Let's Fall In Love - 2019

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The Only Bridal Lifestyle Magazine for the Black Bride and Black Groom

5 BUDGET FRIENDLY BAECATIONS

Let’s Fall In Love:

CARL AND JONNECIA OURWEDDINGSMAGAZINE.COM

FALL 2019

TRENDY FALL WEDDING IDEAS TO LOVE Meet Our 2019 Power Couples

Coming 2020 For more info, visit www.theblackbridalexperience.com 2

FALL IN LOVE 2019

theblackbridalexperience@gmail.com

Don’t start your marriage upset about finances Solutions By Ivy offers: Credit and Budgeting Consulting Notary Public Signing Agent for your real estate needs Call 800-­789-­6618 or email solutionsbyivy@gmail.com We want to help you keep your life moving forward!

w h i t e g ow n wo r k ro o m . c o m

BEAUTIFUL OFF THE RACK GOWNS FOR THE COST CONSCIOUS BRIDE

3 0 1 5 S t a t e S t re e t S u i t e 1 2 1 · D a l l a s , Tex a s 75 2 0 4 · 2 1 4 . 74 4 . 4 6 9 6

Our Content Welcome to our Fall In Love Issue

Ask Our Experts 24

12 S TUNNING W EDDING DECOR I DEAS F OR T HE FALL

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JEWELS B Y JADE: FALL FAVORITES

By Jade Ladson 28

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YOUR C HILD I S M Y CHILD ...RIGHT?!

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Getting Back To The Romance In Your Marriage

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WHY I S S UBMISSION A R EAL THING?

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WEDDING P LANNING G UIDE

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FIVE I DEAS F OR A B AECATION ON A B UDGET

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REHEARSALS A RE ABSOLUTELY N EEDED A ND HERE’S W HY

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SAVE Y OURSELF W ITH A D AY OF W EDDING P LANNER

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

CREATING T HE P ERFECT FALL B OUQUETS

Our Couples

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MEET OUR COUPLE: Carl and Jonnecia

Our Content

30 MEET POWER COUPLE: Jermaine and Kristy

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MEET POWER COUPLE: Jay and Jade

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MEET POWER COUPLE: LaTroy and Anita

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MEET POWER COUPLE: George and Tina OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Content

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MEET OUR COUPLE: and Jenille

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MEET OUR COUPLE: Juste and Sephora

MEET OUR COUPLE: Montel and Kerrian 8

FALL IN LOVE 2019

Our Weddings Magazine would like to thank our contributing writers for this issue:

PUBLISHER: Ivy N. McQuain info@OurWeddingsMagazine.com

Debbie Latham Magee Staff Writer Fauxnomenal Flowers

GRAPHIC DESIGN: BLI Publishing info@BLIPublishing.com

Shellye Lyons Staff Writer Social Media Director Your Media Girl

CREATIVE DIRECTORS: Octavia Whitlowe info@OurWeddingsMagazine.com

Jade Ladson Columnist J. Ladson Weddings @jladsonweddings Damian Johnson Co-­founder of Marriage Is Real RE/Max Real Estate Agent

COPY EDITING: BLI Publishing info@BLIPublishing.com MAGAZINE LAYOUT: BLI Publishing SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR: Shellye Lyons ADVERTISING/SUBMISSIONS: info@ourweddingsmagazine.com

Submit your wedding story to ourweddingsmagazine@gmail.com We’re Social! Find us at OurWeddingsMag on

If you would like to become a contributing writer for Our Weddings Magazine, then submit a sample (300 words or less) to ourweddingsmagazine@gmail. com. Call us for questions and inquiry at 469-­557-­1254..

Our Weddings Magazine is a i-­POP Media House publication. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Our Weddings Magazine is a paid subscription magazine for brides and grooms throughout the United States. We reserve the right not to publish ads or articles that we deem inappropriate and do not meet the overall mission and vision of Our Weddings Magazine. For advertising rates or editorial comments and suggestions, please call (469) 557-­1254 or send an email to Advertising at info@ourweddingsmagazine.com.

OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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2XU 6WDȼ Jade Ladson

Shellye Lyons

Jade Ladson is our resident in house Wedding/Event Planner. Her skills are amazing and she has travelled the U.S. presenting events for others to enjoy! Jade is the owner of J. Ladson Weddings based out of Atlanta, GA. You can ʏQG KHU -HZHOV E\ -DGH LQ HYHU\ issue of Our Weddings Magazine.

Shellye Lyons is the owner of Your Media Girl and she has been in business for more than 10 years revolutionizing the business industry with her innovative and one-­of-­a-­kind ideas. Shellye can be reached at YourMediaGirl on Facebook.

Damian Johnson

Debbie Magee

Damian Johnson is the founder of Marriage is Real, an organization devoted to helping other couples build lasting, harmonious relationships! He embarked on his journey of providing marriage insight several years ago, when he created a blog entitled “Marriage is Real.” Since then, he and his wife Jamie, provide marriage coaching as well as daily inspiration utilizing social media platforms.

Debbie Magee is the owner of Fauxnomenal Flowers one of the premier vendor for Our Weddings Magazine and faux ʐRUDO GHVLJQHUV IRU ZHGGLQJV and events throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth areas. She has been gracing our pages with great advice. Check her out on Facebook as Fauxnomenal Flowers.

Don’t Miss Another Issue Without Advertising

We have great advertising rates! Email: info@OurWeddingsMagazine.com for our Advertising Rates!

Publisher’s Letter Summer Is The Time For Love And Weddings, You Ready? Our Weddings Magazine is always a labor of love because we are truly dedicated to ensuring that our readers receive the best content possible. Do we make mistakes? Of course, but when we do we do our best to correct it. With that being said we apologize to the couples who’s names were incorrect in our last issue. We have corrected it and uploaded the correct version. We are humans and we thank you for your support. Let’s Fall In Love is always one of our most treasured issues because we love highlighting every day couples who truly exemplify Black love. These couples have made it to the mark of becoming husband and wife and we love sharing that with our readers. This issue is particularly my favorite issue because not only did I get to attend two weddings for the magazine I got to do it for my friend, Jenill and her new husband, and my handsome nephew, Carl and his beautiful bride, they are on the cover. It pays to know people. I am happy for both couples and was honored to attend both weddings and to feature both weddings in this issue.

who are taking the world by storm together and representing Black Excellence and Black Love. You can’t beat that. These couples have withstood the test of time and are kicking butt and taking names. I love it! It’s refreshing to see successful people work together to build together. Our Weddings Magazine is working on some great things for our readers. We are doing our best to continue to provide the best content for our readers as we grow. Our social media page highlights so many great couples that we may not be able to feature in the magazine. Soon we will have a place for couples on our website via our Blog because we want to continue our commitment to Black love. ,W LV RXU PLVVLRQ WR UDLVH WKH ʐDJ DQG EH WKH vanguard for the marriage of a Black man to a Black woman. Again, we don’t disapprove of whom anyone loves we just take our position to support Black LOVE! It’s needed and we’re here for it. The Black Bridal Experience is coming back in 2020 and we are looking to travel. So if you are interested in bringing us to your city then let us know. Thank you and have a wonderful marriage.

