Tickets ON SALE NOW!

Tickets are available NOW! Concert hosted by @dwoodyd! Featuring @KimBurrellLove & @wessmorgan! http://t.co/hRLAUF7X http://t.co/vkMEAmzP -- The Blessed Bride (@theblessedbride)

Featured Love :: Joshua & Melissa Demski

Joshua & Melissa Demski

The greatest thing in life is to love and to be loved in return. ♥

- a favorite quote from Melissa Demski

I am truly elated to feature Joshua and Melissa Demski!  Melissa and I had the pleasure to become friends while working together years ago.  She is truly a one-of-a-kind gal!  With radiant beauty and outrageous wit, Joshua is one lucky guy to have such an awesome woman to call his wife! 

I absolutely love their story!  From the beginning, it seems as Melissa and Joshua were meant to be Mr. and Mrs. Demski!

How They Met

Melissa and Joshua met in high school where she was on the dance team and he was captain of the basketball team. Melissa could not resist Joshua’s wit and charm. Joshua could not resist Melissa’s intellect, nor her remarkable dance moves. :)  Dating for 12 years and they have been through a lot in life. They have come through each experience stronger and more in love with each other.



Melissa's side of the story

It all began in 1999 when I was a sophomore in high school! Josh and I had aerobics class together where one of his friends introduced us. However, we officially met when I was in kindergarden! Josh was good friends with my neighbors and the boys would pick on us. We thought they had cooties and stayed away! Fast forward 10 years later and the rest is history. From our first kiss at the homecoming football game where I got blue paint all over his nose, to the surprise roses he gave me everyday to win me over, to the day he proposed in the park, it has been an amazing roller coaster ride!

Joshua's side of the story

1999 What a Year!! The first time Melissa and I officially met was back in 1989 when I was in 2nd grade and Melissa was in kindergarten. But the first time we dated I was a in my Senior Year, Melissa was in her Sophomore Year! From the first dance at the Friday night dance, to the first kiss under Friday nights lights, I wouldn't change a thing!! We have been through a lot and learned so much about each other.

Becoming Mr. and Mrs. Demski

Melissa and Joshua were married in a gorgeous, fairytale wedding on 09.10.11!  The traditional and modern elements added unique wedding memories for the couple to hold dear for many years to come!



The beautiful couple!

Simply beautiful! *TBB favorite*

The wedding party is ready to party!

Traditional wedding ceremony attire

Stunning!! *TBB favorite*

 

**RECENT UPDATE**

June 2012 :: Josh & Melissa are pleased to announce that they are proud parents-to-be!!

  Congratulations to the Demski family as they prepare to welcome their bundle of joy!

Such a cute and clever announcement idea!



The Blessed Bride would like to thank Joshua and Melissa for sharing their beautiful wedding with us!  We wish you all the best!

Credits:  LamarandStyle.com (formerly DaveLamarand.com) - wedding photography

Yikmun Photography - baby announcement photography

#TBB Tip: Dressing the Bridesmaids!

#TBB Tip:  Dressing the Bridesmaids!

Who says being comfy can't be cute? Keep everyone comfortable, cute and coordinated by picking a signature item for the bridal party to wear. I selected black terry cloth sundresses for my bridesmaids. Each dress featured the stitched initial of each bridesmaid in alternating pink/white & black/white. Be sure the item is a garment that the bridesmaids will want to wear again. (And they have!  I've seen them put to good use!)  My junior bridesmaid and I wore matching white robes.

*Images property of The Blessed Bride, LLC*

Bridesmaids rehearsing (in comfort!) the wedding party dance!

Bridesmaids watching the rain begin an hour prior to the ceremony.

Lunchtime!

*Images property of The Blessed Bride, LLC*

Photo Video! :: Brides Against Breast Cancer - Atlanta 2012

I had the pleasure of attending the 2012 Brides Against Breast Cancer event in Atlanta!  What a great event for brides shopping for the gorgeous gown of their dreams for a fraction of the cost!  But most importantly, proceeds benefit finding a cure against breast cancer!

View the photo video below for highlights from the weekend! 
http://animoto.com/play/LhBdAnXrpF8kslY7aHPFOw

10 years & counting! Chris & Brittani Allen :: Vow Renewal

TBB friends, Chris and Brittani Allen, are preparing to say "I do" all over again...10 years later!  This wonderful couple is anxious to renew their vows in a beautiful vow renewal ceremony in November 2013!  The Allen's are parents to their two beautiful children, Jaden and Aliya.  TBB introduces you to The Allen's by highlighting the story of how they met below.  As the vow renewal approches, you will learn more about this awesome couple and their experience as "10-year newlyweds!"

