Showing posts with label Georgia. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

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

Thursday, April 12, 2012

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!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

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

Sunday, September 11, 2011

"God's Grace" - Angela & Patrick's Wedding Day - 7.9.11

Our wedding day was like none other. What started off as a beautiful morning turned into an afternoon of clouds, showers and lightening...but a perfect day and union was the birth of this storm.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort was the selected venue for our ceremony and reception. The ceremony was scheduled to be held outside on the gorgeous river lawn overlooking the Savannah River. The reception was held in the Grand Ballroom of the resort. Once the sky opened up, my parents and I made the call to move the ceremony into a portion of the ballroom. We couldn't have made a better decision. The intimacy of the new space created such an atmosphere of love and support from our family and friends.

Ceremony details

Patrick and I wanted a family and friend inclusive ceremony. In addition to each of our closest family members and friends gracing our wedding party, we were elated to have our pastor, Pastor Tony Brock, officiate the service. My mother and father, Eddie and Linda Byrd, are also ministers and graced us with a special wedding prayer. My friend, Rebekah Lovell and her husband, John provided words of scripture related to marriage and love.

Below are some photographs from our day of wedding bliss!! Enjoy!

The bridal jewelry - gifts from her mother, Linda.

The couple's rings modeled on a white, coral sculpture

All prepped and ready for the ceremony! Matching lounge dresses provided by me. Each bridesmaids' dress had her initial embroidered on a button that was pinned to the dress!

My gown -- an oyster-pearl colored, silk satin, strapless trumpet-cut gown with lace and sequin detail on the bodice, the edge of the trumpet-cut bottom, and along the extended train. A sil-satin waist band adorned with crystal accents. A cathedral-length veil with lace detail accompanied her gown.

Finishing touches put in place by my sister and matron of honor, Melinda!

Opening my wedding day gift from Patrick -- a diamond necklace, bracelet, and earring set!

Patrick opening his wedding day gift from me -- an Armani Exhange timepiece!

Groomsmen, ushers, and broom bearer on the green!

Beautiful bridesmaids on another green! :-)

The handsome groom wore a white dinner jacket with black tuxedo pants and an ivory boutonniere with bear grass loops accenting his pocket square

Bridal portrait

My walk with Dad

So happy! It's finally happening!! :-)

And we're married! Sealed with a kiss!

About to "jump the broom!" *broom created by me!* :-)

He's my Mr. and I'm his Mrs.!!

Reception centerpiece

Signature monogram on reception dinner menu *created by me, the bride!*

Reception centerpiece

For “something blue,” the bride’s mother shared her diamond and sapphire ring.

Our first dance / wedding party ensemble (and my wardrobe change!)

Gown #2! Adorned on the bodice with Swarovski crystals! Shoes - Benjamin Adam of London (thanks Mommy!) Feather and crytal hair accessory

Departing our farewell line for our honeymoon suite!

The bride’s five-tiered wedding cake was accented with pearls and ivory and frosted with butter cream frosting with dark champagne colored swirled designs.

The groom’s cake was a white butter cream frosted chocolate cake in the shape of a diamond with the groom’s fraternity insignia on top.

Reception details

More than 200 guests were seated in the Grand Ballroom, which was illuminated with golden uplighting and grand chandeliers throughout the ballroom. The tables were decorated with ivory damask linens, silver china and a signature monogrammed dinner menu featuring the couple’s monogram.

Floral arrangements throughout the ballroom featured clear trumpet and bowl vases filled with white gladioli, dark champagne roses, pink roses, ivory roses and white hydrangea.

Acknowledgements

Patrick and I would like to thank our family and friends for making our wedding weekend the happiest moment a bride and groom could have! We love each of you and wish God's continued grace and mercy upon your lives.

Special thanks to our wonderful vendors:

The Blessed Bride's Owner / Operator - Angela B. Reed (planning & coordination) - www.theblessedbride.blogspot.com / Twitter - @theblessedbride

The Blessed Bride's Linda E. Byrd - mother of the bride (planning & coordination)

Westin Savannah Harbor Resort - Robyn Carroll (catering coordinator)

Fotos by Fola - Afolabi "Fola" Sogunro - www.fotosbyfola.com (photography)

First City Events - Bonnie Karr (day-of coordination)

Savannah Riverboat Cruises - Karla Becknell (rehearsal dinner)

Christy's Cakes - (wedding cakes)

Harvey Designs - Amy Harvey (floral)

James Hammond - Ikon Filmworks (videography)

Faces by Rhonda - Rhonda Peterson (makeup artistry)

Melissa Badie - "Melissa's" (hair stylist for bride and wedding party members)

Emmanuel Matthews (barber for the groom and wedding party members)

For more highlights, photographs and information regarding our wedding weekend, please visit the following:

Angela & Patrick's website: www.angelaandpatrick.com

Fotos by Fola Blog: (Wedding Day) http://www.fotosbyfola.com/blog/2011/07/angela-patrick-savannah-wedding-westin-savannah-harbor-resort-atlanta-wedding-photographer/

(Rehearsal Dinner) http://www.fotosbyfola.com/blog/2011/07/angela-patrick-part-1-savannah-atlanta-wedding-photographer/

Music Slideshows (created by "Fola" Sogunro): (Wedding Day) http://fotosbyfola.com/reed/

(Rehearsal Dinner) http://www.fotosbyfola.com/reedrehearsal/

Thursday, July 21, 2011

"The Byrd-Reed Riverboat Rendezvous & Rehearsal Dinner" :: Savannah, Georgia

Sailing on the Sea of Love

On Friday, July 8, 2011, our wedding party and guests gathered in the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia to celebrate with us for our wedding weekend festivities. Lighting the torch to the weekend's festivities, Patrick's parents, Larry and Patti Reed, hosted the "Byrd-Reed Riverboat Rendezvous and Rehearsal Dinner" aboard the wonderful Savannah River Queen.

Prior to our voyage across the Savannah River to board the River Queen, we held our wedding ceremony rehearsal on the river lawn of the gorgeous Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort. Our stunning wedding party were radiant in their white attire (white attire theme selected by the bride and groom.)

Upon the completion of our rehearsal, we boarded the river ferry and proceeded across the Savannah River to historic River Street, where the wedding party met the additional wedding guests that were joining us aboard the riverboat.

The rehearsal dinner was fantastic! The staff aboard the Savannah River Queen were nothing shy of excellent. Throughout the evening, we talked, laughed, cried, and of course, danced the night away! It was such a treat to share our rehearsal dinner with our wedding guests aboard such a unique part of Savannah history!