Ivy N. McQuain Ivy McQuain

Publisher, Our Weddings Magazine Another thing we are doing in this issue is highlighting our Power Couples. Those couples OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Ask Our Expert: Â Family

Your Child Is My Child ...Right?! tips: Č’

One  of  the  most  tragic  things  a  man  or  woman  can  do  is  to  remind  their  new  kids  that  they  are  just  their  STEP  kids;Íž  as  if  people  don’t  know  that  the  new  kids  you  are  hanging  around  with  are  not  your  biological  kids.  And  if  they  don’t  know  then  they  might  not  be  your  friends.  Admit  it,  we  see  it  all  too  often  where  someone  marries  or  dates  someone  with  kids  and  when  they  make  a  formal  or  informal  introduction  the  Ę?UVW ZRUGV RXW RI WKHLU PRXWK LV “Meet  my  wife’s  (husband’s)  kids.â€? Excuse  me?! Did  you  only  marry  the  spouse  and  not  his/her  kids?  Did  they  not  come  as  a  unit?  Are  you  only  committed  to  taking  care  of  the  spouse  and  not  the  child(ren)?

concern  and  not  the  child(ren)  that  are  in  tow.  It’s  unfortunate  because  the  children  are  always  the  innocent  victims  when  the  adults  consider  them  as  a  plus  one  versus  as  their  child.  Nonetheless  we  understand  that  there  are  many  issues  that  can  hinder  a  person  from  wanting  to  be  a  part  of  a  child’s  life  including  a  crazy  ex  that  is  waiting  for  something  to  go  wrong  or  a  child  that  just  won’t  accept  the  new  parent  in  their  lives.  But  those  instances  are  usually  isolated  incidents  that  should  have  been  corrected  way  before  the  I  Dos  were  exchanged. Â

So  how  can  you  bridge  the  gap  by  making  your  new  family  a  complete  family  without  the  issues  of  a  crazy  ex  or  a  mean  spirited  child  work  Ironically,  there  are  some  people  who  out  where  the  word  step-­child  is  no  only  think  the  new  spouse  is  their  longer  an  option?  Here  are  some Â

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FALL Â IN Â LOVE Â 2019

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Family  meetings.  No  this  is  not  another  race  thing.  Family  meetings  are  needed  in  this  day  and  age  where  the  entire  family  can  sit  down  and  express  their  concerns,  get  updates  on  what’s  going  on,  and  enjoy  time  together  without  judgement.  Oftentimes,  we  are  parents  think  it’s  better  to  tell  our  kids  what  they  need  to  do  without  thinking  about  how  it  might  impact  them.  Yes,  that  sounds  non  Blackish  but  when  you  have  a  blended  family,  it  helps  to  structure  the  family  as  one.  One-­on-­one  time.  If  you  are  marrying  into  a  family  where  your  spouse  has  more  than  one  child  under  the  age  of  18  then  it’s  important  to  gain  trust  through  one-­on-­one  time.  Too  many  times  the  new  parent  feels  the  need  the  only  interact  with  the  child  if  the  parent  is  around  because  they  don’t  want  any  issues.  Again,  if  you  married  someone  who  has  strict  don’t  talk  or  touch  my  child  then  you  my  friend,  are  not  the  brightest  and  will  probably  live  years  in  hell.  But  if  you  are  fortunate  to  have  a  life  where  you  can  get  to  know  your  bonus  child  then  go  for  it. Set  rules  and  make  everyone  follow  them,  your  kids  included.  There  are  instances  where  blended  family  set  rules  for  the  new  kids  and  not  for  their  kids.  That  is  utterly  misguided  and Â

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will cause problems later in life. At no time should your child have a different set of rules from their new siblings. This causes confusion and breeds discontent. Allow them to call you mom or dad in their time but make sure that they respect you at all times. It doesn’t come easy having to call someone else by mom or dad so don’t rush it. Let the child adjust to seeing you as a Ȓ SDUHQWDO ʏJXUH DQG WKHQ FDOOLQJ \RX E\ WKDW QDPH 'HʏQLWHO\ don’t let them treat you as their HTXDO DQG KDYH D ʏUVW QDPH basis with you. Come up with a creative name like Pops or Ma. Respect and establish boundaries. This statement alone probably got a lot of blank stares... What are boundaries when you’re raising anyone’s child. But let’s be honest Ȓ establishing and respecting

boundaries when there are stepchildren involved is very important for a cohesive transition. Just like rules they must be applied and maintained. Boundaries allow the children to understand what you will and will not tolerate and how far they DUH DOORZHG WR JR %H ʏUP EXW QRW overbearing. This should also include disciplinary actions. Work with the other parent. This can be hard especially if the last relationship ended harshly. That is why you have to be the bigger person at all times to make sure the child’s best interest is always at the forefront. Don’t have arguments in front of the child about their parent and never disrespect the parent, even if you consider them a deadbeat... It’s not your place. Know when to tap out. It’s hard to admit but sometimes you

Debs Silks Fauxnomenal Flowers 228.326.3558

have to bow out of a relationship ZKHQ WKLQJV DUH MXVW WRR GLIʏFXOW to manage. Of course, after you’ve done all you can do but if you are dealing with a child who is a hell raiser from HELL then you can’t expect the marriage to be successful for long. You also need peace. Sometimes the other parent coherence their child to be disruptive in the home and that’s why it’s important to know these things before you get married. Never wait until you are wedded to see the signs of a child or parent who doesn’t want you around. Photo By: Monkey Business

Ask Our Expert: Â Relationship

Getting Back To The Romance In Your Marriage over  the  years.  You  should  interview  your  spouse,  in  a  seductive  way,  to  determine  what  they  may  or  may  not  be  interested  as  far  as  sex  is  concerned.  You  might  be  shocked  to  Ę?QG RXW WKDW WKH\ DUH VLFN of  missionary. Â

Unfortunately,  the  easiest  and  fastest  thing  to  lose  in  a  marriage  is  romance.  You  begin  to  stop  looking  at  your  mate  the  way  you  once  did.  They  become  a  person  rather  than  the  person  you  fell  in  love  with.  You  are  easily  irritated  by  them  and  them  boom...  The  sex  stops  and  you’re  either  growing  a  slow  addiction  to  porn  or  you’re  looking  elsewhere.  Hopefully  you’re  not  the  victim  of  either  option  but  it  happens  far  more  than  we’d  care  to  admit. Â

Try  something  different.  Here’s  the  caveat  to  this  statement,  you  both  must  be  comfortable  with  it.  If  you  man  wants  to  try  anal  VH[ IRU WKH Ę?UVW WLPH RU you  want  to  try  it,  have  an  open  and  honest  conversation  and  do  your  homework  so  nothing  happens  that  shouldn’t  happen.  Be  mindful  that  if  one  partner  is  not  into  it  then  back  off  for  a  while  but  make  slight  suggestions  over  time  to  keep  it  fresh  on  the  mind.

