Congratulations are in order for Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole 35, and Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks CEO, Derrick Hayes 36, who tied the knot over the weekend.
According to People, the wedding took place on June 10th at the St. Regis in Atlanta, Georgia.
“It’s a fairytale, a Cinderella wedding,” Cole tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Just the other day, my mother saw me in my dress for the first time, and I never thought I would see myself in a wedding dress. It’s a dream come true because I’m doing something that no one in my family has ever done. To be the first to have a wedding is a big deal. I’m breaking generational patterns and creating a new one.”
The couple first met on June 8th, 2020, at Sunflower Cafe in Atlanta, Georgia, for a business meeting.
“We talked about politics and connected as friends from there on,” recalls Cole. After falling in love, Hayes popped the question on June 2, 2022.
“Becoming husband and wife means everything to me because I can finally share myself with someone and become a union,” Hayes told PEOPLE ahead of the couple’s nuptials. “I’m looking forward to it because it allows me to raise my kids in an environment I want to see them in. I believe everyone wants to be happy, and I’m seeing that true happiness come into my life.”
Gospel musician Tasha Cobbs Leonard kicked off the ceremony with a praise and worship melody. Then, as the doors opened, Cole walked down the aisle in a custom “masterpiece” by premium lifestyle brand Milano di Rouge to Cobbs Leonard’s special rendition of “Looks Like We Made It.”
The strapless mermaid-style gown took four months to design and featured a plunging deep-V sweetheart neckline and back with layered Alencon beaded lace over a luxury beaded mesh silk. The skirt included six layers of tulle and hand-sewn crystal rhinestones, plus. a Chapel train, with a detachable Cathedral train, and a Cathedral-style veil.
“Milano Di Rouge had never designed a wedding dress before,” says Milan Harris, Founder of Milano Di Rouge. “We didn’t know how we were going to make it happen, but we knew we were going to do whatever it took to design the perfect dress for Pinky. It was important to us to create an experience that allowed Pinky to see more than a sketch or design. To bring the dress to life, we made sure to include Pinky’s face and skin tone on the model in Photoshop so she could visualize herself in the dress.”
Hayes opted for a custom-made mauve tux by Miguel Wilson.
“I love [Derrick’s] confidence and cockiness,” says Coles of her husband. “He has the biggest confidence in the room, and I thought it couldn’t get any bigger than me, but I’ve met my match. He’s very sure of himself and believes in himself even when others don’t.”
The pair, who are parents to daughter D Ella, 1, and son Derrick Hayes Jr., 11 months, (Hayes is also dad to daughters Denver, 7, and Dallas, 9, exchanged personal vows in front of 300 guests before Cole changed into her second look, a dress from Bridals by Lori to celebrate at their reception.
Décor at the luxurious affair included an oval fringe design on the ceilings along with regal chandeliers, plus lush florals in shades of mauve, blush and ivory.
The place settings featured ombre chargers with gold and ivory China, blush stemware, and acrylic and gold flatware.
Check out the stunning details:
“This wedding is a dream come true,” says Hayes. “It will be a day of love for so many. It will connect people who may have had hardship in their own relationships, friendships, and family and will bring everyone together.”
