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The month of September is the
most anticipated month of the year in fashion. Big name publications release their September Issue containing the rich hues, textures, and collections that will consume fashion for the next two seasons. The month of September represents not just fashion, but a pivotal moment where everything changes.
Today is that pivotal moment for us. We are walking together, hand in hand, into this next season of life We know that marriage has its ups and downs, but with you by our side we are certain we’ll prevail.
We are grateful for your presence today as well as your presence throughout our lives. We hope you enjoy all of the fun details that we have planned.
eggie
M
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Ronique
+
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PHOTO BY JASKO OMEROVIC
legacy
CURATED PIECES FOR ALL OF LIFE’S BIG MOMENTS
BY DR. GINA NICHOLS
Something borrowed, something blue
INTHIS ISSUE
SEPTEMBER 2023
03
Editors’ Note
Monique and Reggie welcome their friends andfamilytotheirweddingcelebration
11
Love on the Riverwalk
Take a look at the festivities that Reggie andMoniquehaveplannedforyouall!
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Ceremony Reading #1
Tobit 8:5b-8 portrays Tobiah and Sarah, a newlywed couple, fervently praying on their wedding night emphasizing the significance offaithandspiritualityintheirunion.
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Ceremony Reading #2
Matthew 5:13-16, often referred to as the "Salt and Light" passage, teaches that believers are called to be the salt of the earth, preserving goodness and the light of the world, shining forth their good deeds to glorify God and lead otherstofaith
16
Early Indulgence
A peek at the entree and bar menus curated by Monique and Reggie for this specialday
17
Behind the Veil
Our wonderful team of vendors that madetodaypossible!
PHOTOBYJASKOOMEROVIC
7
The Wedding Ensemble
Let’staketimetocelebrateour wonderfulparentsandwedding attendants.
29
Our Forever Team
37 Surprisingandsometimesoddfactsabout MoniqueandReggie’slifetogether
PHOTOBYJASKOOMEROVIC 9
24
Meetthefriendsandfamilythatwillstand byoursidetodayasbridesmaidsand groomsmen! PHOTOBYJASKOOMEROVIC PHOTOBYJASKOOMEROVIC
Did you know?
5:30pm
CeremonyBegins
Stepawayfromyourdevices andbepresentasMonique andReggieexchangevows andbecomehusbandand wife!
Officiatingtheirunionis FatherLukeWetzelfromSt. Paul'sParish.
PHOTOBYJASKOOMEROVIC 11
6pm
CocktailHour
7:30pm. DinnerisServed
Bonappétit!Indulgeinadelightful4-coursemeal whileclosefriendsandfamilyshowerthe newlywedswithwordsofpraiseandlove.
Toast-PresentedbyDr.JasonOnugha(BestMan)
Toast-PresentedbyShanaNichols,Esq.(Maidof Honor)
Toast-Andrew,David,&AndreaNkansah (Groomsmen&Bridesmaid,siblingsofthegroom)
Toast-MartieBurris&KeillyFlowers(Bridesmaids)
Sip,snack,andminglewiththe friendsandfamilyofthebrideand groom!
GuestPhotoAlbum-Helpus capturethelovebyscanningthe QRcodebelowandtakingpicsfor oursharedphotoalbum!
7pm
ReceptionBegins
Theweddingpartymakestheirgrand entrance,markingthebeginningofthe reception.
OpeningToast-PresentedbyDr.GinaNichols andTerrenceWilliams(MotheroftheBride, FatheroftheBride)
DinnerBlessing-LedbyJasmineBurgett (bridesmaid)andNickBurgett
Toast-PresentedbyMrs.JoyceNkansahand Mr.SamuelNkansah(MotheroftheGroom, FatheroftheGroom)
11:20pm
Farewell
Thankyousomuchforjoining usonourspecialday!Your presenceatourwedding meanstheworldtous.Wewill cherishthisdayforyearsto come!
8:30pm
DanceParty
Getonthedancefloorfora nightoflaughterand celebration!
Needtorefuel?Wehaveyou covered!Keepaneyeoutforour late-nightsnacks:mini-Chicago dogsandmini-churros!
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TOBIT 8:5B-8
5 So she got up, and they began to pray and implore that they might be kept safe. Tobias began by saying, ‘Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors, and blessed is your name in all generations forever. Let the heavens and the whole creation bless you forever. 6 You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve as a helper and support. From the two of them the human race has sprung. You said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make a helper for him like himself.”
7 I now am taking this kinswoman of mine, not because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find mercy and that we may grow old together.’ 8 And they both said, ‘Amen, Amen.’
Tobit 8:5b-8 is a passage from the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament, which is part of the Catholic and Orthodox Christian biblical canon. In these verses, Tobiah and Sarah, a newlywed couple, are depicted praying together on their wedding night. They beseech God for His blessings, protection, and mercy in their marriage, acknowledging that their union is in accordance with His divine plan for the continuation of life and love. This passage underscores the importance of prayer and faith within the context of marriage, highlighting the spiritual dimension of their relationship as they seek God's guidance and favor in their life journey together.
R E A D I N G # 1
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MATTHEW 5:13-16
13 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16 is a passage from the New Testament where Jesus uses metaphors to convey the importance of believers' roles in the world. He compares them to salt and light. Just as salt adds flavor and preserves food, Christians are called to bring goodness and moral influence to society. Similarly, just as a lamp illuminates a room, they are to shine their faith and good deeds for all to see, glorifying God. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of faith and encourages believers to live virtuous lives that positively impact the world around them.
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R E A D I N G # 2
PHOTOBYJASKOOMEROVIC 15
EARLY INDULGENCE
The highlights from tonight’s food and bar menu, curated by the bride and groom!
ENTREESELECTIONS
FISH
pan-friedsalmonservedwith saffronpearlpasta,lemon fennelsalad,andromanesco sauce
BEEF
newyorkstriploinserved withthree-cheesebasil potatogratin,grilled asparagus,babycarrots,anda wildmushroomragout
CHICKEN
frenchedchickenbreast accompaniedbyarosemary polentacake,roasted trumpetmushrooms,fried basil,andanaturalreduction
VEGETARIAN
chef’schoiceofseasonal entree
SIGNATUREDRINKS
THENOAH
Tequila,TripleSec,House-made MargaritaMix,OrangeJuice,2 Limes
THEJAXON CitrusVodka,TripleSec,Fresh LemonJuice
BEER
SamAdams•312UrbanWheat• BudLight Budweiser Lagunitas IPA•Heineken•StellaArtois• Corona•AmstelLight
WINE
HonigSauvignonBlanc•JoelGott Chardonnay•JoelGottPinot
Grigio•ParkerStationPinotNoir• TroubleMakerRedBlend•Joel Gott815CabernetSauvignon
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BEHIND THEVEIL
Ourweddingdayhasbeenmadetrulyspecialbyour teamofvendors.Theirtirelesseffortsandcreativityh transformedourdreamsintoabeautifulreality.Wee deepestgratitudetothesetalentedweddingvendors wholeheartedlyrecommendthemtocouplesplannin specialday.Keepreadingtodiscovermoreaboutthe behindtheveil
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DAYOF COORDINATOR
Hiringadayofcoordinatorwasoneofthe bestdecisionswemade!Kristinaislovelyand theWedicityteamisgreattoworkwith We aresogratefulthatwehadthemonthis journey!Makesureyoucheckthemout beforeyournextevent:www.wed-icity.com.
B E H I N D T H E V E I L 19
Monique’sweddingdresswasmadeby Ukrainianbridallabel,WONABridalTheword ‘WONA’means‘she’Findtheminpersonin NewYorkCityoronlineat www.wonanyc.com.
ALTERATIONS
Weddingwardrobealterationsforboththe brideandgroomweredonebyElenaof EuropeoTailorinSeattle Elenaisoriginally fromtheUkraine http://europeotailor.business.site
DRESS B E H I N D T H E V E I L 20
HAIR+MAKEUP
Hairandmakeupservicesforthebrideand makeupservicesforthebridalparty providedbyAnomalieBeautyFindthaem onlineatwww.anomaliebeauty.com
FLORAL
Weddingfloralsweredesignedand arrangedbyFlowersForDreamsThis organizationreinvests25%ofnetprofits backintolocalcharities.Visitthemonline attachedwww.flowersfordreams.com
B E H I N D T H E V E I L 21
...ANDMORE
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown. Our lovely venue for both the ceremony and reception
www.sonesta.com
Videographer. Ceremony video captured by Forever Yours Films. www.foreveryoursfilms.com/
Men’s Wearhouse. Groom and groomsmen apparel.
Bridal Shoes. Kate Spade ‘Bridal Bow Sandals’ in Ivory.
Veil. Cathedral length minimalist veil from Etsy.
DJ Chicago (Ceremony and Reception Audio). Provided sound and entertainment for the entire day.
https://dj-chicagocom/
Pixster Photo Booths (Reception Photo Booth).
https://www.pixsterchicago.com/
Bittersweet Pastry (Wedding Cake and Treats).
https://bittersweetpastry.com/
Life on Record (Audio Guestbook).
https://lifeonrecordcom/
B E H I N D T H E V E I L eggieRoniqueM + Thank you for your hard work & dedication! 22
BEAUTYBYBBB
THE WEDDING ENSEMBLE
MORE THAN BOUQUETS AND BOUTONNIERES
Weinviteyoutojoinusincelebratingtheheartbeatofour weddingparty:ourparents,ringbearers,flowergirls,and attendants.Theseincredibleindividualshavegoneaboveand beyondtoshoweruswithloveandsupportasweembarkon
thisextraordinaryjourney.Theirunwaveringcommitmentandwarm smileshavemadeourbigdayevenmorespecial,andwecan'twaitforyou tomeetthemandshareinthejoyofourcelebration.