Engage  in  what  they  like.  If  your  spouse  is  into  sports  and  you  head  for  the  room,  try  staying  around  to  watch  a  game  or  two.  Ask  questions  and  maybe  even  dress  up  in  his  favorite  jersey  before  going  to  bed.  Getting  the  romance  back  in  your  If  he  likes  working  on  cars,  then  try  marriage  when  the  thrill  is  gone  is  not  to  learn  what  you  can  about  cars.  It’s  as  complicated  as  it  seems.  You  just  the  simple  things  that  men  appreciate  have  to  be  motivated,  determined,  that  turns  them  on.  consistent,  and  patient,  especially  if  trust  has  been  violated.  Here  are  Shut  up  and  stop  nagging.  Guess  some  great  ways  to  rekindle  that  what?  There  will  always  be  bills.  The  Ę?DPH kids  will  always  get  sick  or  get  on  your  last  nerve.  You  will  always  have  Do  your  research  and  homework.  an  issue  but  so  will  he.  Sometimes  Yes,  you  have  to  do  your  research.  you  have  to  turn  that  off  and  tune  If  you  have  been  married  for  more  into  him.  Check  to  see  if  he’s  had  a  WKDQ Ę?YH \HDUV WKHQ TXLWH QDWXUDOO\ long  day  or  if  things  are  going  good  your  appetite  for  sex  has  changed Â

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FALL Â IN Â LOVE Â 2019

in  his  world.  Yes,  men  and  women  sometimes  live  in  separate  worlds  under  one  roof.  You  can’t  make  your  marriage  all  about  you  then  get  upset  when  he’s  entertaining  another  person  to  escape  you. Take  him  out  on  a  date.  Don’t  scoff  and  think  that  it’s  the  man’s  job  to  pay  everything  because  that’s  not  always  the  case,  particularly  when  it  comes  to  date  nights.  If  he  wants  to  see  a  that  new  action  movie  that  you  know  you’re  going  to  hate,  buy  the  tickets  and  take  him  out  for  dinner  to...  You’ll  end  up  being  his  dessert.  If  he  wants  to  go  to  the  game,  pay  for  the  tickets  and  get  a  jersey  to  be  right  there  by  his  side.  Get  off  of  social  media.  We  see  a  lot  RI ZRPHQ SRVW HYHU\ Ę?YH PLQXWHV EXW swear  they  are  happy  in  love.  Surely  they  are  happy  but  their  spouse  is  probably  sick  and  tired  of  having  every  moment  of  their  lives  shared  with  complete  strangers.  Start  with  a  day  of  no  social  media  and  give  it  to  him.  Then  increase...  Eventually  you’ll  notice  how  you  have  turned  him  on  because  you  turned  the  world  off.  Pamper  him.  Men  love  to  be  pampered,  even  if  they  don’t  admit  it.  They  love  to  get  massages.  They  love  head  rubs.  They  even  love  to  have  their  shower  or  bath  waiting  on  them.  They  may  not  fuss  and  try  to  say  what  you  don’t  have  to  do  but  trust  they  want  to  feel  just  as  wanted  as  you  do. Spice  it  up  with  a  toy  or  two.  You  know  there  are  many  seductive Â

shops across the country where you can get anything you need to spice up your relationship. Don’t think dildo or anus balls... Rather think lubes, feathers, and games to play to make the bedroom more interesting. It’s time to stop thinking extreme and think simple. Besides most men don’t like the idea of their woman using a dildo to satisfy herself when he’s around. Go to a pole dancing class. Not only will you learn some cute moves but you will get in shape. Don’t be afraid to watch porn just in moderation. Porn is addictive and most men watch it because there is a lack of spontaneity in the marriage. If that is the case and you act like a bump on the log then consider watching porn with him to ʏQG RXW ZKDW KH OLNHV DQG ZKDW KH would like to try. If it’s too much for

your pressure then talk to him about counseling and go with him to get to the root cause of his addiction, If he has stepped out in the marriage then counseling is the only option to try before running to the door. Too many women take to extreme measures by going straight to the BIG D. They fail to turn the mirror on themselves because they cooked here and there and conceded to his sexual advances. Sometimes us women make our spouses look to someone else because we don’t respect and treat them as the head of the household. Men are visual and sexual creatures. They want what they want and when their wives start to deviate they look for that familiar thing and comfort. Not giving an excuse just trying to help you understand that sometimes you can be the problem in your marriage that causes him to cheat. Yes, he’s grown

and he controls his actions but you can only deny him for so long. At the end of the day to get the romance back in your marriage you have to be your husband’s all in all. Shirley Murdock said it best, “Be a lady in the streets and a freak in the sheets.” There is always someone willing to take your place. With that in mind you have to be his all in all and give him what he needs when he needs it and even when he doesn’t need it. You are his peace and his helpmeet. So get into his mind and ʏQG RXW ZKDW PDNHV KLP WLFN

Photo by: Wave Break Media

The Bridal Shoppe Wylie 100 N Ballard Ave Suite B, Wylie, TX 75098 Phone: (972) 941-9494 OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE www.wyliebridal.com

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Ask Our Expert: Â Relationship

Why Is Submission A Real Thing? **Warning** This  article  might  offend.  We  have  talked  to  many  men  and  the  one  thing  they  think  that  their  wives  should  do  is  submit  to  them.  Not  a  wait  at  the  door  with  the  slippers  and  newspaper  but  submit  as  in  allow  them  to  be  the  head  of  the  household  and  support  him  when  he  is  making  decisions  for  the  family.  Unfortunately,  many  women  believe  that  they  don’t  have  to  submit  to  their  men  and  that  the  man  should  allow  them  to  lead  when  necessary. Â

women  felt  empowered  to  everything  on  their  own,  including  raising  their  children. Â

completely  disagree  on  why  submission  is  important  to  the  XQLĘ?FDWLRQ RI WKH %ODFN KRXVHKROG

By  the  2000s  Black  women  began  chanting,  â€œI’m  an  independent  woman,  I  don’t  need  no  man.â€?  Meanwhile,  Becky  with  the  good  hair  submitted,  got  married,  and  is  living  the  life  that  Ms.  Independent  claims  she  hates  but  secretly  longs  for. Â

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Of  course,  we  all  know  that  a  dueling  mindset  like  this  only  causes  contention  within  the  household  DQG FDQ OHDG WR LQĘ?GHOLW\ discontentment,  and  ultimately  divorce.  So  why  are  men  and  women  so  at  arms  when  it  comes  to  the  word  submission?  Moreso  why  are  women  afraid  to  submit  to  their  husbands? Â

Yet  in  still,  some  Black  women  blame  slavery  and  Will  Lynch  for  destroying  Some  blame  the  feminist  movement  the  word  submission.  Stating  that  of  the  1950s  and  1960s  that  told  the  Black  man  watched  their  women  women  that  they  are  equal,  if  not,  get  raped,  beaten,  mistreated,  and  better  than  their  men.  There  was  even  killed  without  doing  anything  a  time  when  the  Black  woman  destroyed  their  trust  that  he  was  submitted  to  her  husband  and  was  capable  of  â€˜handling’  business  as  it  happy  to  do  so.  Then  came  along  relates  to  his  family.  This  generational  the  notion  that  women  no  longer  hatred  towards  the  Black  man  was  needed  to  â€˜bow  down’  to  her  man  and  passed  down,  even  if  their  was  a  eventually  the  1970s  ushered  in  the  man  in  the  house.  welfare  movement  to  totally  separate  the  Black  man  from  his  family.  Black  Either  way  men  and  women Â

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Submission  does  not  mean  abuse.  If  you  are  being  abused  call  the  police  and  get  out  of  that  situation.  Submission  does  not  mean  losing  your  identity  unless  your  identity  does  not  include  being  a  full-­time  wife  and  mother,  if  applicable. Č’ Submission  does  not  mean  being  used  as  a  doormat.  What  submission  mean  is  putting  \RXU KXVEDQG Ę?UVW ZKHQ \RX are  making  decisions  that  could  affect  your  household. Č’ Submission  means  putting  him  before  your  friends,  family,  and  yes,  even  the  kids. Č’ Submission  means  praying  for  him  every  day  and  encouraging  him.  Č’ Submission  means  giving  100  percent  of  yourself  to  ensuring  that  he  is  taken  care  of.

