Brittany and Joshua’s Beautiful Lake-Side Wedding in Alabama

Having been close friends since high school, Brittany and Joshua have spent many years developing a relationship built on trust, support and understanding. Brittany recalls how, “he was someone I could talk to and confide in and I was the same for him.” Time and the trials of life would separate them but they would always find themselves back in each other’s lives. Their loving friendship would develop into romance, and eventually guide them down the aisle as husband and wife.

Read all about Brittany & Joshua’s love story, romantic proposal and experiences in their beautiful lodge wedding with inspiring natural setting views at the Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama. Featuring the photography of MunaLuchi Coterie member Leo Creary of Legacy of Love Weddings.

Bride & Groom: Brittany & Joshua
Wedding date: April 22nd, 2017
Wedding location: Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, AL

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Joshua and I met in high school and dated for about a week and broke up! However, we were always good friends throughout high school and during college. Even though we went to different colleges (he went to Morehouse and I went to Auburn), we always found a way to catch up with one another. He was someone I could talk to and confide in and I was the same for him. We would tell each other about our horrible relationships and try to give each other advice to get through it. One thing I always told him was to be himself and be proud of who he was…no matter what. The Joshua I knew was the Joshua that I had always adored from the beginning. There was something sweet and innocent about him that attracted me to him.
After we both graduated from college, we ran into each other every now and then in our home town. I never got to hang out with Joshua because I was in a relationship at the time. He was also in transition to moving to Tuskegee to start a business. A part of me was very sad because I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, and I didn’t know if I would ever see him again. Next thing I know, he’s gone.
A couple of years later, I ended my previous relationship and was really ready to work on myself and take a break from the drama. One day I was at work and noticed a gorgeous picture of a little girl that Joshua posted on Facebook. I messaged him and asked if he took that photo and he told me was into photography. I complimented him on his work and apologized for the lack of communication while he was in Tuskegee. At that time I was under the impression that he was still in Tuskegee but he informed me that he returned to Huntsville. I was happy! We were only communicating via Facebook at the time and one day he asked me out on a date and of course I said “yes.” Now two and half years later, we are engaged and so excited to say “I do.” Even though it sounds a little cliche, our story is the epitome of the saying, “if you love something set it free, if it comes back it’s yours, if not, it was never meant to be.” I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Joshua and I met when we were in high school. Originally Joshua planned to propose while we were visiting Auburn University. My friends were planning to tailgate and he thought that would be a great opportunity to propose. However, the tailgate was not what we expected and was rather short. Instead, Joshua proposed in the privacy of our own home. He woke me and asked me to come to the living room. In front of me was a card and pink (my favorite color) flowers on the table. The card read “I couldn’t wait to do this…” and he got down on one knee and proposed.

What was wedding shopping like for you? My dress was a Mori Lee dress with majestic embroidery and a crystal beaded waistline. I wasn’t particularly a picky bride. My mom and I shopped at a store called Modern Brides in Huntsville, Alabama. My junior and senior prom dresses came from there, so we had a bit of history with the store. My mom and I looked and tried on only two dresses. In my mind, I knew that I wanted something elegant and classy for my wedding, and I was a big fan of lace detail. So when I tried my dress on, I knew it was the one! I didn’t have to try on several dresses. I wasn’t dramatic in that way. There was no need to look anymore! We found my perfect dress in less than an hour!

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Joshua and I thought that “jumping the broom” was important to incorporate in our wedding. Jumping the broom is a African tradition and we wanted to pay homage to our ancestors. In Africa, the tradition was used to wave off evil spirits and sweep off past wrongs for a fresh start. Also, despite the stigma that goes along with jumping the broom and slavery, it was the only tradition that legitimized our ancestors’ marriage at the time (until wedding rings were introduced). Knowing this, we felt compelled to include this tradition in our ceremony as a way to show respect to those who paved the way for us.

What is your best memory from your wedding? My best memory is watching everyone have a great time. You could feel the love and energy that was in the air. People were dancing and laughing. I can still remember the smiles on everyone’s face as they let loose. Joshua and I wanted to make sure our guests were comfortable enough to let go and enjoy the moment. We wanted our wedding to be the event that everyone came together and enjoyed one another. We wanted our family and friends to remember that “good feeling” for years to come. Mission accomplished!

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? My advice for engaged couples would be to enjoy the process. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of planning a wedding, but it’s important to remember to enjoy every bit of it because the time goes by fast! You don’t want the time leading up to your wedding to be full of pointless arguments. It will only create unnecessary tension. Take a break from it all if you need to! Trust me, the little things that you worry about before the wedding, don’t really matter on the big day.

Vendors:
Photography – Leo Creary of Legacy Of Love Weddings
Pianist – Mario Maitland
Venue – Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge
Wedding Planner – Zenaida Solero