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We hold immense gratitude in our heartsforallthatourparentshave doneforusthroughouttheyears.As westepintothisexcitingnewchapter, wecouldn'tbehappiertohavethem rightbyourside.
WISEMENTORS
PROUDPROTECTORS
ParentsoftheGroompicturedwithgroomsman,2LT DavidNkansahMrsJoyceNkansah(L)andMr SamuelNkansah(R)
Parentsofthebride,DrGinaNichols,MD (L)andTerrenceWilliams(R)
GUIDINGLIGHT T H E W E D D I N G E N S E M B L E 25
Thebridepicturedwithherfather,MarkNichols,on hergraduationdayfromPurdueUniversity
ADORINGSUPPORTER
ENDEARINGBROTHER
MarkNichols,brotherofthebride,willassistin escortingthebridedownthefirsthalfoftheaisle Thisisanodtoherfather’spresenceinherlife despitehisinabilitytobewithustoday
VALUEDCONFIDANT
KaireeMills,cousinofthebride,will assistinguidingtheringbearers downtheaisleduringtheceremony
Thisdaywouldnotbethesame withouttheloveandsupportof ourweddingattendants.These peopleagreedtotakeonalarger rolewithinourceremony.
AlexNichols,brotherofthebride,willalso assistinescortingthebridedownthefirst halfoftheaisle
T H E W E D D I N G E N S E M B L E 26
Thank you to our ring bearers and flowergirls!Wearesoexcitedtohave youwithusonourspecialday! T H E W E D D I N G E N S E M B L E 27
BEAUTY BY BBB
OUR FOREVER
Today, we have a group of amazing people by our side as bridesmaidsandgroomsmen.Theseextraordinaryfriendsand family members have been advisors, supporters, and cheerleadersthroughoutlife’supsanddowns.Theirpresence
is not only a testament to the cherished bonds we share but also a reflectionoftheirinvaluablepresenceinourlives.Withheartsfulloflove andgratitude,weinviteyoutojoinusincelebratingtheextraordinary membersofourbridalparty.Weknowyou’llgrowtolovethemtoo.
A L O O K I N S I D E T H E W E D D I N G P A R T Y TEAM 29
THE LADIES
We’dliketoextendaheartfelt thankyoutothebridesmaids for being by our side and making this day even more special. You are cherished beyond words. We are so blessed to have you in our lives!
VIVALASVEGAS
Bridesmaids,friends,andfamily atMonique’sbachelorette weekendinLasVegas
MICHEILAPITTMAN
Bridesmaid
O U R F O R E V E R T E A M 30
O U R F O R E V E R T E A M 31
Bridesmaid ANDREANKANSAH
O U R F O R E V E R T E A M 32
Bridesmaid MONTEKQUABURKE
THE GENTS
To the incredible groomsmen, your friendship and support have made our journey unforgettable. Thank you for standing being such an important part of this momentous day. We are truly grateful for to have you in our lives.
SUMMERTIMECHI
Someofthegroomsmenduring Reggie’sbachelorpartyweekend inChicago
Groomsman
CPT(RET)ANDREWNKANSAH
O U R F O R E V E R T E A M 33
O U R F O R E V E R T E A M 34
Groomsman
2LTDAVIDNKANSAH
Groomsman
O U R F O R E V E R T E A M 35
DRNOLANBROUSSARD
DID YOU KNOW?
Monique and Reggie have been engaged for 705 days - in numerology this number is associated with good luck and prosperity
3 years ago, 09/22/20, Reggie said “I love you” to Monique for the first time
Reggie thinks Monique was 30 minutes late to their first date. Monique insists he was just 30 minutes early
Monique knew she loved Reggie when he agreed to watch the reality show, “Married at First Sight”, with her.
Monique and Reggie’s signature drinks are named after their two dogs - Noah and Jaxon.
Monique and Reggie went to Gas Works Park, made popular by the movie “10 Things I Hate About You”, on their first date
Our wedding venue, the 29th floor of the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, was Bruce Wayne’s penthouse in the blockbuster hit “The Dark Knight”.
Since they started dating, Reggie has kissed Monique goodbye everyday at least twice before leaving for work.
They have a lot of nicknames for each other including Cletus, Bernadette, Choco, and pancake.
Reggie and Monique put up their Christmas tree every year at midnight on Thanksgiving. For Monique this is by choice, for Reggie, this is about survival
1 0 F U N F A C T S A B O U T T H E B R I D E A N D G R O O M 37
Icraveyouinthemost innocentform Icravetosaygoodnight andgiveyouforehead kissesandtosaythatI adoreyouwhenyoufeelat yourworst IcraveyouinwayswhereI justwanttobenexttoyou andnothingmoreorless HappilyEverNkansah 2023