Submission  is  not  a  death  sentence.  It’s  a  biblical  commandment  that  wives  should  do  when  they  say,  â€œI  DO.â€?  You  can’t  expect  to  have  a  wonderful  life  if  you  are  not  willing  to  make  sure  your  husband  and  home  DUH WDNHQ FDUH RI Ę?UVW ,WČŠV KDUG EHLQJ a  woman  but  it’s  harder  being  a  woman  who  is  not  willing  to  try  to  be  the  wife  that  you’re  called  to  be.  You  can’t  inspire  others  if  you  cant’  take  FDUH RI KRPH Ę?UVW

Pre-­orders Now Available. Email: info@ourweddingsmagazine.com

Ask Our Expert: Planning Below is the traditional wedding check list because after all you can’t make sure your list have list if you do not have the original wedding checklist.

9 to 12 Months

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____ Determine goals for your wedding. ____ Decide on the style, theme, or overall vibe for your wedding. ____ Determine how much time you can devote to wedding planning. ____ Create a budget, if necessary. ____ Determine how many family/friends you expect to help. ____ Decide on a wedding party, if you are having one.

6 to 9 Months

Shortly after you’re engaged:

____ Find and book your wedding venue. ____ Create the guest list. ____ Get event insurance.

____ Choose a ceremony and reception start time. ____ Start booking your key wedding vendors ____ Start looking for your wedding rings.

____ Start planning your wedding decor. ____ Plan out the guest book, seating chart, and favors. ____ Decide on the DIY projects and a timeline (the earlier, the better!).

6 to 8 months: ____ Start looking into reservations for any group wedding weekend. ____ Set up your wedding website. ____ Send out your save the dates. ____ Begin to book other vendors not already booked ____ Book your rehearsal dinner location. ____ Decide on wedding attire for everyone.

5 months:

4 months: ____ Visit the venue again, and make your event layout.

____ Set up a wedding registry (if you’re having one).

____ Start creating your job list those helping on your wedding day.

3 months: ____ Discuss the do’s and don’ts of your wedding with your partner. ____ Start creating your wedding play lists, if applicable.

2 months: ____ Get your wedding attire altered if necessary. ____ Finish up any DIY projects that you can.

6 weeks:

____ Start writing or brainstorming your vows.

____  Mail  your  wedding  invites  and  track  RSVPs.    ____  Loop  in  your  wedding  coordinator. ____  Finalize  the  items  in  your  day-­of  timeline,  and  assign  exact  times  to  the  different  parts  of  the  day.

1 month: BBBB )LQDOL]H \RXU ZHGGLQJ FHUHPRQ\ ZLWK \RXU RIĘ?FLDQW        ____  Finish  up  your  wedding  purchases  and  projects.

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____  Finalize  your  seating  chart. ____  Update  your  day-­of  timeline  with           information  from  vendors. ____  Provide  your  DJ  a  detailed  playlist. BBBB *HW \RXU PDUULDJH OLFHQVH

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BBBB 0DNH D SDFNLQJ OLVW RI WKLQJV QHHGHG          including  a  DIY  wedding  emergency  kit.

2 to 3 weeks: ____  Track  down  any  missing  RSVPs.    ____  Finalize  outstanding  details  with  vendors.          ____  Make  your  shot  list  for  your  wedding  photographer.  BBBB 0HHW ZLWK \RXU FRRUGLQDWRU WR Ę?QDOL]H WKH GHWDLOV

1 week  : BBBB 6HQG Ę?QDO WLPHOLQH WR DOO ZHGGLQJ YHQGRUV      Â

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24 - 72 hours before the wedding: ____  Drop  off  welcome  goodies  for  guests  at  hotels  if  applicable.  Â

____  Buy  perishable  food  items  for  menu.

24 hours before the wedding: ____  Set  up  the  wedding  ceremony/reception  spaces.    ____  Have  a  wedding  rehearsal. ____  Hand  over  the  planning  reins  and  your  planning  materials  to  your  wedding  coordinator  or  point  person.

The day of the wedding (yay!): ____  Get  married,  and  soak  in  all  the  love  you  feel.

The day after the wedding: ____  Clean  up,  pack  up,  and  go  on  your  way  as  a  newly  married  couple.  Hopefully  a  honeymoon  is  included,  but  if  not  you  are  now  starting  to  enjoy  your  life  together! The  week  or  few  days  after  the  wedding  be  sure  to  take  a  breather  from  wedding-­related  tasks  and  go  on  a  honeymoon,  mini-­ moon,  or  even  a  stay-­at-­home  honeymoon.  You  will  need  this  time  to  truly  get  adjusted  to  each  other  in  your  new  role.  No  more  than  three  months  after  your  wedding  date  you  should  send  out  thank  you  cards  to  your  attendees,  bridal  party,  and  vendors. Â

Now  always  remember  that  you  are  now  living  in  your  forever  after!  So  relish  in  the  memories  of  your  amazing  wedding  day.  Congrats! Â

Ask Our Expert: Planning

Five ideas for a baecation on a budget There are so many new words that are popping up in the universe it’s hard to keep track but one of our favorite new words is baecation. %\ GHʏQLWLRQ D EDHFDWLRQ LV VLPSO\ a vacation with your bae/boo. It depicts hanging out, or being with your partner at a location, usually somewhere far from home, for extended periods of time. But what if you don’t have coins like that to jetset and leave the country when you want? No worries here are 5 ways to have the perfect baecation on a budget. Just remember if there are kids involved you might want to call a babysitter. Also, limit your cell phone use because it’s all about you two. Rent a limo or car service and take your boo for a night out on the town. This is the perfect way to explore your city and see things together versus one of you driving while the other is on their phone. Having a personal driver also gives you time to talk about what you love about each other and you don’t have to worry about parking! Head on over to the next town or

city within two to three hours for a day trip. A baecation don’t always have to be expensive. You can have fun by driving just a few hours. With that you can visit old downtown, historic sites, even grab a bite to eat from a local restaurant. One of my favorite places is Waco, Texas because of it’s rich history and diverse culture. Binge watch movies or television series. More than likely if you are a busy couple then you are going to miss some of your favorite shows so when you have the time turn your baecation in the ultimate binge watching session ever. Order take out so no one misses anything and cuddle up on the couch. Still send the kids to your parent’s house so you don’t have to miss a single scene. Do free stuff. Every city or community is full of free exhibits, fairs, expos, and the such. So ask Google what’s going on in your city or zip code and plan your day of fun. You’ll be surprised to discover some new things that you might actually like. 7UHDW \RXUVHOI WR D ʏYH VWDU experience. Be it a restaurant or hotel or spa, you and bae deserve to have fun and live it up for at least one night if not for the weekend. Check popular sites like Hotels.com or visit the hotel site directly and enjoy living in the lap of luxury with your favorite person. Here’s a bonus tip... get your

