Dillard was dressed in a custom-made gown by Karen Sabag. The theme of their big day was a “cosmopolitan sophistication with a touch of southern class”— had 260 guests in attendance, including a few of Dillard’s RHOP co-stars.
“Candiace’s wedding reminded me of a Parisian fairy tale overflowing in gold and white. When she walked down the aisle you forgot about the beauty of the room because she was absolutely radiant,” a source told PEOPLE.
Despite having wedding planning drama, Dillard admits all of it has made her a stronger.
“It’s helped me find my voice within my family unit and within myself,” Dillard told PEOPLE before the big day. “I’ve have to take ownership over what I believe and what I feel is mine. It’s my right to want what I want and have what I have on my wedding day. And to not have to explain that to anyone.”
“I just feel so much more comfortable in my skin and unapologetic about everything,” she added. “You don’t have to like her. She’s here, she’s sick. Enjoy her. Or don’t, but that’s my prerogative. I can’t apologize for being myself.”
Dillard said that she always dreamed of having a big wedding.
“Getting married is almost too much of a big deal for southern women,” she joked. “We’re planning our weddings when we come out of the womb. I had thoughts in my head of what I wanted my wedding to look like when I was like, 12. Being able to plan it now, it’s just a culmination of all of the ideas I had as a little girl.”
The Bravo reality star wanted to have the wedding in D.C. to pay homage to the beginning of her relationship with Bassett. “It’ll be a wonderful, full-circle moment.”
Putting couple’s relationship on display for the world wasn’t an easy decision at first, especially considering the critiques Dillard knew would come their way because of their races. Still, she wanted to be a positive example.
“I’m big on living your truth and liberating others through that truth,” she told PEOPLE. “I would get crazy Facebook messages from black women asking, ‘I’m considering dating outside my race. What is it like dating a white guy?’ So I was hoping I’d be able to normalize interracial dating and interracial love. And to and show, that even though Chris is not black, it still can be seen as a form of black love. Because as a black woman, who will have black children, I will be imposing my black girl magic on my family.”
Dillard isn’t sure just yet if she wants to explore having kids of her own.
“I literally don’t know,” the Prima Hair Collection owner said, teasing. “I always thought I wanted kids, but that was before I realized I had to grow it and keep it forever. You can’t give them back! You have to keep them for the rest of your life. And they’re always there and calling and they’re hungry. You got to feed them and make sure they’re not a——- when they grow up. That’s a lot of responsibility!”
Photo Credit: Bravo