How Brittani and Chris met:

Brittani's version:  I met Chris on a Bible Study Wednesday on the church bus. Initially, I was introduced by my friend Christin, I didn’t pay much attention to this handsome and tall guy, but instead, focused on preparing for church. After receiving a powerful word, I felt compelled to give an offering and as I stood up to walk to the pulpit, Chris said he would come along. While on the way back to our seats, I noticed he was being quite chatty and friendly. I immediately grew nervous thinking this might be trouble. Two days following this initial meeting, my friend (who I thought might have had interest in Chris) knocked on my door and gave me a piece of paper with a name and number on it. Needless to say, it was his. And the rest is history.

Chris' version:    I was getting on the bus to head to Bible Study and spotted Brittani sitting next to a friend of mine and said to myself, “She is fine!” I asked my friend who was that girl. She told me that Brittani was her next door neighbor in her dorm at Spelman. Since a friend of hers is a friend of mine, I went to sit by her and talked to her on the way to church. Towards the end of service, I went with Brittani to give an offering and to have another chance to speak with her. I knew there was something special about her, so I gave my number to Christin and asked her to pass it along to her pretty friend for me.


The Vow Renewal:

Brittani:  Since we did not have a traditional wedding ceremony, I have always said we will have one to mark our 10 year wedding anniversary. We will host this event at the Emory Conference Center Hotel on November 2, 2013. We are planning a small and intimate celebration with our closest friend’s and family that have supported us from the beginning.

The Blessed Brides wishes the very best to Chris and Brittani as they prepare for their special day!  It's going to be beautiful!

The Blessed Bride congratulates Kyla & Aaron!

Congratulations to friends of TBB, Kyla and Aaron!  Aaron proposed to his sweetheart, Kyla, on April 1st!  No April Fool's jokes here, folks! :o)  The couple was ambushed with flowers, balloons, and love by Kyla's girlfriends, in addition to the mothers of the happy couple, when they arrived at the airport!  So happy for the newly engaged couple!  More to come from this duo!



TBB couple in Atlanta Weddings Magazine advertisement

The Blessed Bride's own, Angela and Patrick Reed, can be seen in the Spring 2012 issue of Atlanta Weddings Magazine in an advertisement for the Savannah Riverboat Company.  The couple chose to host their rehearsal dinner aboard the Savannah River Queen Riverboat in July 2011.  See more images of the riverboat rendezvous here:  http://theblessedbride.blogspot.com/2011/07/byrd-reed-riverboat-rendezvous.html



The Blessed Bride featured in Bridal Guide Magazine Online!

Take a look!  The Blessed Bride was recently featured in Bridal Guide Magazine Online!  Check out the article here:  http://www.bridalguide.com/fashion/bridal-party-fashion/mother-of-the-bride-dresses?page=0,3

Featured Love :: Thompson-Banks Wedding :: July Wedding Joy!

The Blessed Bride reintroduces you to Jennifer and Justin!  Readers met the couple a few months back during their engagement season, and now, the couple has tied the knot and are officially Mr. and Mrs. Banks!  Jennifer and Justin shared their wedded bliss with TBB...

Jennifer was born in Gary, Indiana on October 22, 1984 to Paula and Leon Thompson along with her twin sister, Stephanie. She has two younger brothers, Leon, II and Matthew. Jennifer graduated from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Technology in December 2007.  Her educational efforts continue as she recently began courses to complete a Masters in Business Administration degree, scheduled to be completed in 2013. She is currently employed as an Engineer with Scientific Research Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia and is a proud member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Jennifer enjoys traveling, staying updated on news and current events, shopping, and spending time with Justin, family and friends.

Justin was born in Lawton, Oklahoma on October 3, 1983 to John and Samanthia Banks.  Justin has one sister, Sydney.  He completed a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Georgia Southern University in May 2008. He is currently employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation in Atlanta, GA in the Bridge Design Department. He was recently promoted to Bridge Design Engineer 2.  Justin plans to obtain his EIT (Engineer in Training) in spring 2012 and pursue a master’s degree in the near future. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and is a “Big Brother” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.  Justin enjoys traveling and going out in the city with Jennifer, P90X and Insanity workouts, and reading and studying African-American history.

