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After a delicious Italian dinner, Danielle Evans and Daniel Cayton walked toward Rockefeller Center in the midst of a blizzard. It had all been a complete surprise for Danielle. The famous Christmas trees of Rockefeller Center twinkled brightly as snowflakes covered Manhattan. Daniel stopped in front of the trees and took Danielle by the hand. As he got down on one knee, onlookers noticed the couple. After 13 years of dating, Daniel asked Danielle to spend the rest of her life with him. The crowd cheered and clapped. “It was like being in the middle of a movie,” recalls Danielle. The night ended at a New York jazz club, with a serenade by Chris Botti. The couple was happy, warm and about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Their engagement seemed right out of a movie, so it’s no surprise that Danielle and Daniel were high school sweethearts. They met during their freshman year, and the two shared their first kiss in front of the freezer while getting a Popsicle at a friend’s house. Their love lasted through high school, college, and as they began their careers. Last summer their parents threw them an engagement party and the theme was “it’s about time!”

On a gorgeous day in June, the ceremony took place at South Point Baptist Church. Danielle wore a strapless gown adorned with lace and cascading crystals from Dar Lynn’s Bridal. Her veil was the same veil her mother had worn on her wedding day. It was handmade by her grandmother in 1979. “When I saw [Daniel] standing there, everything slowed down and I knew I was making the right choice,” says Danielle. They looked in each other’s eyes as the pastor said a wedding prayer. After years of dating, Danielle Evans finally became Danielle Cayton. “It was a magical day,” says Danielle.

The magic continued into the night as the guests celebrated the happy occasion. The room was filled with beautiful décor, enhanced with flowers by Carey Roberts Design Co. The color scheme was white and black, accented with yellow. The tables featured scatter crystals and yellow flowers in black crystal vases. Danielle’s mom, who was also her wedding planner, made the damask table runners and even surprised the couple with a candy station.

Cheesecake Etc. made sure that the reception wouldn’t be without a delicious and beautiful cake. The decadent tiered cake was decorated with satin ribbons and a row of rhinestones along each tier. Split Second Sound had everyone on the dance floor. Danielle says, “Even people I didn’t think would be out on the dance floor were out on the dance floor!” The guests also thoroughly enjoyed the photo booth. “We had a photo album full of hilarious guest pictures,” laughs Danielle. Of course, the couple also appreciated the more formal photos as well, captured by Middle Gray Photography. After the night came to a close, Danielle’s grandfather said, “The only thing that wedding didn’t have was a carnival in the parking lot!” For the Caytons, it was a dream wedding.

For their honeymoon, the couple spent a relaxing week in the Dominican Republic. They are now adjusting to life together in their Belmont townhouse. Danielle says that even though they’ve been together for 13 years, “there are still things we’re learning about each other!”

Featured Vendors:

Attire
Bedazzled Bridal & Formal
704-865-3492
www.bedazzledbridal.com

Dar-Lynn’s Bridal & Formal Wear
704-847-2116
www.darlynnsbridalformal.com

Bridesmaid luncheon location
Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort & Spa
704-455-8200
www.embassysuitesconcord.com

Cake
Cheesecake Etc.
704-509-2020
www.cheesecakeetc.biz

Engagement and wedding rings
Diamonds Direct SouthPark
704-532-9041
www.diamondsdirectsouthpark.com

Flowers
Carey Roberts Design Co.
704-718-6987
www.careyrobertsdesign.com

Music/entertainment
Split Second Sound
704-907-9507
www.splitsecondsound.com

Photography
Middle Gray Photography
704-724-6586
www.middlegray.net

Transportation
Trolleys of the Carolinas
704-348-1200
www.trolleysinc.com

Continue reading real wedding stories! Up next: ’Inner peace’