Tamar was a humble freshman when she met Kreg, a fourth year party promoter, at The Ohio State University. A few weeks into her first semester, Tamar went out with a mutual friend to a party Kreg was hosting. “He was too shy to approach so he asked our friend to put in a good word. I gave her my phone number to give to him and he called inviting me out on a date,” she shares. Though she was hesitant to go out with him at first, the couple undoubtedly hit it off. “After our date we stayed up until 6 in the morning chatting and enjoying each others company. Since then, we have literally been inseparable,” Tamar says.
The couple’s Great Gatsby inspired wedding was filled with glitz and glamour. The venue was an homage to where they’d first met–their alma mater The Ohio State University. Ditching the traditional bridal bouquet, the beautiful bride opted to walk down the aisle with the cutting-edge Valentine Cuff. Her one-of-a-kind Allure bridal gown sparkled the entire night, a true compliment to the classic theme. Take a look at Tamar and Kreg’s glamorous gold wedding photographed by James Drakeford and read more of their love story below.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on the wedding menu: Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Black Satin Robes with Crystal Earrings | Gift Cards
First dance song: “Lover’s Rock” by Sade
Bride: Tamar Marable
Groom: Kreg Marable
Wedding date: 09/04/2015
Wedding location: The Faculty Club at The Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
Tell us all about the proposal!
After being together for 7 years I knew it was time to take that next step. Kreg (at the time) is a huge fan of New York City and he always wanted to celebrate New Year’s there. So after a friend of ours invited us on a couple’s trip to the big apple, it was a no brainer. During the days leading to the trip, he would drop hints saying things like, “This will be the most memorable trip you’ve ever had,” or “I want to buy a bottle of Moet to celebrate” (champagne that we never buy). I thought to myself, why is he trying to go all out for an ordinary New Year’s. Then I thought, “What if he’s planning to propose?” I psyched myself out thinking that he wouldn’t propose, just so that I wouldn’t be disappointed if it didn’t happen; but my inclinations grew stronger. I knew it was coming, but the big surprise for me, was how. On the second day of the trip, we went to Manhattan to go ice-skating at Rockefeller Center. After standing in line for a while we finally got to the register to find out that ice-skating for two people cost nearly $100. I told him, “That’s alright, we can find something else to do.” He replied, “Trust me. It’s worth it.” About a half hour into ice-skating, he yells his code word to our friends, “Hot Dog Water!” He proceeded to escort me to the center of the rink and gets down on one knee with all of our friends surrounding us to capture the moment. He didn’t give a grand speech because we’ve been together for so long. And he then begins to utter the words, “Will you marry me?” I was in complete shock and he had to tell me to say “yes” and I didn’t even notice the other patrons surrounding us, clapping, cheering, and taking photos.
Describe your wedding dress. How was your dress shopping experience?
My wedding dress is a one of a kind gown designed by Allure; and only one was made. The champagne colored bridal gown is encrusted in sequins, pearls, and beading, from the bust all the way down to the knee. The simple skirt allows the bead work to stand on its own and yet the pattern of the bead work accentuates my petite figure. And of course it screams my wedding theme, Great Gatsby.
Wedding dress shopping was such a joy, yet filled with slight disappointment. I purchased my gown from Terry Costa in North Dallas, TX. I tried to adhere to the #1 rule of dress shopping: Don’t try on a gown that’s over your budget, but my sister coerced me into trying it on. It was the last gown of the 4-5 options I chose and it was the first boutique I traveled to. But any and every dress after that did not compare. I was absolutely obsessed with this dress. After sleeping on it and waking up thinking about THAT dress, I knew it was the one. I tried to re-work my budget to see if I could afford it, but I didn’t want to upset my future hubby with going over budget so much. After discussing how bad I want this dress over dinner with my sister’s boyfriend, who is in the business of negotiation, he was able to negotiate the price down to $1,589! With no tax on the gown and shipment to Ohio for free I was one happy, happy bride.
How was culture incorporated in your wedding?
My dad has been in ministry for over 30 years and having him officiate our wedding was such a gem. During the ceremony, he commented on how great of a daughter I am, how I never gave my parents any trouble, and that he could not see anyone else marrying me other than my groom. I didn’t know he would do or say such a thing so his speech led me to tears. His presence and service added a personal touch and another great moment on our wedding day.
What is your best memory from your wedding day?
My best wedding day memory is walking with our son as we were introduced into our reception. As the bridal party was announced, our son (the ring bearer) was supposed to walk out with the flower girl. That obviously didn’t happen as she cried chasing after her mom leaving our son to walk in by his self. We suggested that he walk in with us and his tears quickly dried thereafter. This momentous entrance became a feature in our video and symbolic of our strength and love as a family. This unplanned moment happened for a reason.
What advice do you have for our brides-to-be?
• Trust your vendors
• Things will go wrong, so adjust and move forward
• Don’t stress over things you can’t control
• EAT!
• Enjoy your party
• Stay connected with your wedding guests
Vendors
Videography | Mark Schmitter
Photography | James Drakeford
Rentals by | Prema Designs
Hair | Christina Crump
Bride’s Makeup | Bride, Tamar Marable
Bridesmaid Makeup | Yodit Tecle
Wedding Dress Designer | Allure
Wedding Dress Salon | Terry Costa
Maid of Honor & Bridesmaids Dresses | Adrianna Papell
Bridal Shoes | Badgley Mischka Kiara in Latte
Ceremony & Reception Location | The Faculty Club at Ohio State University
Wedding Planner & Event Designer | Bride, Tamar Marable
Florist | Prema Designs
Cake | Giant Eagle Market District Upper Arlington
Stationery | Vista Print
Officiant | Pastor Michael O. Exum
Dorshalee
CONGRATULATIONS! You make a beautiful couple!
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201506/marriage-commitment/