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Charles & Lakeisha Newkirk – Late Summer Wedding

Charles and Lakeisha’s boho chic beach wedding at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City, NC, photographed by True Essence Photography.

July 23, 2026 · 5 min read
By Dontavious

Crystal Coast Civic Center Wedding: Charles & Lakeisha​

Morehead City, North Carolina Wedding

Lakeisha and Charles’ wedding was a breathtaking celebration of love. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the beach at The Crystal Coast Civic Center in North Carolina. Their fall boho chic wedding, infused with warmth and elegance, perfectly reflected their unique style and deep connection. As the day unfolded, it became clear that this was not just a union of two people but a heartfelt gathering of family and friends, each moment more touching than the last.

Unforgettable Moments from Lakeisha & Charles’ Wedding

Charles & Lakeisha’s wedding was filled with unforgettable moments that truly captured the essence of their love story. The ceremony, held outside The Crystal Coast Civic Center, was a stunning display of their fall boho chic theme, with pampas grass swaying gently in the ocean breeze. One of the most touching moments of the day was when Lakeisha’s father, Michael, walked his daughter down the aisle. Later, they shared a dance to The Temptations’ “My Girl,” a song that held deep sentimental value, as it was also the favorite song of Charles’ late father.

During the reception inside The Crystal Coast Civic Center, Charles’ mother, Mary Richardson, shared a heartfelt dance with her son. But perhaps the most emotional moment came when Charles’ two sons, Kyisem and Jashaun Newkirk, sang to their father. This father-son moment was a tribute to those who could not be there, and it was profoundly moving when the eldest son broke down in tears during the performance. It was a raw, beautiful expression of love and remembrance, captured perfectly against the serene beach backdrop of their Crystal Coast Civic Center wedding.

A Special Tribute to Charles Late Father

The reception celebrated love and life, filled with surprises that made Lakeisha and Charles’ wedding day even more memorable. One highlight was a video Lakeisha created to pay tribute to Charles’ late father, Charles Newkirk Sr. This surprise video was played during the reception and served as a powerful reminder that his father’s spirit was present, sharing in the joy of the day. This touching tribute added another layer of emotional depth to the wedding, making it a moment that Charles and everyone present will never forget.

Capturing the Candid Joy of Charles & Lakeisha Wedding

Lakeisha had one specific request for her wedding photography at The Crystal Coast Civic Center: while the standard wedding shots were a must, she wanted to ensure plenty of candid moments that captured the genuine joy and interactions between her, Charles, and their guests. At True Essence Photography, we took this request to heart, going above and beyond to capture the spontaneous laughter, the tender embraces, and the little moments of connection that made the day truly special. These candid shots reflect the authentic love that Lakeisha and Charles share. They are a beautiful reminder of the joy that filled every corner of their Crystal Coast Civic Center wedding.

Advice from Charles & Lakeisha to Future Couples

As Lakeisha and Charles reflected on their wedding day, they shared advice for future couples: “Communicate! No matter how hard it is to have certain conversations, do it when it’s hard, do it when you’re scared. Before anyone else, make sure you communicate with your spouse first. And be ready to listen, actually hear, and understand what your partner is saying, then be ready to make any necessary adjustments.” This advice, born from their own experiences, is a testament to the firm foundation of their relationship, which was clearly evident throughout their boho-chic wedding at The Crystal Coast Civic Center.

Congratulations Lakeisha & Charles​

Congratulations to the lovely newlyweds, Charles & Lakeisha! Your wedding day at The Crystal Coast Civic Center was magical. It is filled with unforgettable moments and emotional tributes that genuinely capture the essence of your love. It was an honor to be a part of your special day and to witness the joy and connection you share with your families, from the candid interactions to the heartfelt dances and the touching tributes. Every moment was a testament to the deep bond you have built together. We at True Essence Photography are grateful to have had the opportunity to capture these beautiful memories, and we wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and continued communication. Cheers to you forever!

Behind the Scenes: Vendors Who Made Charles & Lakeisha Wedding Day Perfect

The success of Lakeisha and Charles’ wedding day was made possible by the incredible team of vendors who worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life:

  • Venue: The Crystal Coast Civic Center
  • Photography: True Essence Photography captures every candid moment and emotional tribute with love and precision.
  • Florist/Decorator: Rachel Sawyer sourced the perfect decor from Temu and Amazon to create the fall boho-chic ambiance.
  • Cake and Desserts: Nailah Turnage – Essential Edibles, crafting delicious treats that delight every guest.
  • DJ: Theo Lucas – DJ Theottis, setting the perfect mood with music that kept the celebration lively.
  • Hair: J’Sheri’ Hair Boss (IG) creates stunning hairstyles that complement the boho chic theme.
  • Makeup: Daysha Newton enhances the bride’s natural beauty and the party.
  • Catering: Antonio Phillips – Chef Phill served a feast everyone enjoyed.
  • Gown: Carolina Bridal World – Smithfield, NC, providing the breathtaking dress Lakeisha wore gracefully.
  • Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Chicsew, outfitting the bridal party in style.
  • Shoes: Badgley Mischka, adding the perfect finishing touch to Lakeisha’s ensemble.
  • Jewelry/Rings: Kay Jewelers symbolize Lakeisha and Charles’s eternal bond.
  • Men’s Attire: RichMenLooks (IG) for the groom’s tux and Men’s Warehouse for the groomsmen, ensuring the men looked their best.
  • Save the Dates/Invitations: Zola.com and Greenvelope.com, setting the tone for the wedding with beautiful designs.
  • Videography: D&M WiC Media Productions (Dennis & Michelle Brathwaite), capturing the day on film with care and expertise.
  • Officiant: Bobby Perkins, who led the ceremony with warmth and sincerity.
Groomsman in sunglasses walks down the steps at the reception entrance
Bride smiles in a strapless lace mermaid gown
Waterfront ceremony with the wedding party gathered by the water
Groom and groomsman in black and white tuxedos pose by a window
Guest in sunglasses walks in with a bridesmaid in red
Wedding guests seated and watching the ceremony
Groomsmen in black suits line up outdoors under a blue sky
Groom in a western hat dances with the bride under string lights
Couple embraces on a waterfront deck as guests watch
Bridesmaid in green walks with a groomsman during the processional
Groom in sunglasses and a white tuxedo jacket dances with friends
Guests seated outdoors watch the bride walk down the aisle
Father in a suit escorts the bride holding pampas grass flowers
Bridesmaid in rust orange walks with a groomsman outdoors
Groomsman in a green velvet jacket dances at the reception
Bride and groom in a cowboy hat enter the reception through a doorway
Bridal party in rust and emerald gowns on a waterfront pier
Groom in a white jacket and bride laugh with guests behind them
Bride with a boho bouquet walks in with her father
Guests seated in folding chairs outside a stone building
Guests watch the outdoor ceremony from their seats
Groom in a white jacket holds the bride close in warm light
Bridal party in rust and green gowns lines up along the waterfront
Wedding-Photographer-and-Cinematographer-Greenville-NC-True-Essence-Photography-821
Bridesmaid in emerald green walks down the aisle with a bouquet
Guests cheer as the couple dances by the water
Groom in a straw hat dances with the bride
Groomsman in sunglasses walks in with a bridesmaid in rust
Bride and groom with the officiant at the end of the pier
Groom in a hat dances with a guest in green
Bride and her father walk toward the ceremony
Bride and groom share their first dance in a white reception hall
Bridesmaids in green robes get ready together
Couple in red and black dances on the waterfront
Bridesmaid in a rust gown dances with a groomsman
Groom in a white jacket between two bridesmaids in rust
Groom in a white jacket and bride share a laugh during the ceremony
Groom and groomsman in green velvet jackets shake hands
Bride and groom walk back down the aisle on the pier
Groom in sunglasses laughs with groomsmen at the reception
Guests seated at the outdoor reception
Seated guests watch the ceremony
Guests stand as the wedding party arrives
Bridesmaids in rust orange gowns line up on a pier
Groomsmen in black and green line up on a pier under blue sky
Groomsman escorts a bridesmaid in rust orange at the reception
Groomsmen in black suits stand beside the water
Bride in a fitted lace gown poses by a sign
Bride with a boho bouquet and her father before the ceremony
Bride celebrates with guests in a bright reception room
Bride and groom exchange vows at a waterfront ceremony
Wedding party walks into the reception as guests watch
Groom in sunglasses and a white jacket dances with groomsmen
Wedding party in dark suits spreads out across the pier
Outdoor ceremony seating by the water as guests arrive
Groom in a cowboy hat and bride walk in to cheers
Guest in a red shirt dances with the bride
Bridesmaids in burgundy and orange gowns hold bouquets
Groom in a cowboy hat dances with guests
Groom in a white jacket and bride with guests at the ceremony
Bride in a lace gown stands in a sunlit stairwell
Bride and bridesmaids pose in front of a greenery wall
Groomsman escorts a bridesmaid in rust down the aisle
Groomsmen in black suits line up along the harbor
Guests smile in their seats at the outdoor ceremony
Father in sunglasses walks the bride down the aisle
Guest in a straw hat and blue suit dances under colored lights
Groomsman in a green velvet jacket smiles at the reception
Groom in a white jacket and black bow tie with eyes closed
Bride and groom at the end of a long pier with the wedding party on each side
Groom in a hat dances with guests across the reception floor
Groomsmen pose in a line on the harbor boardwalk
Guests gather around the couple on the reception floor
Bridal accessories and lace details on a table
Couple walks back up the aisle after the ceremony
Groom in a white jacket shakes hands with a groomsman by the water
Wedding-Photographer-and-Cinematographer-Greenville-NC-True-Essence-Photography-830
Groomsmen in black suits pose playfully on a waterfront pier
Groom embraces a guest at the reception
Bride and groom stand together in a sunlit stairwell
Groom in a white jacket holds the bride on a waterfront deck
Bridesmaid in rust walks in with a groomsman
Wedding party walks along a path toward the waterfront ceremony
Guests in colorful outfits walk along the waterfront
Groom in a white jacket smiles at the bride during the ceremony
Guests watch the couple enter the reception
Bride and groom in a cowboy hat celebrate their entrance
Bride's jeweled heels arranged with lace details
Bridesmaid in an emerald gown walks down the aisle
Guest in a plaid shirt and straw hat dances with the bride
Groom in a western hat dips the bride on the dance floor
Groomsman and bridesmaid in rust smile as they enter
Guest in sunglasses dances near the DJ booth
True Essence

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