Lyndsey and Marcus first caught each other’s eyes during their Sociology class at Louisiana State University. However, nothing transpired between them until three years later when they ran into each other at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. After some flirtatious banter, they exchanged numbers. Over the next six years, they would travel the world together, purchase their dream home and welcome their beautiful daughter, Maleia, into the family.
Lyndsey had no idea that a family photo shoot would turn into a proposal. She shares, “It was incredible how Marcus was able to keep such a big secret while planning every detail down to the choice of outfits we wore. When it was my turn to take individual pictures, Marcus snuck away with Maleia to change into matching t-shirts that said ‘Will You Marry Me?’ and ‘Will You Marry My Daddy?’ Of course, I said yes, and the best part was that it was all captured on camera.”
They knew they wanted their wedding to be romantic and fresh. Lindsey shares, “It was important that we didn’t have a wedding that looked like someone else’s. We chose to drape the entire ceremony from ceiling to floor in well-designed white fabric. For our reception, we had an all-white dance floor with a gold monogram that was placed in front of our sweetheart table. Our sweetheart table was placed in front of the gold gates that were used for our ceremony. We also had the most stunning ceiling structure made with thousands of hanging crystals.” Their white decor with subtle pops of pastel pink gave the appearance that guests were walking into a heavenly cloud of love and glamour. It was timeless yet unique, just like Thornton’s love.
- Full Names of Couple: Lyndsey Duplessis Thornton and Marcus Terrell Thornton
- Occupations: Lyndsey is a Registered Nurse but currently a stay at home mom. Marcus is a Professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 10 years.
- Wedding date: August 17, 2019
- Wedding location: The Jung Hotel and Residences on Canal St. in New Orleans, LA
Quick Facts
- What gifts did you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen:
- My gift to the bridesmaids included monogrammed robes, slippers, and wedding day jewelry (earrings and bracelet sets with a special note in each one). I also took care of hair and makeup costs, so my ladies could just come and relax.
- Marcus decided he would provide the tuxedo and shoes for each groomsman. He also gifted them with a special hat to remember the special day.
- Gifts for one another: Because we have been so blessed, we made a decision not to give each other gifts. Instead, we would start The Marcus Thornton Foundation to give back to the community. We agreed to put any money we would spend on gifts towards the foundation. Also in lieu of wedding registry gifts, we asked guests to donate towards the foundation so that our family and friends can be a part of the beginning of something special that will continue to grow, just as our marriage.
- Ceremony entrance song: “The Point Of It All” by Anthony Hamilton
- First dance song: “Love you More” by Ginuwine
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
Marcus and I both knew we wanted something just a little different. Although we went to many stores, nothing felt right. We knew this would be a special day for us, and we wanted our own special creations, so we both decided to have our attire custom made.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Although our wedding was fairly traditional, we were in New Orleans!!! So to end the night, we incorporated some of the culture by having a second line band with custom umbrellas made by my Aunt Terri. We also had custom made handkerchiefs for the guest as we second lined through the hotel, out to Canal street. There, a horse and carriage waited to take us on our farewell ride down Canal street.
Best Memories
The entire day!! It was perfect. Because it was stress free, I look back and can remember every detail. I love that both of our families had so much fun together. One of my most memorable moments was after the daddy/ daughter dance for Marcus and our daughter Maleia, we played the Baby Shark song during which our little family danced to as baby, mommy, and daddy shark. Our parents also joined the fun and dance as grandma and grandpa shark.
Marcus’s favorite memory was seeing our 4 year old daughter walk, as a junior bride, down the aisle all day herself, straight to him and gave him a kiss before taking her seat. Another moment he won’t forget, is when he and Maleia both walked through the reception with a space helmet on, which was a prop from the photo booth.
Wedding Advice for Engaged Couples
Love and trust your wedding planner! Anissa with Elegance by Ace was absolutely amazing and extremely creative. Between her and of course, my mother Ann, the wedding planning was a breeze. But, of course having patience and taking the process day by day, while living in the moment.
Vendors
- Planner/Designer: Elegance by ACE
- Photographer: Calvin Gavion
- Florist: Bella Blooms
- Venue: Jung
- Video: Montoto Productions
- Hair: Shassity Stevenson
- MUA: Javetta White
- Bride Attire: Harold Clarke Couturier Atelier
- Groom Attire: Lavoisier Suits
- Stationery: Exquisite Evites
- Cake: Royal Cakery
- Flooring: B Floored LLC
- Entertainment: Edward “Ed” West Sr., Kinfolk Brass Band, and DJ Pleasure
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