Ieesha and Corey re-invented the idea of what a Vegas wedding can be by having an absolutely gorgeous ceremony at the ranch converted garden, The Grove Las Vegas. With a guest list from around the country and even across the pond, this adorable couple was more than up for the challenge of creating a wedding day that looked like a million bucks but didn’t break the bank! Plenty of DIY elements were present as well! Quite the affair for this Minneapolis, MN couple!
Wedding Date: May 15, 2015
Wedding Location: The Grove Las Vegas in Centennial Hills
First Dance Song: “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Favorite Item on the Menu: Build-your-own Mimosa Bar and Krispy Kreme donuts (the Groom’s favorite)
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: The bridesmaids received monogrammed jute tote bags and pearl jewelry. The groomsmen received engraved stainless steel flasks.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
We met just three weeks after I moved to Minneapolis for a new job following graduate school in January 2013. Corey warmed my heart on a cold winter night at a young professionals networking event. Since I was new to town and Corey was “in the know,” he offered to keep me posted when social events were happening. He quickly went from being my go-to-party-insider to my steady beau. It didn’t take long to know we had found something special in one another. That same year, we took a trip to Las Vegas for Christmas where Corey threw out the idea of getting married there one day. Upon returning to Minneapolis, just a few days later on December 31, 2013, Corey proposed to me.
I was all decked out in my sequins party dress to bring in the new year, so it was a perfect ensemble for such a wonderful proposal. Instead of layering on my winter coat for the evening, Corey insisted on pulling the car to my front door to pick me up, and when he came around to open the door for me, he pretended to have dropped his diamond earring on the ground in the snow. As I frantically helped him look around for the jewel, he whipped out a gorgeous ring and declared: “Ieesha, you have made this one of the best years of my life… so I couldn’t let 2013 end without dedicating the rest of my life to you. Will you marry me?” With a resounding “Yes,” we kicked off an evening of celebration as we shared the news of our engagement over cheers and champagne with friends to bring in the new year of 2014!
Garden Party Chic! My wedding dress matched the theme of our wedding. The bold floral lace motifs and modern classic style really fit my personality and our day. Wedding dress shopping was a lot of fun. I went home to Atlanta to shop with my stepmom and maid of honor since they have a good eye for what fits me best. I tried on fewer than five dresses before finding the Maggie Sottero Couture Charisse gown. The sweetheart neckline and corset closure complimented my curves and left me feeling beautiful and confident.
Culture
Honoring our loved ones who have passed away was important to us. We chose to marry on May 15th which is the exact day my mother and father married in 1993. Since my mother Denise passed away from breast cancer when I was 13 years old, this special date was a way to honor her memory. We also featured pictures of my mother and had a special chair reserved for her at the ceremony. To me, this represented our family culture and legacy.
Memories
During the ceremony, Corey and I shared a family vow with his nine year old daughter Kimora promising her to always love her and be a strong family unit to guide her through life and we presented her with a special necklace. We followed the vow up with a family dance to Rihanna’s “Umbrella” at the reception and it was a joyous moment the three of us will cherish. I think Kimora was just as happy as we were on that day!
Another highlight was gathering together will all 83 of our friends and family for a group photo at the end of the reception. Capturing that magic moment surrounded with so much love from so many parts of the world filled our hearts with immense joy. And I can’t forget when the groom and groomsmen surprised me with their rendition of Another Bad Creation’s 90’s hip-hop hit “Iesha” complete with sunglasses and choreographed dance moves.
Help a bride-to-be out!
Remember that less is more! When it comes to wedding planning and those details that you think people will notice, often they don’t. For example, Corey and I didn’t want to do the garter and bouquet toss for several reasons, so we decided to omit it and no one noticed. Plus, there was more time for drinks and dancing! Same thing goes for programs, we did without them and it wasn’t a big deal.
Choosing the items that are most important to you and not stressing over the rest is a great way to go. I adopted the idea of being a “Bride-chill-a” for our wedding and I stayed true to that mantra until the end (well, you can ask my Bridesmaids to be sure!)
Vendors:
Photography: Chris McDuffie Photography
Ceremony and Reception Venues: The Grove Las Vegas
Shoot Venues: Red Rock Canyon, Treasure Island Las Vegas
Hotel: Wynn Las Vegas
Wedding Coordinator: LaToya Royal
Dress: Maggie Sotterro Couture
Bridesmaid Dresses: MoriLee by Angelina Faccenda
Dress Salon: Bride Beautiful Inc. Atlanta
Hair and Make Up: Beauty by Bre
Florals: Nature’s Flowers via Sam’s Club
Cake: Cake Couture
Videography: Koala Films
The Wedding and Reception was absolutely Wonderful!!