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

passport ($189.00) and take your bae on a world wind excursion. If you can’t afford that just yet, then book a cruise and see the world one island or country at a time. Cruises are usually cheaper during the winter months and when school starts but check with a travel agent or with the cruise line itself. Don’t let life pass you by. Grab your bae and get to living your best life with affordable solutions for creating lasting memories with baecations! Photos by: Prostock-­Studio RawPixel

rehearsals are absolutely needed and here’s why You’d  be  surprised  how  many  people  think  that  they  can  wing  it  for  their  reshearsal.  Yes,  they  may  have  attended  countless  weddings  and  think  that  it’s  easy  for  the  bridal  party  to  walk  down  the  aisle  together  and  stand  in  position.  But  trust  it  is  not  that  easy.  Party  members  should  align  and  be  in  sync  with  each  other.  We  know,  people  have  to  work  and  giving  up  a  day  or  two  for  rehearsals  can  be  challenging  especially  if  members  of  your  bridal  party  don’t  live  nearby.  But  with  all  the  technology  that  is  available  to  us,  there  is  absolutely  no  need  for  anyone  to  miss  a  single  beat.  Many  people  even  have  a  dinner  afterwards  to  end  the  long  night  of  rehearsal.  That  is  not  a  requirement  but  getting  your  party  together  before  you  actually  get  married  is  absolutely  needed.  So  who  should  you  invite  to  your  rehearsal  that’s  important?  1.  The  wedding  coordinator,  even  if  they  are  your  day  of  coordinator. 2.  Family  and  friends  who  are  actually  in  your  wedding.  So  your  cousin  who  you  love  but  who  isn’t  in  your  wedding  doesn’t  have  to  hang  around  because  they  could  become  a  distraction. 3.  The  entire  bridal  party.  Again  if  someone  can’t  make  it  then  Face  Time,  Google  Hangout  or  any  video  chat  is  a  must.  Get  the  WiFi  to  the  venue  or  hotspot  so  they  can  see  what’s  going  on  and  can  rehearse  while  you  rehearse.  4.  7KH RIĘ?FLDQW <HV WKH\ PD\ KDYH

completed  hundreds  of  weddings  but  they  have  never  done  yours.  $QG \RX GRQČŠW ZDQW \RXU RIĘ?FLDQW going  rouge  saying  what  they  want  to  say  just  because  the  spirit  leads  them. 5.  The  couple.  Sounds  silly  but  there  are  times  when  one  or  the  other  is  either  late  or  doesn’t  show  because  they  are  overly  sure  of  themselves,  they  don’t  want  to  jinx  the  marriage  by  seeing  each  other  because  the  I  Dos  or  whatever  reason.  6.  Any  children  who  are  in  the  wedding.  Children  are  hard  to  predict  regardless  of  the  age.  There  are  many  times  when  kids  do  wonderful  at  the  rehearsal  and  as  soon  as  its  go  time  they  have  a  complete  meltdown.  Then  during  your  ceremony  everyone  is  actively  involved  in  coaxing  him  or  her  down  the  aisle.  Here  something  to  consider,  if  the  child  freezes  up  in  rehearsal  consider  eliminating  them  from  participation  altogether.  Here  are  some  other  great  tips  to  remember  when  you  are  headed  to  your  rehearsal.  Makre  sure  everyone  is  aware  of  the  time  it  rehearsals  start.  If  you  are  not  getting  married  in  a  church  then  the  venue  you  may  have  chosen  may  require  additional  payments  for  rehearsals  because  of  the  need  to  have  a  staffer  available.  This  is  why  it’s  important  to  read  your  contracts  before  signing.  Nonetheless,  stay  focused  on  the  time. Â

Have  your  playlist  and  program  available.  When  you  get  this  close  to  your  wedding  date  there  is  absolutely  no  reason  why  your  program  is  not  FRPSOHWHO\ Ę?QDOL]HG <RX VKRXOG QRW make  last  minute  changes  unless  there  is  something  major  that  came  up  with  one  of  the  persons  in  your  wedding.  Remember,  your  wedding  may  not  run  smoothly  if  you  don’t  rehearse  before  the  wedding  at  least  one  time.  No  matter  how  many  weddings  you  have  attended,  your  wedding  is  your  wedding  and  it  needs  to  be  tailored  to  you  and  your  groom.  Walking  down  the  aisle  seems  easy  but  some  people  can  become  nervous  with  all  of  the  attention  on  them  so  rehearse.  You’ll  be  less  stressed  when  your  big  day  comes.  Photo  by:  MonkeyBusiness

Ask Our Experts: Planning

Save Yourself With A Day of Wedding planner Ȓ

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There are a lot of brides who prefer to plan their wedding from the moment they say, Yes!” to the moment they say, “I Do!” but here’s the thing... You can’t and shouldn’t do it all. For one reason and one reason only. You’re the person who is getting married. So how can you effectively coordinate every detail of your wedding while you are getting ready and then walking down the aisle to your waiting groom? The answer is simple. You can’t. Not without stressing yourself out and possibly being late for your own wedding. And there is nothing worse than making your guests wait because you have control issues. Trust us when we say that you have control issues if you think you can successfully coordinate your wedding and reception while being the center of attention.

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Ensuring that your play list is followed. Nothing worse than the DJ playing ‘Drop it Low’ when they were to play something soft. Ensuring that you enter in right on time with whomever is supposed to be presenting you to your groom. Ensuring the last minute details of your wedding decor for your wedding and the reception is just right and perfect for you and your guests. Ensuring the programs are ready to distribute to the guests. Ensuring to remind guests to silence their cell phones or don’t use them if you have a cell phone free wedding.

We have attended many weddings where the bride attempted to do That’s why it’s okay if you give up everything herself and every wedding some of your control and hire a day we have attended has started late of wedding planner or coordinator and was tacky to say the least. to help you keep things running One wedding started two hours late smoothly while you focus on getting to your groom. Here are some of the because the bride was mulling about attempting to ensure everything things that they will assist you with: looked wonderful. Guests eventually left, either because they were Ȓ Ensuring that your rings are frustrated or because they had other where they are supposed to be. commitments. Nonetheless if you Ȓ Ensuring that everyone is lined up and ready to make it down the are going to skimp on the wedding aisle on time and in a fashionable planner during your wedding day then at least hire a day of wedding manner. planner to help you get through your Ȓ Ensuring the program goes just day without any issues. You and your as you envisioned it would. groom deserve to think about each Ȓ Ensuring the last minute other and not what hasn’t been done. deliveries such as catering and your cake delivery are where they are supposed to be. Ȓ Ensuring that your guests sit where they are to sit for the reception and the wedding itself.

Ask Our Experts: Planning

12 Stunning wedding decor ideas for the fall When you run out of ideas to plan the decor for your reception or wedding it can get frustrating, especially if you are a Do-­It-­Yourself couple. Fortunately, the Internet, especially Pinterest have a million options for you to plan the perfect look. BUT it can be very daunting and overwhelming when you are trying to decide the perfect fall color scheme that will wow your guests. We searched the Internet to bring you 12 stunnig wedding decor ideas for the fall WKDW ZLOO PDNH \RX ZDQW WR ʐLS RXW %XW don’t because you still have planning to do. Fortunately, some of these looks can EH FUHDWHG ZLWK IDX[ ʐRZHUV WRVDYH \RX PRQH\ RQ WKH H[SHQVH RI UHDO ʐRZHUV Think tall decor items to really give the feel of walking through a forest or seeing the leaves changing. The options are endless so take a look at these ideas and good luck with planning your fall wedding.

