Wilmington’s Immaculate Heart of Mary and The Waterfall Banquet venue create a stunning combination that exudes beauty throughout Tabitha and Mark’s wedding day. The couple chose a color palette consisting of shades of blue, white, and gold accents, which perfectly complemented the setting at The Waterfall.

Tabitha and Mark’s journey began in April 2020 when they first met. After just a day of talking, they felt an instant connection and decided to meet in person. Living about an hour apart, they chose a random park as their meeting point. To their delight, the park turned out to be a wonderful location. They strolled along the trails, sharing stories about their lives, accomplishments, and dreams. The first date went so well that they couldn’t wait to tell their friends and family about each other.

Now, let’s dive into the proposal!

“On the day of the proposal, we had planned to visit Longwood Gardens before heading to Mark’s parent’s house for a family dinner. Mark had made lunch reservations at the 1906 restaurant on the garden grounds, and we enjoyed an intimate and delightful meal together. Afterward, Mark took Tabitha to the restaurant’s patio to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding garden. When Tabitha least expected it, Mark got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. To make the moment even more special, he had arranged for the server to capture the proposal on video. The restaurant even surprised us with complimentary glasses of champagne. It was a truly magical experience!

We continued to explore the gardens for a while before heading home to change for dinner with Mark’s family. To Tabitha’s astonishment, their home was adorned with flowers, and both families were there to celebrate their engagement. Mark had even flown in Tabitha’s mom, stepdad, and sister from Tennessee to be part of the surprise. Later in the evening, their friends joined them for an unexpected engagement party, making it a truly unforgettable day.”

Let’s talk about Tabitha and Mark’s vision for their wedding.

Tabitha describes their wedding as a celebration filled with tradition, love, and fun. Inspired by Mark’s favorite color, blue (which has also become their go-to color for home decor), and Tabitha’s affection for gold, they curated a beautifully coordinated design for their special day. The couple found many of their vendors on The Knot and drew inspiration from sources like Brides.com, Pinterest, and Jomie Wolfer‘s YouTube channel.

Tabitha has some advice for other brides-to-be…

Tabitha urges future brides to give themselves more time when planning their wedding. She reveals that no one tells you about the multitude of decisions that need to be made. Initially, Tabitha was thrilled and enjoyed the planning process. However, with the added pressure of working full-time, planning became a significant stressor. Reflecting on their 10-month engagement, she wishes they had allowed themselves more time to save money and spread out the planning process. She suggests a minimum of 12 months but honestly encourages even more time. Tabitha acknowledges their excitement and eagerness to tie the knot but advises other couples to be mindful of giving themselves ample time for a smoother planning experience.

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Vendor Team

Planner: Hannah Belle Events
Photography: Christopher Ginn Studios
DJ: Toussaint Productions
Ceremony Musician: Kevin McCove
Ceremony Venue: Immaculate Heart of Mary
Reception Venue: The Waterfall Banquets
Hotel: Sheraton Suites Wilmington
Baker: The Master’s Baker
Florist: Ron Eastburn’s
Hair and Makeup: True Beauty Marks
Seamstress: Sophisticated Fits
Wedding Party Shuttle: Delaware Limo