Olivia & Tiraq 10.3.2020

Written By Becca Fitzpatrick

WEDDING PLANNING DURING A PANDEMIC WEDDING

We first met Olivia in November of 2019 at a Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina bridal expo. She came to visit our North Carolina bridal shop in downtown Durham, NC in December 2019 with her mom, aunt and best friend. We knew then she was a sweetheart! Olivia selected a beautiful Sincerity by Justin Alexander mermaid gown with beaded appliques and a full tulle skirt.

In early 2020, when it was clear that Olivia would be getting married during the pandemic we had several conversations about her plans. We were proud to encourage her to continue planning for a beautiful wedding and she and her fiance Tiraq did just that!

Keep learn more about their real Durham wedding.

Tiraq & Olivia’s Love Story

Tiraq and Olivia both attended and graduated from NC A&T. Olivia asked her college roommate about Tiraq, only to find out that he was taken. A year later, Tiraq sent Olivia a DM on Instagram asking for her number. Olivia ignored the message before eventually deciding to give him a chance. Soon after, they went on their first date, and the rest is history!

Surprise Proposal 

 Tiraq set up a surprise engagement in the form of a photo shoot at one of their favorite date spots, 21c Museum Hotel in Durham, North Carolina. Olivia was suspicious but showed up with her nails done (something she always told him was a MUST if he was going to propose!)

As their photographer snapped photos of them walking through the art gallery, she turned to the couple and said, “I think Tiraq may have a question to ask you.”

Tiraq told Olivia to turn around. When she turned back around to face Tiraq, he was down on one knee! Also present were family & friends. Some had even traveled in from out of town!

Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic

Planning a wedding in general is no small feat. But in 2020? Even harder, and even more stressful. The couple  originally booked 21C Museum Hotel to hold 125 guests, but with all the COVID-19 phases things changed. Olivia and Tiraq chose to change their venue and host their wedding and reception at a rustic AirBnB under a beautiful white tent. 

Olivia and Tiraq chose black and gold with touches of green as their wedding colors. The black and gold paid homage to Tiraq’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. The theme was a mix of Harlem Nights with Art Deco elements from the 20s and 30s on the programs and menus.

The guest count was cut from 125 to 40 due to COVID-19 restrictions, yet Olivia and Tiraq enjoyed spending time with close friends and family. Since they haven’t seen their loved ones due to stay at home orders and fear of spreading germs, it meant a lot that they wore masks and supported their intimate outdoor wedding. They do plan to have a big celebration when it’s safe to do so in the future.

The Bride’s Advice on Planning a Pandemic Wedding

Olivia has some advice for 2021 brides! “If I were to give any advice to the upcoming brides, I’d say just have fun and go with it! Things may not be as you imagined due to COVID-19, but weddings are truly about you and the person you love, not anyone else. Whatever makes you happy, do it, because you will remember this day for the rest of your life.”

Olivia & Tiraq’s Wedding Vendor Team

Airbnb wedding, Durham wedding, NC Bridal Boutique, 21C Museum Hotel, Downtown Durham, Wedding Venues in NC, Wedding Venues in North Carolina, NC Wedding Planner, North Carolina Wedding Planner, Raleigh wedding, North Carolina Wedding, NC Bridal Shop, North Carolina Bridal Shop, North Carolina Bridal Boutique

Becca Fitzpatrick
Previous

It's Trunk Show Season & We're Answering ALL Your Bridal Trunk Show Questions!