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OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Ask Our Expert: Â Planning

JEWELS BY JADE: FALL FAvorITES Let’s  face  it,  there’s  no  better  time  to  host  an  intimate  wedding  than  Fall.  It’s  truly  my  favorite  season  of  the  year.  The  air  is  crisp,  the  leaves  on  the  trees  are  transforming  to  warmer  colors,  the  sun  sets  sooner,  and  it’s  an  automatic  permission  to  pull  my  favorite  oversized  sweater  and  fuzzy  leggings  out  of  the  closet.  Did  I  forget  to  mention  that  it’s  also  the  time  of  year  when  Starbucks  brings  back  its  AHHHmazing  Salted  Caramel  Mocha?  I  also  love  sharing  my  Fall  Faves  for  weddings  with  you  and  hope  that  you  will  fall  (no  pun  intended)  in  love. WEDDING  COLOR  PALETTE Choosing  the  right  color  palette  for  your  fall  wedding  not  only  sets  the  tone  but  also  sets  the  mood.  These  colors  are  warm  and  inviting  and  perfect  for  your  fall  wedding.  Č’ Č’ Č’ Č’

Java  Bean:  a  rich  deep  brown Merlot:  a  deep  shade  of  burgundy  or  purplish  red Stone  Blue:  a  smoky  muted  shade  of  blue Matte  Gold:  a  matte  version  of  gold

WEDDING  COCKTAILS This  is  a  perfect  drink  for  cocktail  hour,  a  cozy  evening  wedding  or  lake  wedding,  or  just  having  an  intimate  home  wedding.  This  drink  is  loaded  with  antioxidants  and  ERDVWV PLOG UHOD[LQJ DQG DURPD WKHUDSHXWLF Ę?DYRUV 7KH FKDPRPLOH WHD JLYHV WKH GULQN LWČŠV HDUWK\ KLQWV RI DSSOH DQG Ę?RUDO VZHHWQHVV DQG WKH ERXUERQČ“ ZHOO QHHG , say  more?  Here’s  the  ingredients  but  don’t  be  afraid  to  put  your  own  spin  on  it  and  make  it  a  signature  drink  for  your  wedding.  Chamomile  Honey  and  Whiskey  Cocktail  Adrianna,  A  Cozy  Kitchen INGREDIENTS Č’ 6  chamomile  tea  bags Č’ Ę?XLG RXQFHV FXSV RI KRW ZDWHU Č’ 4  tablespoons  of  honey Č’ Ę?XLG RXQFHV RI ZKLVNH\ RU ERXUERQ Č’ 2  orange  slices Č’ 3  lemon  slices Č’ )UHVK FKDPRPLOH Ę?RZHUV RSWLRQDO  INSTRUCTIONS 1.  Make  hot  water,  pour  hot  water  over  tea  bags,  add  honey,  add  bourbon,  let  steep. 2.  Then  shake  in  a  shaker  and  pour  over  ice  cubes

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FALL Â IN Â LOVE Â 2019

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WEDDING APPETIZERS 6RXS LV GHʏQLWHO\ RQH of my favorite things to eat in the cooler months and this recipe just screams “Autumn in a Bowl” plus the maple syrup gives it just the right amount of umph. This soup can serve as a \XPP\ ʏUVW HQWU©H at your wedding and you can even serve it to your spouse while VQXJJOLQJ LQ IURQW RI WKH ʏUHSODFH DQG ELQJH ZDWFKLQJ \RXU IDYRULWH WHOHYLVLRQ show.

There’s no better time to host an intimate wedding...

1/4 cup maple syrup Pinch of sea salt and cayenne pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Peel and roughly dice squash, drizzle 1 Tbsp of olive oil over the squash, then roast for about 35 minutes or until squash is tender, not mushy. 2. Add roasted squash to a Ninja, Vitamix or high-­powered blender, stir in maple syrup, all your spices, vegetable broth and add the remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Blend. 3. You can add more vegetable broth, if you want a thinner soup. If you need more seasoning add sea salt and cayenne pepper to taste. 4. The soup should be still warm, but if it is not, add it to a pot and warm it up for a few minutes. 5. Bowl your soup and drizzle a little olive oil over the top before serving Well, there you have it;; all of the things that make fall just that much more amazing. If you’re in the mood for some comfort food or a cocktail that will make you yearn for that crisp cool fall weather, these go to recipes are sure to please your guests and you. So have some fun planning that great fall wedding!

Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Soup (Vegan) Lisa Washington, Set the Table With Love INGREDIENTS Ȓ 1 (2-­3 lb.) butternut squash, peeled and seeded Ȓ 3 Tbsp olive oil (1 Tbsp will be used for roasting) Ȓ 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth Ȓ 1/2 tsp cinnamon Ȓ 1/4 tsp nutmeg Ȓ 1/4 tsp clove Ȓ 1/4 tsp cardamom

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Ask Our Experts: Planning

creating the perfect fall bouquets Having a bouquet that is a show-­stopper is a must. So when you are planning your fall wedding you should be aware of the best ʐRZHU RSWLRQV )DOO FRORUV DUH EHDXWLIXO EXW \RX GRQȊW KDYH WR VWLFN with the oranges, reds, and yellows. Jazz it up with softer fall colors and more greenery. Either way creating the perfect fall bouquet is whatever you want it to be and more!

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

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Our Couples: Power Couple

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

Power Couple: Jermaine and Kristy Jermaine and Kristy met in 2014 at a swing dance event at the DFW Swing Dance weekly event. She caught his attention. At the time she shot down his invite to go on a date because she was in a relationship. Fortunately two years later in May 2016, they met again at another event. They ended up going to get breakfast after the club, in which all of Kristy’s friends went so they could hear what he had to say. -HUPDLQH NQHZ IURP WKH ʏUVW WLPH that Kristy was supposed to be his wife but he didn’t want to scare her off. Two months after their reconnection Jermaine proposed to Kristy while on a trip to Miami at an Italian Bistro. Kristy admits that she was nervous because she had just came out of an eight year relationship and wanted to make sure that he was the right guy for her. But he cause her attention and she realized that he was a good ʏW DQG LW IHOW OLNH KH ZDV WKH ULJKW RQH to help her get over her fears. Jermaine knew that she was the one after he met her sons. But before they reconnected he called his godmother and she told him WKDW KH ZRXOG ʏQG WKH ZRPDQ RI KLV dreams so that he needed to be ready. After he met Kristy he called his godmother and told her she was right. For Kristy she knew that Jermaine was the one when she knew that she could trust him with her heart. He was so patient with her. Everything fell in place.

