Charlitta and Mark met in highschool in 1999. Mark had just moved to Charlotte from Louisville, KY during his sophomore year and wasn't looking forward to leaving his school and making new friends. "I played football and started to meet people and things started to look up, especially when I met Charlitta. Charlitta was a high-energetic girl with glasses who seemed to know everybody and thought she knew everything," recalled Mark. The two hit it off instantly and became fast friends. "Mark and I became instant best friends. I think I called us best friends but all my friends and family knew that he was probably my 1st real crush," said Charlitta. Charlitta and Mark were inseparable throughout high school, but as senior year came to a close Mark and Charlitta would find themselves away from their family and each other for the first time. Although the two tried to keep in touch while they both attended different colleges, they eventually drifted apart. However as fate would have it, in 2012, the two would reconnect for Mark's birthday and share an intimate dinner that would solidify their bond forever. "It was like we didn't miss a beat. I would never admit it to anyone out loud, but I did miss her. It was just like when we first met in High School," said Mark. The high school sweethearts celebrated their union with a romantic black and white themed wedding. Check out their special day captured by Tim Hines Photography !
Bride: Charlitta Crowder Hatch, 31, Technology Manager
Groom: Mark Emmett Hatch, 31, Disability Case Manager
Place of residence: Charlotte, NC
Wedding date: 4/4/15
Wedding location: Charlotte, NC
Wedding theme: Black and white damask with candles
Honeymoon Destination: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Engagement story {From the Groom}:
With the help of Charlitta's Matron of Honor and Bridesmaid, we pulled off her "surprise" birthday party which she still tried to control. (crazy!) The biggest surprise is that I wasn't proposing to her then because I knew that she was expecting it. This was something that I knew I would do for her on my own time and when I was ready. I got her good. She had no clue that I would propose to her at the 4th Annual Back to School Summit that she coordinates with her friends. Charlitta was speechless for one of the few times in her life and the look on her face and the excitement in her eyes, I knew that I had taken the right step to marry my best friend.
From the Groom:
I have always loved Charlitta and I often tell her that I was too young to understand it. Seeing her walk down the aisle felt so right to me. I knew that I would always love and protect her for the rest of our lives.
The couple's most memorable moment:
We wrote and said our own vows. It was a special moment for us because it was one of the few surprise elements that we had it was so heartfelt. The promises that we made to each other were unique to us and we will both always remember that moment before God and before our family and friends.
From the Bride:
I felt so overwhelmed with love. It was truly an experience that I have never had before. I honestly felt that I wasn’t there and that my dreams as a young high school girl was really coming true. I just couldn’t (and still can’t) believe that this was my life.
Favorite wedding detail:
Everything! We had a beautifully decorated ceremony and reception with an exquisite view of our home city, Charlotte, NC. I think most of our guests enjoyed the photobooth which we used as the favor. We had an excellent deejay and people danced all night
Wedding song:
"For the Rest of My Life," by Robin Thicke and Tamar Braxton; We felt this beautiful song depicted our love story and commitment to one another.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
We are most looking forward to growing our friendship and family!
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Before you walk into the reception, find a moment to sneak away just the 2 of you and bask in the moment of being married.
Congratulations to Charlitta and Mark! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!
Vendors:
Photographer: Tim Hines Photography
Ceremony location:Chappell Memorial Baptist Church
Reception location: Roof with a View
Bridal gown: Winnie Couture
Groom’s tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Rhonda Tate Cakes
Caterer: Heaven Sent Catering
Favors: Shoebox Photobooth
Wedding planners & floral: Events without a Hitch
Music: QC Weddings with Deejay Phillingood;
Soloists Donnell Hendrix and Raven McCarter
Hair and makeup: 33 Fingers Salon
and Essence Make-up
Stationery: Designs by Ashley L. Washington
Choreography: by Wanda Nelson and Nadja Hendrix
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink