oprah “Ah-ha!” moment. We just realized that the love of our lives was right underneath our noses. He was helping me through a very difficult time in my life, and I knew then that I never wanted him to leave my side.

What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?

Jonathan is always looking for little things to make me happy. He knows that I love crab legs and chicken and waffles ( he cooks, I eat) . One day he went on a grocery run, and came back with two pounds of steamed crab legs with old bay and said “Surprise!”. I was so happy! Second, one day I was craving chicken and waffles, but didn’t want to leave the house. Again, he made a grocery run, heated up the grease and made the BEST chicken and waffles. My own personal chef. He knows the way to my heart!

Elm_882

What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?

He is such a compassionate doctor. He really cares for his patients. He has taught me about really connecting with strangers and giving yourself fully to your passion. He’s always the first into work, and the last to leave. I love his passion for others. He makes me want to be a better person.

What part of wedding planning made you crazy?

 Invites! We both have big families, so it was tough figuring out who’s actually coming. My final number changed every day until the wedding.

What part of wedding planning could you not live without?

I really enjoyed cake tasting. Who doesn’t like free cake! I enjoyed all of the expos, tastings,etc. Companies love giving free stuff to Brides!

What was your first thought the day after your engagement?

I’m actually marrying my best friend! Yay, I scored the jackpot! It was truly a dreamy weekend.

What was your favorite part about the ceremony?

The priest’s homily. My father passed away about a year ago, so this was a very emotional day for me. Father McDonald truly captured my father’s spirit; I felt like my daddy was by my side the entire time.  My dad really believed in the power of Love, and I feel that our ceremony captured his essence.

What was your favorite part about the wedding?

Our friends were so happy! They danced, partied, and did not hold back! We were one big family. I really enjoyed all the love that was in the room. Also, my planner, Julienne Vinson with Jeweled Events was amazing. I would suggest getting a day of planner; she made sure I was happy.

Elm_1614

Did you do any DIY?

 We made homemade pralines; my grandmother’s recipe. This was our favor. We bought personalized bags from Etsy and sealed them ourselves. They were a hitch!

What were your wedding colors?

Pink, Silver and Ivory

What was your wedding theme?

Classic Southern

What is your favorite part about being married to each other?

We love just having each other as partners. Just the idea of being able to have your best friend by your side is a warm feeling in itself.

Elm_1556

What was your favorite thing about being a southern bride?

I loved that we had the wedding in a small southern city, Macon, GA. It felt very warm and hospitable, like the south. Also, we used the local trolley for transportation, which carried our wedding party through the old downtown square. It was perfect.

What was your favorite food on the menu?

We had a truly southern Menu. Fried Chicken and Collard greens, need I say more?

How long did it take you to find a dress?

One month. I wasn’t picky. Wanted something simple and elegant.

What was your favorite moment with your bridesmaids?

I loved getting ready with my girls. They took care of everything, and made sure we had mimosas to calm the nerves. They were amazing.

Elm_210

What did you learn about each other through the wedding planning process?

We realized that at the end of the day, as long as we said “I Do” we were ok with the final result. We learned to not stress over the small things and just enjoy the experience. Something won’t be perfect and something will not go as planned. However,  it doesn’t matter because the love of your life is right by your side.

Top Memories from the Bride:  

The groomsmen were so sweet. They made sure I didn’t trip while coming down the church steps. One of my most memorable moments. Another memorable moment is when my mother walked me down the aisle. I feel like my dad was right there with his girls.

Elm_588 Elm_820

VENDORS

Invites- David’s Bridal

Flowers- Hani Flowers and Decor

Catering- Moonhanger Catering

DJ/Entertainment- DJ Perfect/ Chuck Walls

Rentals- Drapery- K & J Events

Wedding Planner-  Jeweled Events- Julienne Vinson

Photographer- Keith Hammock Photography

Videographer- Eric Blanks Media Videography

Transporation: New Town Macon Trolley

Church: St. Joseph Catholic Church   

Reception Venue: The Tubman African-American Museum

FULL GALLERY

Elm_029 Elm_044 Elm_760 Elm_744 Elm_742 Elm_687 Elm_595 Elm_436 Elm_429 Elm_217 Elm_210 Elm_168 Elm_162 Elm_787 Elm_820 Elm_830 Elm_834 Elm_882 Elm_883 Elm_920 Elm_956 Elm_964 Elm_966 Elm_1819 Elm_1818 Elm_1614 Elm_1611 Elm_1582 Elm_1556 Elm_1466 Elm_1441 Elm_1377 Elm_1307 Elm_1058 Elm_1022 Elm_907 Elm_878 Elm_588

 

Advertisements

Michiel Perry

Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes 🙂

More Posts

1

Comments

comments

Follow:
Michiel Perry

Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)

Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Instagram
2   10
2   29
2   98
3   16
3   35

Follow on Instagram

Shop Our Favorites!
LEROY CAMPBELL CAREFREE HAND SIGNED AFRICAN AMERICAN ART
Gullah Spirit: The Art of Jonathan Green
35″” x 35″” Juneteenth by Synthia Saint James Canvas Art Print – Masterpiece Art Gallery
‘Beyonce’ Graphic Art Print on Wrapped Canvas Size: 18″ H x 26″ W x 1.5″ D
HBCU’s Canvas Print
A Different World (TV) 11 x 17 TV Poster – Style A
(27×40) Eve’s Bayou Movie Samuel L Jackson Lynn Whitfield Original Poster Print
Yes. Jesus Loves Me (Religious) – Katherine Roundtree 16×20 Black Framed
Dancing in The Living Room (Girls) – Katherine Roundtree 24×32 Black Framed – African American Black Art Print Wall Decor Poster
The Goodbye Kiss (Buffalo Soldier) – Katherine Roundtree 24×32 Black Framed – African American Black Art Print Wall Decor Poster
Amanti Art Funeral Procession Framed Art Print
Goddesses by Synthia SAINT JAMES Canvas Wall Art 3 Piece
227 – TV SHOW 80’S CLASSIC SHOW PRINT, GIFT FOR BEST FRIEND, FOR MOM, HOME DECOR, BLACK ART POP ART, FEMINIST
MASTER PIECE LESSONS GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
GULLAH IMAGES: THE ART OF JONATHAN GREEN
GULLAH GEECHEE HERITAGE IN THE GOLDEN ISLES (PAPERBACK)
MASTER PIECE JOOK JOINT GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
MY KIND OF NET ART PRINT BY GULLAH LIVING SERIES BY SAMANTHA CLAAR – X-LARGE
35″ X 35″ GULLAH GEECHEE CONJURE WOMAN BY SYNTHIA SAINT JAMES CANVAS ART PRINT – MASTERPIECE ART GALLERY
RING SHOUT GULLAH ISLANDS – UNFRAMED PRINT ON CANVAS WORLD MENAGERIE
MASTER PIECE GATHERING GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 30X40
Shop Now

Click to Shop!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

SHOP OUR FAVORITES
Shares