Their wedding day was an absolute surprise for Kristy that Jermaine planned without her input. They had gone to marriage counseling in February and March of 2017 and he said that he wanted to get married right now. So he thought to himself that he should do it within the week and the pastor agreed to marry them and not assign it over to the assistant pastor to do. Because of her heart everyone donated their services, from the makeup artist to the ZHGGLQJ GUHVV DQG ʐRZHUV (YHU\RQH was elated that they were getting married and wanted to be a part of the wedding. Kristy thought that they were just doing an engagement photo shoot and the morning of their wedding she was sick and wanted to call everything off but Jermaine persisted and she came to the church as ready as she could be. He wanted to take all the stress of her having to plan their wedding so he did it for her and she was grateful.

pageant contests local to Dallas and nationally. He dedication to her family and husband is her number one priority. Their advice for couples who are looking to heal and love again is to pray without ceasing. They believe that seeking counseling is a good thing to do as well and to be patient because everyone comes with baggage.

Jermaine and Kristy are a blended family. They work in ministry and travel to assist those less fortunate on missionary trips together. Jermaine is also Kristy’s support system as she has won several OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Power Couple

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

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Our Couples: Power  Couple

www.rawartists.org/uneekdzynes

Power Couple: LaTroy and Anita Anita  and  LaTroy  met  in  1997  in  Gary,  Indiana.  She  made  house  calls  for  women  in  the  winter  time  who  didn’t  have  transportation  to  get  their  hair  done.  LaTroy’s  grandmother  ZDV RQH RI KHU FOLHQWV :KHQ WKH\ Ę?UVW PHW $QLWD thought  LaTroy  was  a  handsome  dark  glass  of  water.  He  wondered  if  her  inside  matched  her  outer  beauty.  He  learned  not  long  after  that  she  was  an  all  around  great  woman. LaTroy  knew  that  he  wanted  to  spend  the  rest  of  his  life  with  Anita  When  he  went  to  Venezuela  for  winter  ball  and  missed  her  tremendously. LaTroy  surprised  Anita  coming  home  from  Venezuela.  She  was  supposed  to  have  met  him  there  but  shortly  after  his  arrival  there  was  a  mudslide  that  killed  millions  of  people.  He  made  it  home  and  asked  Anita  if  she  wanted  to  go  to  Texas  to  bring  in  the  New  Year.  They  purchased  tickets  and  had  to  literally  pack  and  make  it  to  the  airport  within  two  hours.  He  proposed  in  Tyler,  Texas  at  the  New  Year’s  party  two  minutes  before  midnight.  Anita  was  in  shock  but  of  course  said,  â€œYes.â€? The  two  got  married  in  Hammond,  Indiana  at  Dynasty  Banquets  with  400  guest,  town  criers,  junior  bride  and  JURRP WKUHH Ę?RZHU JLUOV D ULQJ EHDUHU DQG D EULGH JURRP groom  party  of  20.  She  even  did  a  tribute  song  to  LaTroy  by  Whitney  Houston.  â€˜Oh  Yes. The  worst  thing  that  this  couple  has  had  to  endure  and  VXUYLYH LV LQĘ?GHOLW\ DQG YHUEDO DEXVH $W RQH SRLQW ZH were  on  the  brink  of  divorce  but  the  sought  counseling  and  therapy,  which  helped  them  deal  with  family  disfunction.  â€œI  love  that  my  husband  allows  me  to  be  me.  He  has  a  heart  like  mine  when  it  comes  to  giving  back  to  others  that  are  less  fortunate  and  the  fact  that  he  took  my  son  in  as  his  own  and  never  used  the  word  â€œstep-­sonâ€?.â€? LaTroy  and  Anita  work  together  to  give  back  to  the  community  and  once  LaTroy  retired  from  baseball  and  she  opened  her  cafe  it  was  great  working  together.  She  never  knew  how  easy  it  would  be  working  side  by  side,  not  to  mention  having  LaTroy  home  to  help  in  decision  making  for  them  as  a  family. Â

The  two  have  their  son  Dakari  who  is  26  and  lives  in  Atlanta.  He  owns  a  magazine,  clothing  brand,  and  Cigar  line.  Their  daughter  Troi  is  17,  just  graduated  high  school  and  is  moving  forward  to  attend  Concordia  University  in  Irvine,CA.  They  had  a  total  of  three  dogs  but  all  have  passed  away.  They  lost  Diamond,  at  Thanksgiving  2018  and  have  no  plans  on  getting  anymore  pets.  It’s  like  losing  a  child  and  it’s  extremely  painful. One  of  the  best  surprises  Anita  said  she  experienced  was  LaTroy  surprising  her  when  he  came  home  from  Venezuela.  He  told  her  he  was  sending  her  a  package  home  UPS  and  it  was  him!!  She  screamed  so  loud!!  For  /D7UR\ LW ZDV DIWHU Ę?QGLQJ RXW WKDW $QLWD ZDV SUHJQDQW with  Troi  and  being  able  to  be  present  to  witness  her  birth  and  cut  the  umbilical  cord. This  beautiful  couple  is  a  power  couple  because  they  are  total  opposites  and  where  one  lacks  the  other  picks  up.  They  have  with  stood  trials  and  tribulations  where  most  would  have  folded.  Coming  through  rough  patches  unscathed  when  they  didn’t  know  themselves  sometimes  what  the  outcome  would  be  but  they  came  out  on  top. “For  us  we  practice  knowing  the  importance  of  patience,  understanding,  forgiveness,  prayer,  and  knowing  that  we  aren’t  perfect,â€?  shares  Anita. The  backbone  to  this  couple’s  success  is  that  support  each  other  by  being  present  and  having  the  conversation  of  what  they  need  from  each  other. Anita  admits  that  she  is  the  lead  in  the  majority  of  business  decisions  because  they  mostly  fall  into  her  lap.  She  presents  them  to  LaTroy  and  give  her  take  on  why  she  think  it’s  a  good  investment.  They  then  meet  with  WKHLU Ę?QDQFLDO OHDG DQG GHFLGH LI PRYLQJ IRUZDUG PDNHV sense. The  advice  that  this  couple  has  for  other  couples  is  to,  â€œUnderstand  that  there  is  no  other  option.  Love  is  not  for  the  lazy.  You  don’t  have  to  always  agree  on  everything.  You  can’t  make  someone  else  happy  if  you’re  not  OUR  WEDDINGS  MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Power Couple happy. How you feel is never debatable. Having the ability to share your life with another human being teaches you faith, hope, belief, acceptance & gratitude.”

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Our Couples: Power Couple

Power Couple: Jay and Jade

Jay and Jade met when he was as she states, ‘Her noisy upstairs neighbor’ and she was the pesky neighbor that ZDV DOZD\V PDNLQJ QRLVH FRPSODLQWV WR WKH OHDVLQJ RIʏFH 1RQHWKHOHVV ZKHQ WKH\ ʏUVW HQFRXQWHUHG HDFK RWKHU LW resulted in her blowing up and storming off but once she calmed down she couldn’t get enough of talking to him. They literally talked until the sun came up. Jade knew that Jay was the one a few months after they started dating. He was all she thought about during the day and she literally couldn’t wait until he got off to tell him all about her day. Soon the two got married in March 2008 because they discovered they were going to have a bundle and didn’t want to wait until their initial wedding date on New Year’s Eve 2009.

