Arnold and I had agreed to get married early January 2011- we had been together for 4 years already and knew that with him moving to Syracuse from Philadelphia to be with me that the next obvious step was marriage. During this time work called him back to Philadelphia so I was left to plan a wedding with my groom 4 hours away. I began to plan and prep for our wedding day and by the spring I still had no official proposal or ring.  July 30, 2011 my family had traveled to Washington DC to attend a family function. My sisters frantically woke me up that morning to get dressed and ready to go shopping for the event that afternoon, and when I was all dressed and ready to go Arnold walk through the door with flowers.He was supposed to be working in Philly that weekend and after a few months apart I missed him TERRIBLY. I was obviously in shock to see him and too excited I didn’t need any more surprises after that- But there was one more thing… we decided to go for a walk  before breakfast and on the way back before walking in the house on the front steps he dropped down to one knee- presented a ring and said all he wanted to do was make me the happiest woman in the world! I of course said YES!!!

Between the two of us we knew that with all of  our family, friends and fraternity/sorority we knew the wedding was going to be big. We decided on the Double tree because the room could hold over 250 ppl comfortably and the staff was very friendly and flexible when we met with them. The venue was also getting a make over that went perfectly with our wedding colors. I m an event planner by nature. This wedding for me would be the ultimate test of my abilities!!! I was the bride that hosted an official “Wedding Party Meet n Greet” so our Bridesmaids and Groomsmen could meet, and mesh before the big day, a newsletter that went out every two months and emails that went out once a week  to make sure all was on track!  I loved the process so much that I started  consulting for brides wherever I went. I carried my pink bride to be binder everywhere, even Arnold would ask if i needed it every time we left to go out.
What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day?

That moment would have to be when our Maid of Honor, Best Man and my Dad made their toasts. We could just feel the love and really felt like everyone in the room wanted this as much as we did.

When Arnold said “I Do” before it was time, he was so nervous and I saw it happening before he actually said it, but I was not quick enough to tell him it wasn’t time yet.

Always keep in mind that the wedding is just one day- of course you want it to be perfect, but that desire for perfection should never out shine the desire to spend the rest of your life with that special someone. Take time off from planning and DATE! Hug and kiss and remind the other person why they want to be married to you.
What was your favorite part about working with Mabyn Ludke Photography?

Mabyn was always just as excited as I was to talk about our wedding plans. She was so welcoming and flexible which is hard to come by in vendors.

Hair: Rashida Shabazz of Rashida’s Transformation Center//Makeup Artist: Rashida Shabazz of Rashida Shabazz Transformation Center//Dress Designer & Store Location:  Christina Wu -Spy Baby’s of Armory Square//Jewelry: Pearl necklace from bride’s collection, pearl bracelet from Italy provided by God Mother, pearl earrings from brides collection //Veil or Hair accessories: Spy Baby’s of Armory Square ( both hair pieces)//Shoes: NINA Shoes//Bridesmaids Dresses: Belsoie Designs//Grooms Attire: Calvin Klien Suits Mens Warehouse//Ceremony Venue: Bethany Baptist Church //Reception Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Carrier Circle//Additional photo venue: Franklin Square//Florist: Floral Gardens//Transportation: Caz Limo//DJ: DJ Showcase (Derrick Dorsey)//Caterer: Hilton by DoubleTree//Cake: 83 and Company //Lighting:Swank Audio Visual at DoubleTree Carrier Circle//Invitations & Stationary: Davids Bridal Invitations