Exquisite Gold Wedding in Maryland: Telisha + Michael

Telisha was the girl in the pink dress. They’d seen each other at a party, neither of them saying a word to the other, but catching each other’s eyes. A friend of Telisha’s told Michael that she thought he was cute, prompting him to send Telisha a Facebook message. He’d opened up with “long time no speak,” although they’d never actually spoken before. Slightly confused by his sarcasm, Telisha replied with “I don’t think I’ve ever talked to you before, but nice to meet you,” she giggles. His Facebook message spawned the beginning of what would be the rest of their lives together.

The couple said their “I do’s” in an exquisite gold wedding in Maryland. Gold centerpieces stood high atop the reception tables holding ivory and blush florals, along with a string of pearls. Chargers with gold beads amped up the elegance, while pops of navy gave the Midas reception a cool balance. Take a look at Telisha and Michael’s gorgeous wedding with photos by Rachel Smith Photography. As well as their wedding highlight video by Stan Pe Films below.

Quick Facts
Favorite item on wedding menu – Blackened Salmon with Cajun Cream Sauce
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts – Bridesmaids- Personalized Wine Glasses Groomsmen- Personalized Flasks
First dance song – Stand By Me- (bachata remix by Prince Royce)

Bride: Telisha Rivera – Registered Nurse
Groom: Michael Rivera – Talent Acquisition Specialist
Wedding Date: 09/04/2015
Wedding Location: Mitchellville, MD

Tell us all about the proposal!
On January 17, 2014, Michael proposed to me on a beautiful beach in his hometown of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Michael and I were walking up the beach, where Michaelsecretly set up a photographer to capture the moment. He was worried that I would be suspicious that something was up but I had no idea. I remember him acting really strange and nervous. Next think I know, he was on bended knee. I was so surprised my initial response was “I don’t know what to say” giving Michael a slight panic attack but promptly thereafter I said “Yes”! The crowd at the beach cheered and congratulated us. Among the crowd of spectators was the photographer that Michael arranged to take pictures. Not! Turns out the “camera man” was a visitor who was vacationing with friends and happened to have a really nice camera. Instead, the photographer was in the wrong location. We reenacted the proposal once we finally caught up with the photographer.

Describe your wedding dress. How was your dress shopping experience?
I wasn’t one of those brides that came in and fell in love with first dress I tried on.I am very indecisive so I was afraid I would purchase a dress and then later on regret the dress, change my mind and have to purchase a new one. I went to about 5 bridal salons and tried on at least 10 dresses each time. Orignially I wanted an A-line dress but I was more drawn to the fitted dresses once I started to try on wedding gowns. I finally found my dress after about 3 months of “looking” at the bridal salon down the street from my home. That was interesting considering I had went to several boutiques and several different states to find the perfect dress and the dress ended up being up the road from me! I went shopping with my mother and little sister. As soon as I came out in the dress they knew it was the “one”. So I slept on it for a week or so and then later came back to purchase the dress once I was sure it was the “one” as well. My dress is a lace and tulle dress that’s fitted at the top and flares out to an A-line skirt. It’s by Sottero and Midgley. The scalloped lace embroidery at the bottom of the dress is so classic and romantic. It’s my favorite thing about the dress.

How was culture incorporated in your wedding?
Michael is Caribbean so for our wedding favors we gave our guests pineapple, guava, and coconut tarts made in the St. Croix and wrapped in a bow from a traditional Antiguan pattern cloth. We also jumped the broom, an African American heritage tradition.

What is your favorite memory from your wedding day?
Our first dance was our favorite memory. When Michael and I first started dating he asked me if I knew how to Bachata dance. I assumed he did so I started trying to learn from YouTube videos. Well come to find out later he was only joking and didn’t actually know the dance himself. So we took Bachata lessons together and our first dance was a choreagraphed Bachata dance. It was something fun that we learned together while dating and it was fun to share that moment with our wedding guests.

What advice do you have for our brides-to-be?
If possible, splurge on an amazing photographer and videographer that will capture the essence of the day. You worked so hard planning the wedding it will go by so fast! Having the photos and video of that day will capture moments that you missed or want to see over and over again. Personalize your wedding to you and your fiance so that it is unique and displays your personality as a couple. Don’t let anyone dictate your day. It’s all about you and your fiance.

Venue
Hair Stylist – Razz Hyman
Make Up Artist – Kelley Woods
Shoes – Badgley Mischka
Headpieace – David’s Bridal
Rings – Mervis Diamond Importers
Wedding Dress – Sottero and Midgley
Tuxedos – The Black Tux
Florist – Da Vinci’s Florist
Cake – SugarBakers Cakes
DJ – Mark Dennis
Caterers – R&R Catering
Wedding Planner – Megan Hylton
Rolls Royce – VintageLimos.BIZ
Ceremony Musicians – Cherry Blossom String Quartet
Photographer – Rachel Smith Photography
Videographer – Stan Pe Films