A Luxe Wedding at an Arboretum in Dallas, Texas

Kerri and Bravion met in Dallas in 2006—and have been best friends ever since. After a few years of friendship, though, things turned romantic. It didn't take long for Bravion to feel confident that Kerri was "the one" (that's what happens when you've known each other throughout those formative teenage years!). Kerri remembers the day her now-husband proposed vividly, since the moment happened during their last night of a Mexico vacation: "The day started off great—we rode bicycles from our villa to breakfast. Shortly after that, Bravion let me know that he had planned a spa day for us both. After enjoying the spa, we were back in the room when it began to rain lightly," she recalls. Bravion immediately begin to fret about the weather ("He kept asking me to check the forecast!" says the bride), especially since it would throw off the restaurant proposal he'd spent weeks planning.

The rain, however, didn't let up. In the end, though, this made for an even more romantic experience. "As we pulled in closer to the restaurant, I noticed that the place was empty with the exception of a single table in the middle of the room. The only sounds came from the stormy wind and rain," says Kerri. "We sat and enjoyed what seemed like an endless meal—I mean the food kept on coming. The waiter placed down what I hoped was the last covered entrée and left without lifting the lid. As I reached over to learn what was inside, Bravion grabbed my hand and dropped to one knee. At that moment the world fell silent. I looked at him perplexed and began to take in the moment."

Just over one year later, Kerri and Bravion were married at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on a perfect Sunday—there wasn't a drop of rain in sight. Their big day was the definition of special: They were surrounded by close friends and family in a natural, serene setting as they promised each other forever.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is listed among the top arboretums in the world; Kerri and Bravion knew it was the right venue for them almost immediately. Beyond the lush, garden-filled setting, the weather also provided a pretty backdrop for the big day. Though it rained heavily for three straight days prior to the wedding, the skies magically cleared for their weekend nuptials. "God heard our prayers and answered with a perfect Sunday! It wasn't too hot, humid, or cold—it was just right," says the bride.

Since all of Kerri's bridesmaids were her sisters, the bridal party spent quality family time while getting ready for the celebration.

Kerri spotted her Casablanca wedding dress at a local boutique and immediately knew that it was the one; its price tag only reaffirmed this (it was majorly on sale!). She accesorized her voluminous ball gown with a headpiece, an heirloom given to her by her mother-in-law. For her "something blue," she wore her Grandma Naomi's turquoise ring.

Both of the couple's wedding bands were purchased at Mark Samuel Jewelers;each matched their individual personalities. Kerri went for something subtle to match her dainty engagement ring, while Bravion opted for a bold, braided design.

Kerri knew she wanted to be comfortable and present during the ceremony, so she slipped into a pair of glittery slippers for her walk down the aisle (she wasn't going to risk a fall, either!). She was up for the high-heel challenge during the reception, though—she changed into a pair of see-through Jessica Rich Collection pumps right before the festivities began.

Kerri embraced the all-white bridesmaid dress trend fully. Her sisters all donned matching, halter-neck gowns from David's Bridal.

Bravion wanted a one-of-a-kind big-day ensemble, so he had a burgundy velvet suit custom-made by Connaisseur Paris. He finished off his look with a Chanel brooch and a pair of loafers from Saks Fifth Avenue. The groomsmen consisted of Bravion's best friends; they wore suits from Jos A. Bank.

The flower girls matched the bridesmaids in white. They accessorized their sweet dresses with beribboned flower crowns.

Kerri's father escorted her down the aisle to Brian McKnight's "Never Felt This Way." Bravion was overcome by his bride's beauty, he says.

Kerri and Bravion's officiant, Quintin Draper—he's one of the groom's close friend—calmed their nerves before they recited their handwritten vows.

Thanks to the garden backdrop, the couple's portraits were beautifully verdant. They had fun looking for special, photo-worthy nooks throughout the lush property.

The reception—which was designed and executed by Belle Decor—reflected both the bride and groom's personal styles. "I love the calm and romantic feel of all-white and Bravion loves bold, luxurious colors, so he chose a velvety red and golds. Those combinations spoke to both of our personalities and also led to an elegant, dreamy feel." White tablecloths, gold chairs, and rose centerpieces brought this joint vision to life.

A sparkly gold runner highlighted the centerpieces' brass vessels; floating votive candles imbued the reception space with romance.

Kerri and Bravion couldn't pick just one song for their first dance, so they danced to a medley of Piles' "Rock," along with Daniel Caesar's "All I Need, Miguel" and "Skywalker."

The duo's Delicious Cakes five-tier (a mix of almond, raspberry, and strawberry flavors) fit the romantic and luxurious theme of the day. The gold-encrusted tiers matched the runners on the tabletops, while a red rose topper nodded to the event's floral palette.

At the end of the night, Kerri and Bravion hopped into their getaway car completely spent. Shortly after the bgi day, they traveled to Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand for their honeymoon.

As for the duo's best advice to couples currently planning their wedding? "I learned that the little touches make the difference in the final outcome," says Kerri.

Photography, Pharris Photography
Venue, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Flowers, design, lighting, and rentals, Belle Decor
Catering, Gil's Catering
Officiant, Quintin Draper
Stationery, Minted
Cake, Delicious Cakes
Music, DJ Bowtie
Bride's gown, Casablanca
Bride's accessories, Jessica Rich Collection
Hair, Tony Harper (men's), Keisha Gardner & Kelisha Rose (women's)
Makeup, Jamie Dionne
Bridesmaids' dresses, David's Bridal
Groom's suit, Connaisseur Paris
Groom's accessories, Chanel (brooch), Saks Fifth Avenue (shoes)
Menswear, Jos A. Bank