Real {Philadelphia} Wedding: Diona + Brian

Sometimes, finding love is so incredibly simple, but we make it so complicated. We want to have a “sweep-me-off-my-feet” moment and shortness of breath. After all, that has to be the sure sign that that is the perfect someone, right? Well…not really! Diona and Brian have been in each other’s life since forever. Okay, may be not forever but almost! They were right there in front of each other the entire time and didn’t see it for a long time. When they did, they realized that this thing couldn’t be more perfect. Looking at them together, I couldn’t agree more.

These gorgeous images were wonderfully captured by Your Endless Memories Photography. Enjoy!

The First Encounter …. “Brian and I have known each other since the age of 9 and were raised in the same church. I was beyond shy in those days so it wasn’t until college that our friendship began to blossom. Little did we know that our Christian core values and cultivated friendship over these earlier years were only the beginning foundation for what was later to come.

Several years went by and despite life’s changing events we continued to work together in the church as well as keep a strong friendship as adults. As a dear friend he always remained in my heart and in my prayers and I would reach out from time to time. After being forced in a car together to escort the youth to choir rehearsal on an all day trip to Harlem in September 2007, our friendly phone conversations and visitations became more frequent. (Which to this day I still think was a set up-lol) During this time I was heavily buried in the word and was focused on the Lord making me a better me. After going through some things I learned that my heart needed to be mended and my spirit needed to be whole again. I dreamed of one day being with a God-fearing man that I could pray with and truly love me unconditionally. I wanted somebody that shared the same faith, morals and values and wanted to have a family one day. I prayed that I would be okay with whatever the Lord’s will w as for my life.

While I was not even thinking about it, the Lord opened my eyes and allowed me to see Brian who was here all along. I was not in a hurry to rush into a relationship and we both knew how precious this relationship could be as long we took our hands out of it and allowed the Lord to guide every step.”

The Proposal ….. “It was a Friday night around 9pm and Brian and I began our weekly devotional in my apartment. It was just the two of us but this night was extra special to us because it was also our 3 year anniversary. I was looking forward to seeing him all day although I suddenly came down with the flu and was feeling horrible that day. I kept thinking, what if he proposes on our anniversary and I’m sick? And then I thought no….he’s probably going to pick a random day to throw me off.
At the time I was working in New York and rushed home to Philly to get medicated and straighten up before he came over. But of course he got there and I wasn’t ready (as usual). When my head stopped from spinning and I had my theraflu we began to study 1 John 4:7 and 1 Corinthians 13:13. We began having a deep conversation about “love” and what it really means in the eyes of the Lord and how Jesus set the ultimate example. Love is selfless and it shows action! When we focused on the later verse, “These three remain faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1Cor 13:13) we both gave our own personal account of how our relationship developed. The Lord had the master plan! Those three things along with prayer brought us together! But isn’t it amazing how out of those three “love” is the greatest?!

After heartfelt words and testimonies, Brian closed us out in prayer. Afterwards he said, I want to ask you something…He then took out a box, got down on one knee…at that point I covered my face (OMG! is this really happening) and asked “Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” I realized I couldn’t see anything so I had to uncover my face to see the ring, and I said, “Yes of course! Yes of course!” And I grabbed him and hugged him tight…I couldn’t have asked for a better proposal. It was very intimate, heartfelt and genuine.”

The Theme & The Planning Process ….. “I began planning right after the engagement. We had 9 months to solidify everything. The theme of the wedding was centered around Faith, Hope and Love.  The colors were Purple, Raspberry, Grey and Black and the featured pattern was Damask. The invitations were prepared to look like ‘love letters from Philadelphia’ with custom designed postcards, ticket stubs, stamps, etc.. Guests were encouraged Go Green and RSVP online or mail in a postcard. For the most part everything went smoothly. I would say the most challenging thing was trying to get everything done in a timely manner.”

The Symbolic Details ….. “[T]he Lighting of the Unity Candle was performed during the wedding ceremony. This is usually done with three candles. We had two taper candles in tall cylinder vases filled with crushed sea shells. Each of these represented the separate lives of each of us prior to the union of marriage. We chose to have our mothers go up to light these for us in the beginning of the service. In addition to the taper candles, we had a floater candle in a wider cylinder vase in the middle. Together, we each took our individual candles and lit the center unity candle in unison and then blew out our own candles. This symbolizes the end of our separate lives and the beginning of our lives as one.”

The Most Unforgettable Moment ….. “This is hard because it truly was memorable from the moment I woke until the time the day ended. However, one moment that really stands out was when we were first announced as Mr. and Mrs. Murray at the reception. As we walked in and began our first dance, we felt so much love and support from our family and friends as they applauded us with genuine smiles. It was truly a spotlight moment for us but yet so intimate.”

{You Make Loving You So Easy}

“He loves my natural instinct for artistic beauty and creativity…my warm and empathetic spirit for others…my nurturing nature…strong passion for business success… and most of all my Christian character and desire to serve God”

“I love his take charge mentality and leadership qualities….his loving and caring heart…his responsible and dependable nature….his attention grabbing personality…and most of all the fact that he’s a faithful man of God.”

Diona and Brian, congratulations to you both. May the foundation of your marriage always be solid. May you always find peace and calm in each other’s arms and never ever forget that no matter what the circumstance, love is the greatest and conquers all!

VENDORS

Wedding Coordinator- Barbara Lesa
Her Dress: RK Bridal
Her Shoes: DSW
Her Belt & Veil: Bridal Sophisticate
Make-Up Artist: Venus Desue
Hair Stylist: Kelli Barnes
Nails: Koco Nail Salon & Wax Studio
Beauty:  European Wax Center
His Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
His shoes: Kenneth Cole
Barber: J’s Hair Salon
Graphic Design: Oni Nicole
Photographer: Your Endless Memories Photography
Florist: Media Florist
Reception: Celebrations

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