What’s up, y’all! 

Man, we haven’t chatted here in a minute! I feel like a stranger on my own blog…crazy, right? The holidays and start of the year were an insanely busy time for me, and while I made sure to stay connected with y’all and keep things poppin’ over on the ‘gram, my blog has really suffered. I just didn’t have time to create, and I honestly felt a little uninspired. Y’all understand, right? A girl was WORKING! But sis is back now, with sooo many updates to share. 

I recently did a brainstorm on my Instagram Stories asking you guys what you wanted to see up on MelissaChanel.com, and the answer that appeared most frequently was a wedding update! No surprise there; we recently broke the internet in January with our engagement photos. Haven’t seen them? Pop on over to my Instagram and get your ENTIRE life. I fall in love a little more every time I look at them! Since I love y’all so much, here are a few exclusives that I haven’t shared on the ‘gram. 

First, I want to talk a little bit about the engagement session with Charlotte’s best photographer, Brandon Grate. Y’all already know Brandon is my family, so we both wanted this shoot to be very special for both of us. He and I had a few brainstorm sessions, but nothing really stuck until we finally decided on The Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC. We’d threw the idea around before, but this time it really lit us up! I talked to Isa about it and he loved the idea as well. We called, got everything scheduled, and then the fun part began…finding outfits! 

I knew Isa and I needed to match in some dope kicks (because that’s what we do), but we also wanted to switch it up and give you guys a little Regal Mel and Isa. Using Jay Z and Beyonce as our inspiration, I really think we pulled it off. I’ve been really obsessed with the hunter green color and after seeing this dress on Shop FKSP’s Instagram I knew it was THE one. Isa and I searched around Charlotte and found him a nice black Perry Ellis suit on sale, as well as his Ralph Lauren tan coat. Thank God for holiday sales! The rest of our matching look was straight from our closet. We purchased our Yeezy’s last year, and you can never go wrong with a black turtle neck and black denim. The photos really came to life through Brandon’s lens, and he made it an awesome experience for both of us. He gave us direction and made us feel comfortable, as always! 

Okay, now for the updates!  

I’m actually really proud of myself. As many of you know, for my day job I’m the Communications Manager for Cantu Beauty, and that involves tons of travel! We usually start busy season around April, so I knew I wanted to get everything done by March. 

I’m super proud to say that everything below has been BOOKED! 

The Venue 

Loray Mill

*Now this is where the drama comes. If you follow me on Instagram you know that the original plan was to have our wedding at Noah’s Event Venue. Well, they went bankrupt and we had already paid them a little over $3,000 to lock in our space. DRAMA. I was stressed for a while, but Isa told me he could see our vision coming to life at Loray Mill so that’s where we’re getting married. P.S. – We we’re able to get our money back THANK GOD! If you’re a engaged call and get wedding insurance right now. You can thank me later.

Decor 

Sweet Dreams Event Decor & Design

*I’m so excited to be working with my prophyte for my Big Day! (Shout out to Delta Sigma Theta!)

Save the Dates and Invites 

KolorMeKoby 

*My super creative friend Melissa has literally saved my life with her designs. She’s the best. I promise we’re sending out save the dates this week.

Photographer & Photo Booth 

Samantha Clarke Photography

*She was a recommendation that came highly praised by Brandon, so I’m excited to create magic with Samantha on our Big Day.

DJ DDubb

*My guy! He’s going to take me back to the legion at FMU (Francis Marion University) I know. We’re all so ready to party! 

Our Videographer, Bridal Portraits, Makeup, MY DRESS, cake, and Caterer have also been locked in! 

Y’all, it’s March and I have all that done! Considering all I’ve had going on over in my professional life, I can’t believe how much progress I’ve been able to make with wedding deets. It’s been a lot, but I’m rocking it! 

Next up on my list is finding Isa’s ring, and other little details that seem to keep sneaking up on me. I’m so so so proud of myself and a lot of these items are almost paid in full, ALL from money from my side gig (blogging). God is good! 

We aren’t having a bridal party, so thankfully I really don’t have much to worry about much on that front. It’ll just be myself, Isa, and my beautiful bonus daughter Ryleigh, who has already let me know she wants to be the ONLY flower girl, LOL. We’ll have about 150-160 guests; we’re keeping it small for budget purposes. 

I think those are all the updates I have as of right now! I can’t wait to WOW Isa with my dress. I want him to be like “Damnnnnn, that’s MY whole wife!” LOL.

Of course, I’ll be popping back in to share everything with you guys leading up to my special day. From Bachelorette, to rings, and any other updates I can think of. When I get them, so will you! Of course there will be more to come on my Instagram, too.

I hope you guys enjoyed this update! My stress levels are up 100%, but having you guys celebrating this new stage in my life makes it all so much more enjoyable. I just hope that now you fully understand why your girl has been MIA on the blog!

Until next time,