By Caleb Sigmon| Photo by Brett Seay
Wedding Date Nov. 4, 2022
Occupations Phillip is a business consultant at Tata Consultancy Services and Rachel teaches art at Cary High School.
Crossed Paths Rachel and Phillip grew up in Lake Mary, Florida, where they met in high school. After knowing each other for 16 years, the pair came to realize that there was more than friendship between them. In March 2021, Rachel came to visit Phillip in Durham, and they had their first date at Plum Southern Kitchen & Bar.
The Proposal The couple were visiting Rachel’s family in Pensacola, Florida, on Thanksgiving Day last year. Phillip says it was a “gorgeous sunny morning,” and they were on a pier talking about how happy they were. “Do you know what would make me even happier?” Phillip asked as he knelt down to propose. After a moment of shock, Rachel responded: “Are you serious? Of course I will!”
Now, “I Do” The couple will host their rehearsal dinner at Mateo Bar de Tapas, and wedding ceremony and reception, catered by Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, at The Rickhouse – across the street from where the pair had their first date. Allyson’s Chair will handle makeup and hair, and DJ Gemynii will supply the tunes. Rachel and Phillip plan to remain in their Old North Durham neighborhood, where they enjoy gardening, cooking and entertaining, and spending time with their cat, Watson.
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