This HBCU Belle met the love of her life writing for her campus newspaper. The two journalism majors’ Aggie romance became one for the headlines. Learn more about how this North Carolina A&T couple tied the knot in beautiful South Carolina
Bride Name
Brittany Dandy
Groom Name
Leroy Mikell
Wedding Location
Columbia, South Carolina
The River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens
Wedding Date
September 4, 2016
Alma Mater of Bride
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT)
Alma Mater of Groom
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Current City where you live
Brooklyn, New York
Bride Hometown
Greenville, South Carolina
Groom Hometown
Columbia, South Carolina
How did you meet?
We met while in college at NCAT. We were both journalism majors and worked at on staff at our college newspaper, The A&T Register. We didn’t really know each other that well but a mutual friend formally introduced us at a party one night and we’ve been together ever since.
How long did you date?
We dated for 4 years before getting engaged however we waited another four years to get married. We took our time.
How did he propose?
Leroy proposed during North Carolina A&T’s homecoming also known as GHOE (The greatest homecoming on earth). He threw a beautiful surprise party and invited all of our friends. I thought something was up but had no idea about the gorgeous party!
When did you know he was the one?
I really didn’t know lol. I just knew he was kind, and genuine, and loving. We’d been through alot throughout the years and we’ve always been there for each other. That was confirmation enough for me.
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
The cutest thing Leroy’s ever done for me would have to be a spontaneous pedi he did himself. It was cute to watch him handle nail polish.
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
I love that he is far more patient than me. He’s taught me to think before I speak and not to sweat the little things. Those two lessons have definitely changed my life.
What part of wedding planning made you crazy?
Looking for my wedding dress drove me crazy. I thought it would be simple and I didn’t want to make a big fuss over it however things didn’t go as planned. I bought one dress that was A-line and didn’t like it once I got home, so I bought another one. It was crazy!
What part of wedding planning could you not live without? I couldn’t live without planning the overall experience that I wanted my guests to enjoy. Picking the venue, the food, the band and live painter were so much fun!
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
My first thought after getting engaged was, “Am I ready to be someone’s wife?”
What was your favorite part about the ceremony?
My favorite part about the ceremony was the space. We were married outside in a beautiful garden. I loved the ambiance of the string lights and oversized balloons.
What was your favorite part about the wedding?
My favorite part about the wedding was enjoying the reception with Leroy. It was the perfect party for us, with our favorite music and favorite people. We had a lot of fun!
Did you do any DIY? If so, what?
Yes! I did plenty of DIY projects. I designed our birdcage for our cards, we made fans from leftover invitations for guests to use while in the garden. I designed our unity candle, made a rhinestone belt for bridesmaid dress and packaged my wedding favors.
Who were your wedding vendors?
Invites: Paper Source
Flowers: The Flower Boutique
Catering: The River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens
Band/Entertainment: Gavin Maestro Williams
Dress: Glamour Closet
Rentals: Party Reflections
Wedding Planner: Day coordinator Amira Dupree
Photographer: Stacey Smith
Videographer: Aaron Pate
Transporation: Imperial
Live Painter: Chris Green
What were your wedding colors?
Merlot, blush, ivory and gold
What was your wedding theme?
Shabby Chic
What is your favorite part about being married to each other?
My favorite part about being married is the trust we have in one another. It’s me and him against the world!
What did you learn about each other through the wedding planning process?
Wedding planning taught us that with planning we can save for anything we want.
Did you have any southern food on your menu? If so what and why?
We wanted to include southern cuisine into our wedding menu so we served charleston style shrimp and grits (My favorite!) along with rosemary chicken, rice pilaf, and parmesan green beans. Our wedding cake was also true to our southern roots! We opted for old fashioned, vanilla and red velvet cake (Leroy’s favorite) with made from scratch cream cheese frosting.
What southern decor did you include in your wedding?
We included contemporary southern decor throughout our lush ceremony space with oversized balloons and glowing string lights that lit up our intimate garden. We incorporated natural greenery, tons of old fashioned lace, and antique gold wherever we could for a soft, sweet look.
What did you love about being a southern bride?
The best part about being a southern bride was being able to travel back to the south from NYC and enjoy all the beauty, good weather, and kindness that the south has to offer. It was truly a beautiful contemporary southern wedding.
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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 :)
