Ashley & David Photography

Mallarie and Dontrell’s gorgeous Cape Fear Botanical Garden wedding was followed with a reception at Skyview on Hay in Fayetteville, NC.

I’ve always heard that rain on a wedding day is good luck. If there’s any truth to that, Mallarie and Dontrell have some very happy days ahead of them!
Despite a zero percent chance of rain in the forecast, the very second Mallarie’s limo arrived to take her to Cape Fear Botanical Garden…it started pouring!  Luckily, the storm passed within the hour and Mallarie and Dontrell were able to continue on with their GORGEOUS outdoor ceremony! 

Some of our favorite weddings are those where it’s obvious how close the couple’s families are and how genuinely happy they are to be joining their families together. Mallarie and Dontrell’s wedding was definitely one of those weddings! We absolutely loved getting to know all of their family and friends…and despite a little rain, the day couldn’t have been more perfect!

What is your favorite memory from your wedding day? “Finally seeing my husband after the rainfall!”

The Salt Covenant: In ancient times, promises were sealed by each person taking a pinch of salt from their pouch and placing it in the pouch of the other. The only way that the agreement could be broken was if each individual could identify and extract their own grains of salt…which of course, was impossible. And thus, the covenant could never be broken.

How did you and Dontrell meet? “Trell and I knew of each other in high school, but didn’t really start speaking until I was a junior in high school and he was a freshman in college. We started up talking through MySpace!!! Oh the joy of the internet. He was my second boyfriend ever and we haven’t broken up since I was 17. My true high school sweetheart!”

How did Dontrell propose? “He proposed December 31, 2010. We were at my apartment at Campbell University and early that morning he just poured his heart out to me and asked. He said he has a whole day planned, but couldn’t wait! We started our New Year’s Eve with a bang!!”

Mallarie and Dontrell’s ceremony was followed by a reception at Skyview on Hay.

What were some of your favorite details?  “The reception was ideal with the yellow and grey decor.”  Mallarie + Dontrell’s first dance was to Chrisette Michelle’s Couple of Forevers

What’s your favorite way to spend time together? “Anytime together is a good time! We are complete clowns, so it’s always fun.”

Do you have any advice for couples currently planning their wedding? “Start planning and calling venues ASAP. I really planned my wedding about 4 months prior and came about some hiccups that could’ve been avoided.”

Vendor Love:
Ceremony Venue: Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Reception Venue: Skyview on Hay
Hair: Mallarie did her own hair
Makeup: Mikkel via MAC.
DJ: 5 Star Entertainment
Officiant: Terrance McAllister
Wedding Dress: Bridal and Pageant Connection
Videographer: Jerfilm
Florist: Ender’s Creations
Catering: Ender’s Creations
Cake: Sweet Boutique
Rings: Helzberg Jewelers and Kay Jewelers