An Urban Glam Wedding at Byron's South End in Charlotte, North Carolina

Brittny Thompson (28 and in project management) met Ashley Culzac Jr. (30 and in allied health) during a beachside engagement party on the fourth of July. Their infatuation grew over fireworks and the couple began a two-year long distance relationship before Ashley moved to Baltimore. Three years later, the couple celebrated Valentine's Day with a trip to Washington, D.C. and made one last stop at the zoo before heading back. "We came across a pair of sea lions playfully chasing each other around and Ashley mentioned that it reminded him of how young lovers chase each other and suggested that I record them as a keepsake," says Brittny. "While I was recording, Ashley snuck the ring out and proposed as I approached to him show the video!" After the surprise engagement, Brittny and Ashely began planning an urban-chic destination wedding in Charlotte, North Carolina—a central location for their families. "We decided to go with the modern look of the Design Center for our destination wedding," says Brittny. "It was the perfect blend of concrete, brick, wood and flowers." The couple warmed the industrial brick reception space with a travel theme and a gray, peach and sangria color palette. Guests enjoyed a diverse menu representing the couple's Baltimore and West Indies background as well as a surprise caricature artists creating custom favors.  "With the help of our planner, we wanted to make sure we captured the feel of the city as well as the urban glam vibe for our wedding!" says Brittny.