TiAwna and Jamal share a special relationship filled with love and laughter. They met on St. Patrick’s Day in 2010 and have been together ever since. For TiAwna, Jamal’s proposal was completely unexpected. She didn’t think anything of it when her and Jamal got ready for their nightly walk on the beach in South Carolina during Thanksgiving of 2015. It was a once in a lifetime moment they shared together as the sun set behind them.
Read all about TiAwna and Jamal’s once in a lifetime romance as well as their enchanting wedding in Baltimore Maryland which was beautifully captured by MunaLunchi coterie members Clapp Studios and Livingston Lee Photography.
Bride & Groom: TiAwna & Jamal
Occupations: Civil Engineer & Real Estate Professional
Wedding date: March 25, 2017
Wedding location: Tabrizi’s, Baltimore, Maryland
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Jamal and I met over seven years ago at Max’s Bar in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. Never did we think that one lucky St. Patrick’s Day in 2010 would turn into a lifetime of love and laughter. We were visiting family in Myrtle Beach, S.C. for Thanksgiving in 2015 when Jamal decided to pop the question. Each night, we would walk out on the beach and enjoy the sunset. So Saturday, November 28th served as no different. Jamal asked me to be ready around 4pm for our daily walk. So we got dressed and headed out for the evening. After getting about 100 feet from the resort, Jamal quickly dropped down on one knee asking me to be his wife. I, of course, said “YES!” Without even being able to take everything in, here came running a photographer who was hiding off to the side to capture the entire moment! No family, no friends on the beach with us that day, just us two and a lot of love gazing into the fall sunset as our love shined through…where it all began.
What was wedding shopping like for you? (Jamal) For me it was quite simple, I used TheBlackTux.com and chose a modern fit tuxedo that was a very classic look. I opted for the Midnight Pin Dot Tuxedo which was a navy blue dinner jacket with black tuxedo pants while the groomsmen wore the classic black peak lapel tuxedo option. It was extremely easy to navigate the website and input your measurements. TiAwna even took my measurements for me. The Customer Service was top notch. The company sent a sample tux to try on to confirm measurements and fit and one week before the wedding, they send your tuxedo all ready to go. It was great for my groomsmen as some were traveling from various parts of the country and the Black Tux made the tuxedo experience incredibly convenient and seamless.
(TiAwna) I purchased my wedding dress from Kleinfeld in May 2016. I picked an ivory Eve of Milady strapless beaded gown with a full ruffled train from the Boutique Collection. I also purchased blush pink Badgley Mischka Kiara pumps with rhinestone encrusted heel cups (purchased at Macy’s). I made two visits to Kleinfeld because when we found my dream dress, my mother was not present so I had to travel back to Kleinfeld two months later. During both visits, my consultant was Shay Yarbrough. My experience with Shay was nothing short of excellent. He was AMAZING. He listened to me, he asked questions that would help me find the dress of my dreams. It was like Shay had known me for years. He was just a beam of sunshine and breath of fresh air after having been to four bridal appointments prior to Kleinfeld in the Baltimore/DC Metro Area and being unsuccessful. The appointment was great and Shay paid a lot of attention to detail and we were able to find that dream dress. He was able to explain to me the various options I have with alterations and truly making the dress what I want it to be. He was knowledgeable and truly knew the inventory after only being at Kleinfeld for three weeks at that time. His knowledge and experience was far beyond this world. It was as if he had been working for Kleinfeld Bridal for years. This was hands down the BEST bridal experience. It was so amazing that Shay became more than my bridal consultant but my friend. Shay shared my entire special day with me from getting me and my bridesmaids dressed and ready to go to partying and dancing the night away with me. My shopping experience was a gift all in itself as I gained a true friend and brother out of the deal!
Kleinfeld made my bridal experience unforgettable. I chose to go to Kleinfeld because the inventory at bridal boutiques in my area for curvy girls was completely horrible. With every appointment, I got even more discouraged. And when I say curvy girl, I mean I am a street size 12. I was overwhelmed at the dresses pulled for me and that I could actually fit into a wedding gown. Kleinfeld has a great selection and I am so happy to be a Kleinfeld Bride!!
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: The bridesmaids received shawls, Jewelry, “Squad” t-shirts, hand painted mirrors, floral robes, spa products, and tote bags. The groomsmen received gift boxes which included personalized glasses, cigars, cigar cutters, Jack Daniels and a small can of coke.
Favorite item on the menu: Chicken with Crab Meat
First dance song: ” So High” by John Legend
What is your best memory from your wedding? Our favorite moment was when I walked down the aisle and we finally locked eyes with each other. Our eyes were filled with tears of complete happiness because we were ready to make this the first day of the rest of our lives together.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? The best advice that we can give to engaged couples is to take premarital counseling with someone that can be trusted and truly has experience working with couples. Our counselor and Officiant, Dr. Michael Hopkins worked with us, helped us learn more about ourselves individually and as a couple while reminding us that with everything, we absolutely have to keep God at the center. It is most important to be equipped for marriage. Be open and honest during this journey because this is one of the most important decisions of your lives and it is important to ensure that you understand your partner. Whether you choose faith based premarital counseling or not, we do not regret this investment into our marriage.
Vendors
Photography: Clapp Studios
Assitant Photogapher: Livingston Lee
Videography: Carlos Harris Photography
Bridal Salon: Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridal Consultant: Shay Yarbrough
Wedding Dress Designer: Eve of Milady
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka Kiara Pumps
Bridesmaids’ Dress Designer: Bari Jay
Bridesmaids’ Dress Salon: Bella Bridesmaids DC
Bridesmaids’ Hair: Charnell Blackwell, Get So Jaded Salon
Bridesmaids’ Makeup: Sade Falade, Makeup by Shandyy
Bride’s Hair: Alisa Williams, CosmoCrush Salon
Bride’s Makeup: Priscilla Ottley, Paint Me Pretty
Ceremony and Reception Location: Tabrizi’s, Baltimore, Maryland
Event Designer: Michael Tabrizi, Tabrizi’s and the bride
Florist: Radebaugh’s Florist
PhotoBooth: Fotobombers
Cake: SugarBakers Cakes
Invitations: Swell and Grand
Thank You Cards: Kendall Harris, Penned By Pink
DJ Services: DJ Jamal, Soundvision DJs
Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedos: The Black Tux
Lighting and Draping Services: Baltimore’s Premier Event Solutions
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