Meeting for a brunch date after connecting on a dating app turned into a full-day affair for Brittany Daulton and Tay Bangura filled with “funny and honest conversation… and we’ve been hanging out ever since,” describes Brittany. Instantly smitten, Tay romantically describes his first date with Brittany as one of a kind: “I knew from the moment I met her; she was going to be my wife.”

Several years later while visiting Brittany’s family in her hometown of Indianapolis, Brittany and her beloved ventured off alone for, appropriately so, a brunch date. The couple found themselves strolling after their meal and enjoying the sights of the Indianapolis Artsgarden, where Tay asked Brittany to be his wife. “It was just us, and it was perfect,” she says. “Such a happy day!” 

Since the bride and groom are proud of the life they built together in Harlem, they were excited to plan their wedding celebration at local venues, so loved ones could experience some of their favorite sites. They opted to host a welcome party at the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel – next door to the historic Apollo Theater, the ceremony and reception at the Harlem Parish, both just a few blocks from their apartment, in addition to their farewell brunch on the private rooftop of their home. “We love that we can walk by these places on any given day and be reminded of the joyous weekend with our families and friends,” shares Brittany of their thoughtful choice of locations.

Planning their nuptials was fairly seamless as the bride is an event producer; however, in her position, she is typically behind the scenes, ensuring everything is working out as arranged. “The most difficult part for me about the task of wedding planning was letting go of the control,” she admits, “including the stress and the planning right up until the moment when everyone was in town and it was time for the events to begin.” 

“It was truly the best day of our lives.”

The ceremony décor was kept to a minimum, as the architecture and rich history of the space was already beautiful on its own. “We just brought in gorgeous flowers to accentuate the space and let the building really speak for itself,” illustrates the bride. Brittany stunned the crowd wearing an elegant strapless gown paired with long white gloves, and carrying a timeless bouquet of anthuriums, roses, lilies of the valley, and feminine cascading orchids. 

As attendees entered the reception area of the venue, they were met with a welcome table that included a guest sign-in book and vintage paintings and photos of the bride’s late grandmother and older cousin, both of whom were very special to her. “It was as if they were welcoming our guests and were part of the day,” tells Brittany of the sentimental element. 

The room was bedecked in primarily all white, with a classic tablescape design arranged at each guest table, boasting collections of fresh vanilla florals intermingled with charcoal details, as well as gilt accents including charger plates and fancy flatware. Before loved ones found their seats at grey-hued Ghost chairs to enjoy a sit-down supper, the newlyweds took to the dance floor for their first dance. 

“Since my husband is originally from Sierra Leone, Africa, it was very important that we included everyone in our first dance, as it is a way for all family and friends to dance together going into this next chapter of life,” describes Brittany of the cultural tradition that continues to be a favorite memory of hers. They remained on the dance floor for much of the night dancing to Afrobeats, old school and new school, and more. “It was a nice mix for our guests of all ages and generations!” says the new missus. 

As they reveled in the joy of the day, Brittany felt so grateful. “It was truly the best day of our lives,” she expresses. “Whether it is a very small intimate ceremony, or a big blow-out celebration, I would just remind all brides and grooms to really intentionally enjoy the day. It is completely overwhelming but so full of love, and you will want to remember the love!”

This real wedding was originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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