New Year's Eve Garden Wedding in Tampa, FL: Danielle + Geoffrey -Munaluchi Bride

Danielle and Geoffrey met briefly in 2005 – Geoffrey was finishing his final year of medical school, while Danielle was starting her first year of dental school. “I was having terrible allergies/asthma difficulties and I knew that Geoffrey was currently living in ATL” shares Danielle. Next, she reached out to Geoffrey, via Facebook asking if he could write her a prescription for an asthma inhaler. And “in true Geoffrey style” (as Danielle says), he graciously declined her request. “Thankfully, I didn’t die that weekend!” jokes Danielle. But after discovering that the two only lived a few hours from each other, he came to visit her offices to have his teeth cleaned and the pair have been together ever since!

The two lovebirds married on New Year’s Eve in a glizty & chic garden ceremony in Tampa, captured by Jeff Kathrein of K&K Photography. Scroll on for more of this charming pair’s love story.

Bride: Danielle Grimes
Groom: Geoffrey Jones
Occupations: Bride: Dentist | Groom: Physician
Wedding date: 12/31/15
Wedding location: Tampa Garden Club in Tampa, FL

Tell us about the proposal!
Danielle: Geoffrey and I became engaged on December 14th, 2014. We went on a family cruise with my immediate and extended family. The second night of the cruise, following our first family dinner, we all went back to the family suite. During story telling and reminiscing of family memories, Geoffrey proposed in front of my entire family and in typical Danielle fashion, I cried hysterically with joy!

Describe your wedding dress! What was dress shopping like for you!
My wedding dress was completely different and unique. I did not want a typical white wedding dress, I wanted a dress that was unusual/unique from typical wedding dresses. My wedding planner actually found it at boutique and told the owner that she knew she had a bride that would love it. She sent me a picture and I fell in love with it immediately!!

Quick Facts:
Non-Traditional Dinner: We did not want a traditional sit down dinner, we wanted a celebration! We just wanted to party all night long. So we had the wedding set up like a lounge, limited seating so that we danced all evening long. No formal toasts, no speeches, just dancing into the New Year! They literally had to turn the lights on and kick us out!!
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Being a part of weddings is very expensive – so we provided the bridesmaid’s dresses, earrings, and the tuxedos for the groomsmen.
Favorite item on the menu: Shrimp & Grits!
First Dance Song: “Not A Bad Thing” – Justin Timberlake

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
My husband is a member of Alphi Phi Alpha fraternity so they sang their hymn and stepped.

What is your best memory from your wedding?
Walking up to my see my handsome husband for the first time!! It was the most amazing day of my life.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Plan for the unexpected, enjoy the process. Nothing will be perfect but it will turn out amazing!! Finally, don’t let other people dictate your wedding, it’s your wedding day!!