Racing & romance
April 25, 2023
Wedding Stories: Amanda & Bubba Wallace
12.31.2022
Photographs courtesy Anastasiia Photography, Asheville
Amanda and Darrell Wallace Jr. had Spanish class together at Northwest Cabarrus High School in Concord, but there were no “te amo’s” being said back then. It wasn’t until 2015 at a University of Tennessee football game that they reconnected and soon after, began dating. Bubba proposed six years later, during a hike with good friends to Latourell Falls near Portland, Ore.
The couple knew New Year’s Eve was the ideal date to marry. Bubba, a NASCAR driver, has a short off season, from November through January. Wanting a venue that provided proximity for the ceremony, reception and lodging, they chose the JW Marriott Charlotte, aiming for a “romantic and sexy” ceremony filled with white flowers and countless candles. Florals — transitioning from white to pinks with pops of color — draped the staircase leading to the reception.
To spend as much time as possible with their 200+ guests, the couple opted for passed hors d’oeuvres and station-style food that included favorites such as tacos, burgers, Italian and Asian stir fry. Instead of a cake (Bubba does not eat desserts and the couple preferred something less traditional), a dessert table doled out goodies like cake pops, sugar cookies, macarons and banana-pudding shooters. Champagne flowed from two acrobatic performers, and sparklers and a Champagne toast helped ring in the New Year. To close out the evening, guests nibbled on chicken nuggets and fries from a McDonald’s food truck.
Some of Amanda’s favorite parts? The checkered, holographic dance floor — a nod to Bubba’s racing career — that stayed packed all night long, the vibrant florals and the opportunity to exchange handwritten vows in front of family and friends. (Bubba kicked his off in Spanish, asking Amanda how she was.) “I loved the overall emotion in our ceremony,” Amanda says. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.”
The details:
Photographer | Anastasiia Photography, Asheville
Videographer | Lucky Penny Films
Venue | JW Marriott Charlotte
Planning & Design | Fabulously Created Events
Floral Design | Blossom Bay Design
Dress | Madam Burcu Couture, Anjolique Bridal & Formal, Cornelius
Shoes | Lola Cruz
Groom Attire & Shoes | Stitched by Mitch
Wedding Bands | Windsor Jewelers
Makeup | Artistry by Alyssa
Hair | Sweet Magnolia Beauties
Pastries | Bake Me A Cake Charlotte
DJ & Lighting | Cease Fire Productions
Rentals | Pomp Posh Event Rentals, Concord; AFR Furniture Rental; Curated Events Charlotte
Dance Floor & Aisle Vinyl | Red Eye Designs, Mooresville
Entertainment | Elevate
Photobooth | ShutterBooth Charlotte
Stationery | Atheneum Creative
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