Before their first kiss, the couple jumped the broom. “We felt a powerful connection to the generations of love and resilience that came before us,” Taylor says. “It was a beautiful reminder that our story is part of something much larger.”
In September 2022, Aaron Cleveland planned a fairy-tale proposal for Taylor Alston in Lake Como, Italy. The two had met in Chicago a few years prior; despite attending neighboring colleges in Atlanta and running in the same circles for years, their paths didn’t officially intertwine until 2021. “Lake Como had been on my bucket list for quite some time; it’s one of the most breathtaking places in the world,” Taylor says. “On a boat, surrounded by the incredible beauty of the lake and mountains, Aaron got down on one knee. It was an intimate and magical moment that we’ll cherish forever.”
Upon their return home, they only toured one wedding venue and knew instantly it was the one. “From the moment we stepped onto the grounds at Armour House, we knew it was meant to be: It transported us back to the enchanting villas of Lake Como,” Taylor says. “The timeless elegance, lush gardens and Europeaninspired architecture perfectly captured the essence of that unforgettable moment.”
They doubled down on the villa vibes with Bridgerton-inspired decor. “We wanted our wedding to feel like stepping into a beautiful, timeless love story filled with lush florals, ornate details and a sense of classic charm,” Taylor says. “The regency-inspired decor, opulent touches and candlelit tables set the perfect atmosphere for our day. It was all about creating a setting that felt both magical and intimate, where every detail reflected the joy and romance of our journey.”
They exchanged personal vows in private before the outdoor ceremony, which included the meaningful tradition of jumping the broom. “The custom is deeply rooted in African American heritage; it’s a nod to our ancestors who, despite not being legally allowed to marry, found ways to honor their unions and declare their love,” Taylor says. “For us, jumping the broom symbolizes sweeping away the old to make way for our new life together.”
At the reception inside, the most special memories were made on the dance floor. The bride’s brother-in-law sang vocals for the newlyweds’ first dance, then Taylor shared a heartfelt and nontraditional dance with her mom. Finally, her Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters serenaded her on the dance floor and then got up to stroll, a moment that went viral on social media. Each special moment added to the immense joy of the day.
And just as their wedding journey began on a boat, it ended on one, too. After the wedding, Taylor and Aaron flew to Corfu, Greece, for their honeymoon. “The highlight of the trip was renting a boat for the day, which you can do in Corfu without a license—a unique experience that felt both spontaneous and exhilarating,” Taylor says. “We spent hours cruising the stunning coastline and discovering hidden beaches, just the two of us, surrounded by the endless blue sea. It was the perfect way to celebrate our new beginning.”
Taylor paired her dress with a pair of sparkling Amina Muaddi heels.
Bridesmaids wore Champagne-hued Meshki dresses.
The couple commissioned a painting of their venue from Ansley’s Art and incorporated it into the invitation suite.
Taylor’s long-sleeve lace wedding gown featured a tulle overskirt that added drama.
“The inspiration behind our wedding theme came from our love of the elegance and romance of Bridgerton,” Taylor says.
During the outdoor ceremony, live string music added to the romantic vibe.
THE LIST
Venue Armour House, Lake Forest, armourhousecatering.sodexomyway.com Wedding Planner Charlene Johnson, C2Detail Events, c2detailevents.com
Bride’s Dresses Ceremony: Zuhair Murad, Dimitra’s Bridal Couture, dimitrasbridal.com; Reception: Galia Lahav, galialahav.com Bride’s Shoes Amina Muaddi, aminamuaddi.com
Bride’s Jewelry Jennifer Behr, jenniferbehr.com Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Hair By Lani, hairbylani.com; Makeup: Paulo Arroyo, instagram.com/getdown_lolo Groom’s Tux Suitsupply,
suitsupply.comGrooming Tyshon Edmond, instagram.com/ty_boulevardierRings Hers: Universal Diamonds, universaldiamond.com; His: David Yurman, davidyurman.com
Bridesmaids’ Dresses Meshki, meshki.usFlorals & Decor Yanni Design Studio, yannidesignstudio.com Invitations Fiore Press, fiorepress.com; Artwork, Ansley’s Art, ansleysart.com
Place Cards Calligraphy by CT, calligraphybyct.comCake Toni Patisserie & Café, tonipatisserie.com Linens BBJ La Tavola, bbjlatavola.comEntertainment DJ Shurn, instagram.com/djshurn
Accommodations Deer Path Inn, thedeerpathinn.comPhoto Booth ShutterBooth, shutterbooth.com Videography Killer Creations, killercreations.com
Photography by: Arielle Teft
