After meeting during a Kentucky Derby event that Javonica was initially not going to attend and instantly connecting with Mark once they went out for a first day, a lovely birthday proposal followed a wonderful season of courting. Javonica and Mark soon set the date for a fall wedding and were surrounded by their loved ones during their last dance when the day finally came.
Wedding Date: October 3, 2015
Wedding Location: The Clock Tower in Columbus, OH
First Dance Song: “You” by Jesse Powell
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
Mark and I met during the Kentucky Derby at an event that I was attending with a friend. The funny thing is that I was not going to attend the event, but decided to go because my friend was visiting from out of town. I am so glad that we went! There I saw Mark and he came and asked for my number. I took his. Because of work, we were unable to see each other for about three weeks after we met so we stayed in touch over the phone. When we finally went out, we both knew there was something special, and we have been falling for each other ever since.
Mark proposed to me the day before my birthday while we were enjoying ourselves in Chicago. It was very intimate, just the two of us. He surprised me with a huge bag which I thought was a birthday gift. It was full of tissue paper and as I was digging through the bag with my back turned to him, I found a small box. When I turned around, he asked me to marry him.
Wedding Style
I wanted a form fitting classic dress with plenty of detail. I was anxious because I am a curvy bride and I wanted a dress with sleeves. I went shopping with my mother and bridesmaids. I tried on two dresses and then when I came out in the third dress, we all knew that was the one! Their reactions were priceless and I was so pleased! Although it was a halter dress, the bridal shop provided a jacket with custom details. It was exactly what I was looking for!
Memories
During our last dance, our family friends circled us as we slow danced. At that moment, although it felt like it was just the two of us, I knew that our family and close friends were there. It confirmed that they will always be there to support us and have our back. Such a beautiful moment!
Another favorite moment was the Father Daughter Dance! My Father and I went from a slow dance, “At Last” performed by Beyoncé to a choreographed fast dance, “Cha- Cha” by D.R.A.M. We really enjoyed ourselves and so did our guests. Mark surprised me by learning how to “Whip and Nae-Nae” which he danced to with our daughter! I think I enjoyed their performance the most since he isn’t big on dancing!
Help a bride-to-be out!
Enjoy each and every moment throughout the process. Everything will start moving fast and the pressure will be there. Always support and respect each other’s ideas and don’t sweat the small stuff!
Vendors:
Photography: Vision & Style Photography
Wedding Planner: Ja’vonica Penn (Bride) & Veronica Penn (Mother)
Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Clock Tower
Wedding Dress Designer: Alfred Angelo
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: David’s Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: President Tuxedo
Bridal Hair: Ericka Johnson-Settles
Makeup: Queen’s Beauty Boutique- J’Hanna Appleby
Florist: Sandra Holley
Catering: The Clock Tower
Cake: Cakes Creatively by Crystal
Invitations: 1OfAKindCustomDesign
Programs: Ja’vonica Penn (Bride)
Photobooth: Infinity Photobooth of Columbus
Sounds: Destiny Entertainment
Live Band: The Keith Muse Project
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