Jacksonville Magazine, September/October 2020, Best In Jacksonville

Special Edition: Best in BRIDE 2020 Readers Poll Winners

including:

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILES

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Words by Emily Gilmore // Photos by Monika Gauthier Photography

TOPE & ERIC November 16, 2019

W

hen Tope Leyimu relocated to South Carolina to work for a law firm, she needed a little bit of convincing that it was the place for her. But the charm of Charleston soon won her over, as did the charm of the man she met there.

Tope met Eric Stallings after walking into her favorite coffee spot and they hit it off immediately. “I found him to be a refreshingly sweet spirit with the warmest smile. We had a great time chatting and he walked me to my car when we both left,” Tope reminisces. The two spent a great deal of time together as friends before falling deeply in love.

When Eric proposed, Charleston was at the center of their relationship once again. He convinced Tope to come and have brunch with him, since it was such a beautiful day. Brunch turned into grabbing a bottle of wine and joining their friends for a photo tour of the city. As one of their friends was taking pictures of the couple, a crowd of their friends carrying balloons emerged from behind them. When Tope turned back to Eric the real mission of their outing was revealed. On one knee he asked her, “Will you marry me?”

“It was a lovely, perfect, unassuming moment that incorporated the elements of our favorite kinds of days together,” says Tope.

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER: Monika Gauthier Photography • CEREMONY & RECEPTION LOCATION: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens WEDDING PLANNER/COORDINATOR: Daughters Flower Shop • BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Le Trend Boutique • GROOM’S ATTIRE: Jos A. Bank HAIR: Angel Delicia • MAKEUP: Kimmy’s Touch • CAKE / BAKERY: Biscotti’s • FLOWERS: Daughters Flower Shop • INVITATIONS: MInted CATERING, BAR SERVICE & RENTALS: Cummer Museum–Chef’s Garden • LIVE MUSIC: Tranquility & the Brown Suga Band • DJ: DJ Natty Heavy

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