Brittani and Brandon met in high school but it wasn’t until senior year that a relationship really began to take shape. Both attending college in their home state, the two continued to date and soon welcomed a beautiful daughter who would later join them on the dance floor for their first dance during their summer wedding.
Wedding Date: July 11, 2015
Wedding Location: Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, FL
First Dance Song: “Spend My Life With You” by Eric Benet featuring Tamia
Favorite Item on the Menu: Lollipop Lambchops
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: Bridesmaids received monogrammed tote bags and robes, jewelry, sandals, handkerchiefs, perfume, gift cards, and Hennessy Pure White. Groomsmen received socks, ties, a flask and shot glass set, and Hennessy Pure White.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
The two of us met while attending Palm Harbor University High School. We were good friends throughout, but did not become an item until senior year. We went off to Tallahassee together to go to college. I attended Florida State University and Brandon matriculated through Florida A&M University. During our years in the capital city, we were blessed with our little princess, Ta’Raji Nyajah, and our lives changed for the better. After leaving Tallahassee, we moved back to the Clearwater area. I embarked on my career as a Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse and Brandon began enriching lives as an educator. Brandon proposed on Mother’s Day 2014. He took me back to our high school to the spot where we shared both our first date and first kiss during a Friday night football game. With our princess as the witness, we were engaged!
Wedding Style
I chose an organza layered fit and flare gown with ruching, pearl and crystal accents, and a sweetheart neckline. Shopping for the perfect dress was stressful as it seemed as if every bridal shop carried the same style of dresses, none of which was what I was looking for. I would only like parts of each of the dresses I came across. After spending weeks going in and out of shops and searching the internet, I finally said “Yes to the Dress” just as I was ready to give up for the day. It was our final stop just before we were about to get back onto the interstate to head home. Bijou Bridal Orlando is where I found my dress; it was a sample, it fit perfectly, and it was mine for the taking!
Culture
The African tradition of jumping the broom was incorporated into our ceremony. This tradition arose during the centuries when African people were held captive in America. We were not allowed to marry as our vows were not legally sanctioned. For our ancestors, this ritual was a legal and bonding act connecting them to their homeland’s heritage and giving legitimacy and strength to their unions. The ceremony symbolizes sweeping away the old and ushering in the future, as well as paying homage to those that paved the way for us.
Memories
Sharing our first dance with Princess Ta’Raji was one of the best memories.
Help a bride-to-be out!
Don’t bring the stress and frustrations of wedding planning into your relationship.
Vendors:
Photography: Carrie Wildes Photography
Wedding Planner + Stationery: Sonja Hicks in Safety Harbor, FL
Venue: Sandpearl Resort
Wedding Dress: Stefan Jolie via Bijou Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy via Olga’s Bridal
Hair: Nisha, The Foreign Hair Affair in Brandon, FL
Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio
Shoes: Betsey Johnson Blue
Cake: The Cake Zone
Event Designer: Showorks, Inc.
Beautiful! !!