Curly’essa and Dennard’s love story initially begins as co-workers in 2008. That first connection was instantaneous and left a permanent impression on them both, which grew with every meeting. Life would temporarily separate them when Dennard went to Canada to finish his degree, but upon his return their connection was unchanged. As the days went by their communications increased and they continued to spend more and more time together, still remaining friends – until one fated day when while watching television together their eyes locked and drew them in for a first kiss that would forever change their lives…
Read all about Curly’essa & Dennard’s love story, surprise proposal, and experiences in their beautiful wedding in the Bahamas!
Bride & Groom: Curly’essa & Dennard
Occupations: Accountant & Examiner
Wedding date: July 7th, 2017
Wedding location: St. Margaret Anglican Church. Nassau, Bahamas.
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Looking back, this story now resembles a beautiful mosaic filled with friendship, surprises, joy, sadness, adventure and commitment. Yet at the start when the pieces started moving and blending together, the love taking shape went unrecognized. While working at Deloitte back in 2008 the first piece fell into place. The initial connection felt instantaneous to both. On a company fun day power-boating to Exuma after spending most of the day together exploring the island, a coworker noticed the inseparable pair, pulled them aside and asked if they were an item. Both laughed and said no. Months later the friendship was cut short when Dennard left Deloitte headed to Canada to complete his degree. During his time abroad, there was no contact until a chance meeting some four years later. Dennard newly returned from school spotted Curly’essa and a mutual friend Downtown. After an all too brief reunion, he regretted not keeping in touch. That same day he asked their friend how he could get a hold of her, initially hoping for just a reference letter. Text and Facebook messages led to face to face meetings and intense conversations. For Curly’essa, it was the simple things she especially enjoyed, going to the movies, trying new restaurants, just being in good company. At that point Dennard still thought of the connection as an amazing friendship, and viewed Curly’essa as someone who was dynamic, diligent and dependable. Desire soon came into play for both as the moments and memories being shared made remaining in the friend zone impossible. He told how he confronted her with the stronger feelings he was having, only to hear “lil boy go sit down,” to which he immediately laughed. He described hearing a blush in her voice because she didn’t know how to handle it. Shortly afterward, as they relaxed watching TV, laughing at some show, it happened. Both suddenly looked at each other awkwardly, and as he tells it she leaned over and gave the first kiss. When she asked, “what are we going to do,” he simply kissed her back, making it official…
What’s funny to both is how weird the relationship was once they decided to become a couple. Dennard often laughs at how he’d say to himself, “are you really in a relationship with Curly’essa, seriously a relationship with Curly’essa?” Sometimes both would joke about not knowing where these feelings came from and how they were not supposed to be kissing. Yet even in the midst of humor was a sober mindedness that continues to strengthen the love and bond they share. Dennard confidently shared that he knew what she wanted out of her significant other and that he believed he could deliver and make her happy. Months went by, around four in the morning Dennard remembers just watching Curly’essa sleep and realizing he was really gazing at his wife. Weeks of browsing for rings online became an education on cut, clarity and color, but it soon became clear that only a unique creation would do. Eventually a custom design took shape, engraved with the words “New Beginnings.” On March 27th, 2015, with ring in hand, Dennard set out on a mission. Curly’essa was in Deleon Springs Florida caring for her mother, who was in on the plan from the beginning. After speaking with her all morning, even using pictures taken the day before during his lunch hour, Dennard had her convinced that nothing out of the ordinary was happening. After supposedly going into a meeting he promised to give her a surprise, delivered five minutes later in the form of a knock at the door. Curly’essa’s shocked reaction was the expression he wanted along with the excited yes to his proposal, given before his speech was finished. On July 7th, 2017, prayers and planning did culminate with two people becoming one.
Describe your wedding dress. It had an illusion panel that spans the plunging sweetheart neckline of this form-fitting beaded mermaid gown, as layer upon layer of pleated tulle skirt fluttered dreamily with each step from Galina Signature.
What was wedding shopping like for you? It was an awesome experience but it was overwhelming at the same time because there were so many options to choose from. I loved all the attention from the staff and other consumers. I knew I had picked the right dress when other family members stopped and stared, walking over to tell me I looked gorgeous – what girl would not love that!
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids gift: Personalized royal purple satin robe, matching bedroom slippers, lavender bath loofah, 3 piece bath and body works set (lotion, body spray & shower gel), mini wine (Barefoot pink moscato), all beautifully arranged in a magnetic gloss Ceco gift box. Groomsmen gifts: Customized favorite team NBA Jersey with personal name, a bottle of REMY Martin 1738, and a customized cognac glass with their name on it.
Favorite item on the menu: Groom’s – Beef tenderloin and scallop potato. Bride’s – Conch chowder.
First dance song: “At Last” by Etta James.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Bride: The reaction of the groom seeing me in my attire for the first time.
Grooms: Watching my bride walk down the aisle.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Bride: In your pursuit of the ‘perfect’ moment, don’t lose sight of the true purpose of the day. You’re marrying the person that you love — everything else is inconsequential. Groom: Plan way ahead in advance.
Vendors:
Ceremony Location: St. Margaret’s Anglican Church
Reception Location: Holy Trinity’s Activity Centre
Bride Attire: Galina Signature wedding dress from David Bridal
Bride Makeup and Hair: Makeup by LucyLu
Bride Shoes: ‘Dawn’ Crystal Back d’Orsay Pump by Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Attire: Custom Tuxedo by Eaden Myles
Cake Done by Volanda Rahming
Photographer: Leo Creary of Legacy of Love Weddings
Florist and Wedding Designer: The Wedding Salon Bahamas
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