Wedding Venue :: Villa Christina - Atlanta, Georgia

Bridal gown :: Modern Trousseau from Kelly's Closet - Atlanta, Georgia

The Bride :: Taking in the view

The Bride & Bridesmaids :: The bridesmaids wore Lula Kate dresses (Bella Bridesmaids, Atlanta) in coral, accenting the fresh floral bouquet perfectly!

The Bride :: The beautiful bride descending the staircase

The Bride & Bridesmaids :: The bridesmaids wore Lula Kate dresses (Bella Bridesmaids, Atlanta) in coral, accenting the fresh floral bouquet perfectly!  The bride's twin sister, Stephanie (bride's left), was the maid of honor.

Mother of the Bride :: The mother of the bride wore a beautiful two-piece ensemble in dark periwinkle.  The color coordinated beautifully with the colors of the floral bouquets. :: Treasures Formals - Roswell, Georgia

The ring :: The bride was surprised by her groom with a gorgeous new setting!

The Groom & Groomsmen :: The gentlemen wore khaki single-button tuxedos with coral vest and bowtie accents.  The groom doned ivory. :: Savvi Formalwear

Beautiful colors fill this floral arrangement!  Accented with an ivory ribbon, these arrangements made the perfect chair markers.

The Beautiful Bride

The Bride making her way to the ceremony with her bouquet in tow

The Ceremony :: Floral petals adorned the side of the stone pathway.  Guests were shaded from the sun with large, white umbrella coverings.

Ceremony details :: Ceremony Program

Father of the Bride :: Walking down the aisle...

Mr. and Mrs. Justin A. Banks!

Wedding Cake :: The beautiful 5-tiered ivory wedding cake was adorned with pearl accents and the "B" insignia atop the cake.

Guests surrounded the couple with a cheerful sparkler sendoff!

The Wedding:

The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the fabulous Villa Christina at Perimeter Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.  The ceremony was in the garden area with an overlooking waterfall. It was a hot, summer day with perfect weather. A harpist and a flautist commenced the ceremony during the prelude. There were over 120 guests that arrived to witness the blessed union of Jennifer and Justin. Rev. Darryl Roberts officiated the ceremony. The wedding program included a sand ceremony, musical selections chosen by the couple, scripture readings, and traditional vows.

The guests transitioned from the ceremony to the cocktail hour which included butler passed hors d'oeuvres and the Bride’s signature drink: “The Blushing Bride”.

 

After the cocktail hour, the guests dined for a full course plated meal in the 2^nd floor ballroom of the three story Italian villa. The jazz band serenaded the guests with romantic love and R&B tunes. The DJ kept the selections going for the second phase of the reception, and played hits to keep guests out of their seats and on the dance floor all night.

Wedding guests sent the couple off with sparklers as they exited the venue and headed to their evening destination.

The Honeymoon:

Jennifer & Justin honeymooned in the beautiful Honolulu, Hawai’i – Waikiki Beach for a full week after the wedding. The couple enjoyed a 1 hour helicopter ride over the island of O’ahu, scooter rides along the south coast of the island to Hanauma Bay, a visit to the Pearl Harbor Historic Site, an authentic Hawaiian luau, shopping, warm, breezy days at the beach and endless evenings of fine dining!  It was the first time the couple visited Hawai’i and it is an experience they’ll never forget!

Vendors for the Thompson-Banks Wedding:

Bridal Gown (Modern Trousseau): Kelly's Closet, Atlanta, GA

Bridesmaid Dresses (Lula Kate): Bella Bridesmaid, Atlanta, GA

Mother of the Bride Dress: Treasures Formals, Roswell, GA

Men's Attire: Savvi Formalwear

Wedding Venue: Villa Christina (ceremony, reception, food)
Flowers/Decor: Blossoms Atlanta, Monique Escudie
Videographer: Creative Video Moments, Steve Schumaker

Photographer: Moment by Moment Photography, Virginia Hall

Jazz Band: Josh Baker Combo

DJ: DJ Q-tip, Gabriel Peck

Officiant: Reverend Darryl Roberts

Wedding Director: Connie F. Smith

Music Director: Keith Williams

The Blessed Bride wishes Jennifer and Justin wedded bliss for all of their years to come!

Ceremony Musicians--

Flautist: Denise Williams

Harpist: Susan Ottzen

Saxophonist: Robert Bryant