Welcome Brunch

Rehearsal Dinner and a Movie

Wedding Day

The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett

Ceremony

Chateau1870

Reception

After Party at Goldrush

Farewell Excursions

Our Wedding

Plot Twist

Our story actually started decades before either of us realized it. Marcel and I technically met in the fifth grade. We just didn't know it would matter one day.Years later, after moving in together and sorting through old keepsakes, I stumbled across our fifth-grade class picture. There I was...standing directly behind Marcel. The irony? He was wearing a green shirt, and green just so happens to be one of our wedding colors. Looking back now, it feels like God was leaving little breadcrumbs long before either of us knew where the path would lead.Over the years, we'd cross paths every now and then. We'd exchange a message here, catch up briefly there, but we never really looked at each other as anything more than familiar faces. That changed when I was pursuing my degree and needed clinical hours to become a mental health therapist. Marcel volunteered to help me by participating in one of my sessions. Ironically, that experience helped me realize I probably wasn't meant to be a therapist after all! But it did give us another reason to stay connected. Not long after, I convinced myself I was serious about getting in shape. Marcel, a Navy veteran, sparring boxer, and someone who even had the opportunity to train in Japan, offered to help me. Naturally, I thought, "He's about to have me looking GOOD!" Life, however, had other plans. Between our busy schedules, our workout plans never actually happened. We'd send the occasional DM, promise to meet up, and...nothing. Then came July 2024.This time, our conversations had intention behind them. We finally made plans to meet...for a workout.Except we never worked out. We ended up at Dairy Queen instead. Honestly, that might've been the best workout plan that never happened because from that day forward, we saw each other every single day. What made our relationship so special was how naturally it unfolded. There were no games, no situationship, no pressure—just two people genuinely enjoying each other's company and building a friendship first. We laughed, explored, talked for hours, and simply did life together. On October 9, Marcel asked me to be his girlfriend, and I was completely caught off guard. I honestly had no idea he even liked me that way because we'd become such good friends. Of course, I immediately kissed him...then asked if we could celebrate our anniversary on October 10 instead because, let's be honest, 10/10 just sounded cooler. Thankfully, he agreed. Since then, we've built a love rooted in friendship, faith, trust, laughter, and choosing each other every single day. We've made countless memories, overcome challenges together, and discovered that the kind of love we once thought only existed in movies is, in fact, very real. Looking back, it's amazing to think that two fifth graders standing inches apart in a class picture had no idea they were next to their future spouse. God knew.He was writing our story long before we ever read the first chapter. On April 27, 2026, we decided to elope. We wanted our union to remain sacred, intimate, and free from outside expectations or judgment so that the moment could simply be about us and the covenant we were making before God. Ironically, once we realized just how special and intimate the experience was, we couldn't help but want to share it with the people we love. So, in true Marcel and Symone fashion, we pivoted! We quickly reached out to our family and friends and invited anyone who could move on a moment's notice to come watch us get hitched. To our surprise, so many people adjusted their schedules, showed up with love in their hearts, and made an already unforgettable day even more meaningful. I never needed a formal proposal or an engagement ring to say "yes" because, to me, choosing each other every day was always what mattered most. But Marcel had other plans. Without me knowing, he quietly slipped away and picked out the most beautiful ring. Then, during our wedding ceremony, he surprised me at the altar during the ring exchange. The moment I realized what he had done...the waterworks came. It was one of the sweetest surprises of my life and a reminder that this man has a beautiful way of loving me in ways I never expect. Today, we're incredibly grateful to call each other husband and wife. Our prayer is that our marriage continues to reflect God's love, purpose, and grace as we build a life filled with faith, laughter, adventure, and service. Thank you for being part of our story—we're so excited to continue this journey together as The Thompsons.With love,Marcel &amp; Symone Thompson

We Were Standing Together All Along

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

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All Black Black-Tie Attire 🖤We are excited to celebrate with you in timeless, sophisticated style! Our wedding will feature an elegant all-black, black-tie dress code, creating a classic and cohesive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.We kindly ask that all guests wear true all black attire. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear a well-tailored suit or formal black-tie ensemble (a tuxedo is not required), and ladies are invited to wear an elegant black gown or formal outfit that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and polished.Statement shoes are welcome as a fun way to express your personal style. To help bring our vision to life, we kindly ask that you avoid charcoal, gray, navy, brown, or other variations of black.Thank you for honoring our vision and helping us create the timeless, elegant celebration we've always imagined. We can't wait to celebrate with you!With love,The Thompsons 🖤

Symone & Marcel

Symone & Marcel

S&M