r
r
The Couple. 32-year-old Tianna, a registered nurse for the Department of Defense, and 30-year-old Timothy, an inspector for the District of Columbia government, met through a mutual friend at The Park 14th in Washington. Right off the bat, Tianna says, Timothy was very open with his feelings and the vision he had for their relationship and told her that God had made him just for her. Six months after they met, Tianna invited Timothy to spend Thanksgiving with her family. Then, Timothy says, Tianna told him how grateful she was for him—something he’d never before experienced. Days before Christmas, Timothy proposed at a Christmas party in front of 60 close friends and family—a plan he’d coordinated with their parents, friends, and neighbors.
The Venue. Tianna and Timothy chose the Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover because it was new and modern with decor and an ambiance that captured their attention the moment they walked through to door. Convenience to a major airport and complimentary shuttle services to local attractions were other main draws of the space. To date, the couple say it was one of the best decisions they made. “The service was impeccable,” Tianna says, “and it was a one-stop shop”
The Bridal Party. To stand by their side, Tianna chose both a maid and matron of honor, three idesmaids, a junior idesmaid, and a flower girl, and Timothy chose two best men, three groomsmen, and a junior groomsmen. The men, including the father of the ide, wore classic black tuxedos with Biscotti vests and ties from Men’s Warehouse.
The First Look. Tianna and Timothy decided against a first look, but instead, chose to exchange greeting cards with personal messages. Then, about 20 minutes before the ceremony, the two held hands through the door and prayed.
The Ceremony. With soft music and low lights, the room—despite holding 130 guests—felt intimate. “Timothy and I have said that the lasting memory is when we made eye contact as the door opened and I walked down the aisle,” Tianna says. “It was the ‘this is it’ moment.”r
tiana2
tiana2
r
The Decor. While there was no specific theme, the decor included high and low calla lilly and orchid arrangements in blingy vases, amber uplighting, and floor length ivory linens. Tianna and Timothy created a signature monogram that was used everywhere, including the aisle runner, personalized water bottles, a bird case, and the seating chart.
The Cake. For dessert, guests enjoyed a three-tiered Italian Cream Cake with vanilla custard, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and Swiss raspberry marmalade fillings.
The Highlight. After a perfect day, Timothy and Tianna say that their favorite part was at the end of the night, when the two sat in their hotel room, reading each other cards, and talking about how much fun they had.
The Honeymoon. The newlyweds chose Montego Bay, Jamaica for their honeymoon destination, and report that their accommodations at Secrets Wild Orchid were first class. During their stay, Tianna and Timothy enjoyed a romantic bonfire on the beach, couples games shows, dancing at the nightclub, pool parties, theater shows, and dining on Caribbean, French, Italian, Japanese, and Mexican cuisine. They even ventured into Ocho Rios for a little Jamaican bobsledding, hiked the Dunn River Falls, and took a sky lift through the rainforest. r
tiana3
tiana3
r
First dance:
“Share My Life,” Kem
Father/Daughter:
“Daddy,” Beyonce
Mother/Daughter:
“Go Get It,” Mary Mary
Groom/Mother:
“Dear Mama,” Tupac Shakur
Florist:
Potomac Floral, Silver Spring
DJ/Band:
Terrence Gaskins & Danny Alford
Caterer:
The Hotel at Arundel Preserve, Hanover
Cake/desserts:
Artistic Desserts, Baltimore
Dress:
Galina Signature
Bride's shoes:
Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid dresses:
Stretch Satin in Biscotti, David's Bridal
Men's attire:
Mens Warehouse
Engagement ring:
Helzberg Diamonds
Wedding bands:
Helzberg Diamonds
Stationer:
David's Bridal & Vista Print
Videographer:
Marc Fuller, Michael Brazda Productions
Photographer:
Carmichael Jennings, Carjen Photography
Photobooth:
DMV Photobooth
Rentals:
Hobby Lobby
Hair/makeup:
Janean Allen
Wedding singer:
James Rose
Officiant:
Pastor Duane Dickens
