The path to true love is a journey that varies in length from one person to another. Sometimes we hit a speed bump or two along the way, maybe even a few too many. Regardless, we pick ourselves up and keep moving forward because ultimately that special someone specifically crafted just for you, and you for them, is out there, on a similar path to find you too. And after finally finding your soul’s mate, while wrapped in their loving embrace, you will look back on that journey and know in your heart that every step, no matter how difficult, from beginning to this perfect end, was absolutely worth it. For Chalynda and Timothy they know the journey to each other was worth every step.
Read all about chalynda & Timothy’s love story, proposal, and wedding experiences in this beautiful Manor wedding in New Jersey. Coordinated, designed and floral arrangements by MunaLuchi Coterie member Pretty Posh Events, and perfectly framed by Nana Annan Photography.
Bride & Groom: Chalynda & Timothy
Occupations: Budget Manager & Production Tech
Wedding date: October 1, 2016
Wedding location: Birchwood Manor, Whippany, NJ
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal.
A Match made in Heaven….Literally Lyn and Tim were two people who already lived life apart and thought that the lives they were living was for themselves. Both were already “seasoned” in relationships and experienced marriage. Both were parents and learning to get along alone as “single” individuals in life. Both were getting along but wanted companionship, a partnership, a special best-friendship, and mostly the love of that one person who would be able to fulfill all of the ships they wanted to sail. Both were busy and both were already set in their ways of knowing what they wanted, so both decided to make a profile on Match.com and just “see” what could be! WELL! Nevertheless, they met and talked and talked and talked. Finally, they both made their first major milestone together and that was TRUST! They grew to trust each other with their safety by deciding to meet each other.
Their first date was on March 17, 2012. Lyn invited Tim to the one public place she felt comfortable and safe in, her second home. Her church! It was a test for him to see if he would shy away but instead he passed with not only flying colors but a spiritual heart. He came and attended an event at her church and then planned a romantic dinner at Mt. Fuji restaurant in NYC that night. From that moment, both were excited about the possibilities. From that moment it has been truly a MATCH with God’s blessings and God’s guidance during the rough times.
The Proposal!
August 2015! Tim ask Lyn to marry him at church. It was a very impromptu proposal after he planned an elaborate proposal to happen. On this date, God decided elaborate is not necessary. Why not, your first date was at church, your journey through your relationship has been guided by the principals of the bible, so why not begin your lives together with a proposal at church. So there it was and there it was said, “Miss Chalynda VanEckelen, will you marry me,” and of course she said “YES!”
Describe your wedding dress. There were two. The first one was a gorgeous Eve of Milady glitzy mermaid style dress. It was fitted in the bodice and flared with soft chiffon on the lower part of the dress. This dress was full of sparkle with cap sleeves that accented the neck line and gave the dress a hint of classic appeal.
The second dress was designed by Allure, also form fitting and glitzy, with a contemporary flair. Fitting throughout the bodice with a small flare on the lower part of the dress. This dress was also full of sparkle but provided more of an evening gown look as opposed to the first dress that spoke all types of “BIG.”
What was wedding shopping like for you?
Overall frustrating but once we decided on the dresses and all of the décor it was satisfying. Would I do it again. NO absolutely not. Would I like to help someone else do it. NO!
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Yes, my wedding was very spiritually oriented to incorporate the foundation of our friendship and now our marriage. We included scriptures on our wedding invitation. During our ceremony we incorporated the Cord Ceremony which is a confirmation that our marriage will include three forces, God, husband and wife. Without these three the forces the marriage is weak, this will serve as a reminder that when we are weak with ourselves, out strongest force and secure dwelling is with God and he will see us through. We also included our ancestry tradition of African-American culture to Jump the Broom at the end of our ceremony. This tradition was important to us to represent the honor of being able to marry legally in the United States since during slavery many African American’s were not able to wed legally. So instead they would have a ceremony and jump the broom as a symbol of marriage and honor it as such.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids – personalized dress hangers, agenda book, jewelry. Groomsmen – personalized jewelry box that included personalized cuff links, money and tie clip.
Favorite item on the menu: The entire cocktail hour!
First dance song: “This is why I love you” by Major.
What is your best memory from your wedding? Walking down the aisle and saying “I do” with all of my heart to my best friend Timothy Maynard, Jr.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Marry for the right reason. You should be able to trust your fiancé with your life’s well being, be in love, be true to yourself and your fiancé, after the wedding real life will knock on your door, be prepared to answer as a husband and wife.
Vendors:
Wedding Coordination – Pretty Posh Events
Event & Floral Design – Pretty Posh Events
Photography – Nana Annan Photography
Wedding Planning – Bride (Chalynda Maynard)
Venue (Ceremony) – Congregational Baptist Church
Venue: The Birchwood Manor
Cinematography – Marvin Suarez Films
Stationery – Social Savvy Invites
Dancefloor Monogram – Bushel & Peck Paper
Hair – Kendra Jala’madi
Makeup (Bride) – Lenny Hamilton
Makeup (Bridesmaids) – Andrea Golston
Limo Service – NJ Limo Bus
DJ & Enterntainment – Jess 4 Music Enterntainment
Bridal Salon – Bridal Chateau
Bride’s Dresses: Eve of Milady
Bride’s second dress & Bridemaids Dresses – Allure
Groomsmen Tuxedos – Tuxedo by Sarno
Ceremony Draping – Red Carpet Lady
Favors – Diva Entertains
Sweetheart Area Rentals – Glam Party Rentals
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