When Tyra befriended her now mother-in-law, she had no idea she would end up meeting the love of her life. “We worked together for about 2 years, during which time I had literally met every member of her family except for her only son! Finally he hosted a cookout, that I attended as her guest, and now I had a face to place with the name I had heard so much about,” Tyra shares. The two were introduced and became great friends shortly after; indulging in deep conversations and building a relationship that made their chemistry what Tyra describes as having the ability to light up a room.
The couple had an intimate pink and gold wedding at the Heaven Event Center in Orlando. The event space blushed as pink was shown throughout. Gold place settings and chiaviri chairs added a touch of glamour, giving Tyra and Terry the wedding their hearts truly desired. Take a look at their lovely photos by Ashley Jane Photography.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on the wedding menu – Fried oreos
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts – Bridesmaids received their dresses and day-of makeover
First dance song – “Fine China” by Chris Brown
Bride: Tyra Stith
Groom: Terry Stith Jr.
Wedding location: Heaven Event Center – Orlando, FL
Tell us all about the proposal!
We have this thing about our birthdays that turn into a war to out-do each other every year. So for my Virgo, I wanted to make his birthday of 2013 one for the books. The plan was to go to Vegas, rent his dream car, attend the AMW Tour, have our first couple’s massage and dine at one of the most lavish restaurants directly on the Las Vegas strip. Everything went as planned, he was completely surprised that I pulled it all off without giving it away. During dinner, he asked if I had any more battery and memory space left on my phone to record. Although my battery was bleeding, I did have enough space for a video and enough juice to record it. So he awkwardly asked the waitress, Jade, to record us. Now I’m thinking, “Why does he want to record us? Is he trying to show off for Facebook?” I asked him, “What are we supposed to say?” feeling even more awkward. It took awhile for it to sink in. Even as he walked over to my side of the table, I still didn’t quite catch what was going on. It wasn’t until he looked into me, that I suspected anything. But even still, I thought it was me that was overreacting. I felt myself starting to cry, but I held back just a little for fear of embarrassment for thinking that this was a proposal. Then he said my entire name. And I lost it. No, I mean I lost it. I saw that ring and I could no longer speak English. I sobbed for a good 10 minutes after I said “yes.” No one else probably even heard me say “yes” but he did. The group of people at the table next to us gifted us with another bottle of wine to celebrate while the entire restaurant gave the applause of approval. I was instantly the happiest woman alive.
Describe your wedding dress and your dress shopping experience.
I wore the Lazaro 3400, a beautifully adorned mermaid-style gown with the train of a goddess. Wedding dress shopping went from being a dream fulfilled to my worse bridal nightmare! I could not decide on a dress to save my life. I went to the candy store of bridal gowns, Kleinfeld New York, met with my consultant Debbie, the proclaimed “Bride Whisperer” who was incredibly sweet and helpful but I was in and out of dresses so fast like Beyonce on tour. I actually inquired about the Lazaro 3400 but since it was for an upcoming season they had not yet had it stocked, I walked out of the store empty handed. I didn’t get to have my Say Yes To The Dress crying tears of joy moment. And that was only the beginning of my search for the dress of my dreams. I went to several more shops and the more dresses I tried on the more confusing it became for me. It’s like I knew exactly what I wanted and by every dress being flattering on me, it actually worked against me. Long story short, I revisited the salon The Collection Bridal in Winter Park after finding out they had just got in the Lazaro 3400. I had to at least try it on. I fell in love. Then when the alterations were done to fit my size and my family had all come down for the wedding, I had finally had my moment! I cried tears of pure relief!
How was culture incorporated in your wedding day?
My husband’s grandfather did us the honor of marrying us, while my grandfather was the one who walked me down the aisle to marry my King. It was not a cultural practice for either of us to do it this way, but I felt it symbolic that the Patriarch of my family was the one to give my hand as the Patriarch in his family was the one to accept. I will forever cherish the fact that they were able to be apart of our day in this way.
What is your favorite memory from your wedding day?
My favorite part of the wedding hands down was the speeches! It was definitely the most entertaining, hilarious moment of our day, and sitting there next to him listening to our family share their heart felt words — I just felt love all around me. Still to this day we recall some of the advice that was shared and it truly does help us get through tough times and disagreements when we remember how much support we have for our marriage to be a happy one.
What advice would you give to our brides-to-be?
Enjoy being just that–engaged! As in, take your time with this! No, don’t have a five-year engagement but know that the wedding lasts only a day and the memories a lifetime. But finding peace in that “we are going to be together no matter what” should be the main focus. When you take your time with the wedding, but more time with each other and enjoying each moment as it comes, it makes the marriage worth so much more than what you were wearing, who attended, what details you had! So don’t get caught up in the hype and trying to please everyone else! That is the biggest no-no! People will let you down and that’s usually when your spouse will be there to assure you, it’s all about us! Who cares!
Vendors
Photography – Ashley Jane Photography
Videography – Ivory & Iron
Wedding dress – Lazaro Bridal
Wedding dress shop – The Collection Bridal of Winter Park
Bridal accessories – David’s Bridal
Groom’s custom attire – Zastres Atelier
Groomsmen attire – Black by Vera Wang
Table numbers & cake topper – LBV Designs
Makeup artist – Jo Michelle Artistry
Cake – Party Flavors Orlando
Venue – Heaven Event Center
Invitations – Wedding Paper Divas
Catering – Puff’ N Stuff Catering
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