Eddie and Derrick met each other at UNC Chapel Hill 30 years ago. They were brothers of Kappa Psi – a pharmaceutical fraternity. Last year, there was a surprise wedding proposal on campus, something Eddie worked for a full year to pull off. There wedding also had a surprise element!
The couple told their friends they were throwing a “30th Anniversary Party,” and invited them to Chatham Station to celebrate. Guests showed up to enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, make new memories, capture fun images in a photo booth, and enjoy dinner.
During the various speeches and toasts, two of Eddie and Derrick’s friends started sharing how much love was between this couple, and how they brought out the best in each other. Next another friend came to the front to give a toast about how much they deserved happiness, and then added: “You know what, everyone is here, I’m ordained, let’s just get married. What do you say?” The whole room exploded with applause, cheers, and tears.
The grooms then made their way to the center of the dance floor with rings and vow books, and suddenly everyone realized this was the plan all along. They then had their ceremony!
Eddie is a wedding planner, and planned the entire occasion himself. From the Chapel Hill details, Carolina blue invitations, signature drinks, and other elements of surprise, it was such a warm, fun and beautiful day.
Rocky Top showed up with amazing hor d’oeuvres including BBQ Beef Short Rib Potato Baskets, Shrimp and Grits Shooters, Chicken & Waffles, as well as Roasted Tomato Bruschetta. They also chose to do two stations for dinner that included all options at each to help move guests through the lines quicker.
James Taylor’s “Carolina In My Mind” was played during the cutting of their spectacular five tier wedding cake. Each tier was a different flavor, and Ashley Cakes did an incredible job incorporating the Chapel Hill theme, as all the vendors did. Finally they had their first dance together to “Then Came You” and then invited their friends to join them. Dancing carried this couple and their guests through to the very end.
Congratulations Eddie & Derrick! We loved hosting your special day.
Chatham Station and the newlyweds are happy to share the list of vendors.
Planning: Eddie McDaniel Events
Photographer: Cynthia Viola
Florist: Flowers By Kyle
Caterer: Rocky Top
Bar: Artful Libations
Cake: Ashley Cakes
DJ: All Around DJs
Photo booth: ZimZoom Photo Booth
Invitation Design: Indigo Envelope
Day of Stationary: CK Creations
Rentals: Curated Events & Grand Rental (tent)
Greenhouse Picker Sisters (Specialty Rentals)