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This power couple has survived many things one instance Jade describes wasn’t necessarily a bad thing but being newlyweds with a newborn is pretty hard. They were so busy being mom and dad that the role of husband and wife got placed on the back burner. It was Jade’s mother who was their saving grace. She came and stayed with them shortly after the baby was born and eventually their children spent spring break and Christmas break with her. They also found an amazing nanny who gave them the opportunity to take staycations without being too far from their children while giving them alone time. Jade loves Jay because of the way he loves her, the way he loves their children, and the way he supports her in everything she does.

a  way.  After  the  birth  of  their  son  Jade  had  a  bad  reaction  to  the  anesthesia  and  they  couldn’t  regulate  her  heart  rate.  The  nurse  brought  Jay  into  the  room  with  Jade  and  as  he  talked  to  her  her  heart  rate  slowed  back  to  a  normal  pace  and  they  were  able  to  wake  her  up.  Jay  and  Jade  are  a  power  couple  of  our  belief  in  each  other’s  talents,  unconditional  support,  and  ALWAYS  being  there  even  when  things  don’t  go  as  planned.They  have  a  strong  belief  system  which  is  to  never  go  to  bed  angry  and  to  ALWAYS  talk  about  issues  as  soon  as  they  come  up  instead  of  letting  them  linger.  This  wonderful  couple  do  a  lot  of  talking  and  listening.  When  it  doesn’t  make  sense  they  VWLOO WDON LW WKURXJK XQWLO WKH\ Ę?JXUH LW RXW In  their  household  Jade  is  the  creative  one  and  therefore  the  lead  but  Jay  is  her  sounding  board.  When  she  comes  up  with  a  wild  and  crazy  idea,  he  will  stay  up  with  her  all  QLJKW WR WDON LW WKURXJK DQG Ę?QG WKH UDWLRQDO 7KHLU DGYLFH IRU RWKHU FRXSOHV LV WR Ę?QG D ZD\ WR PDNH LW ZRUN DQG ZKHQ LW JHWV UHDOO\ KDUGČ“ UHPHPEHU ZK\ \RX VDLG ȉ, GRČŠ LQ WKH Ę?UVW SODFH $OVR LI \RX VWDUWHG \RXU business  to  spend  more  time  with  your  family  make  sure  that’s  what  you  are  doing  and  don’t  let  the  business  consume  you.  It’s  easy  to  start  a  business,  but  it’s  hard  as  KHOO WR Ę?QG \RXU VRXOPDWH

That’s  a  power  play.  Jay  works  with  Jade  by  being  her  â€œheavy  lifterâ€?  and  â€œsupport  systemâ€?  on  wedding  days.  â€œIt’s  really  cool  having  someone  around  that  gets  you,â€?  she  shares.  â€œHonestly,  if  you  ran  into  him  on  the  street  you  wouldn’t  think  he  had  a  clue  about  weddings.  However,  he’s  learned  exactly  how  I  expect  everything  to  be.  He’s  also  a  great  buffer  between  me  and  my  team  when  I’m  at  my  wits  end.â€? Jay  and  Jade  have  three  children  Marcus,  David,  and  S’Tonya. Another  reason  Jade  absolutely  loves  Jay  is  because  he  saved  her  life,  in Â

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Our Couples: Power  Couple

Power Couple: George and Tina

George  and  Tina  Washington.  First  come  from  two  completely  different  backgrounds.  George,  is  from  New  Orleans,  Louisiana  from  the  project  area  called  Algiers.  He  was  born  1952  and  came  to  Texas  after  surviving  Hurricane  Katrina  in  2009.  He  lost  everything  and  after  being  here  for  some  years  with  KLV VLJQLĘ?FDQW RWKHU VKH SDVVHG DZD\ due  to  heart  complications.  He  went  on  to  work  for  Dallas  County  Community  Service  Program.  Tina  was  born  in  Dallas  County  in  an  area  called  Alta  Mesa  in  1969.  She  is  a  very  talented  seamstress  and  designer,  a  poet,  an  author,  a  mother,  a  wife  and  VR PXFK PRUH 7LQD Č?Ę?LSVČŽ XVHG FORWKLQJ into  beautiful  designs  and  hopes  to  open  her  own  boutique  soon.  She  works  many  hours  doing  prison  ministry  work  This  couple  met  when  while  Tina  was Â

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working  community  service  and  George  was  her  supervisor.  He  quickly  became  interested  in  her  but  the  two  wouldn’t  get  to  know  each  other  more  until  after  Tina  had  completed  her  community  service  KRXUV 7KH\ KDG WKHLU Ę?UVW GDWH D PRQWK after  they  met. “I  felt  like  I  was  in  high  school  going  on  P\ Ę?UVW GDWH EHFDXVH P\ IULHQG SLFNHG me  up  and  took  me  to  him,â€?  Tina  shares.  They  met  June  30,  2014  and  were  married  June  27,  2015  by  Pastor  Dorsey.  They  had  a  beautiful  wedding  at  an  event  center  in  Hutchins,  TX  with  friends  and  family.  Tina  admits  that  she  didn’t  know  if  *HRUJH ZDV WKH RQH DW Ę?UVW EXW *RG spoke  to  her  and  told  her  that  George  was  the  man  for  her,   but  she  doubted  it  because  she  had  her  mind  set  on  being Â

a  single  woman,  serving  God.  She  and  George  communicate  clearly  and  as  often  as  possible  so  that  their  daily  life  and  business  runs  smoothly,  and  all  her  ministry  work  gets  done.  *HRUJH JRHV ZLWK WKH Ę?RZ ZKHQ LW comes  to  her  busy  schedule.  The  couple  enjoys  a  blended  family  as  WKH\ KDYH Ę?YH FKLOGUHQ WZR ZKR OLYH DW KRPH Ę?YH JUDQGFKLOGUHQ RQH JUHDW grandchild,  a  goddaughter,  and  two  dogs.  Their  advice  to  other  busy  power  FRXSOHV LV WR NHHS *RG Ę?UVW FHQWHU DQG head  in  all  parts  of  your  lives.  To  remain  happy  with  each  other  is  to  have  the  freedom  that  you  must  share  in  every  aspect  of  your  lives  together. Â

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Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

Staying Power Groom: Carl L. Dotson, Jr

Photographer: Picture That Brand Photography

Bride: Jonnecia H. Dotson

Event Planner: $ 6SHFLDO $ȼDLU %\ /LVD

Wedding Date: June 15, 2019 Wedding Venue and Location: Tara Plantation Anniston, Alabama

Carl and Jonnecia originally met in 2009 at church where they both shared an interest in quartet gospel music. He showed interest by asking Jonnecia’s oldest sister for her phone number, but she didn’t give it to him. Somehow he ended up with her number but the communication was short lived. “I always tell him that was just God’s way of introducing us so when he brought us back together we wouldn’t be strangers,” shares Jonnecia.

which was a very exciting moment. Despite having a rough start to her pregnancy the day was special because she left engaged. “I always thought that I would cry on a day like that but I was sooo happy and shocked I couldn’t cry,” VKH VD\V ȁ)RU WKH ȽUVW WLPH LQ D ZKLOH I was genuinely happy with the biggest smile on my face I’ll never forget that feeling.”

Their wedding day June 15, 2019, is a day that the two will never forget. Jonnecia was fortunate to The two ended up running into have her two sisters as her matron each other again in 2015 at church and maid-­of-­honor and then at her uncle’s pastoral anniversary. her three close friends were her Soon after they saw each other at bridesmaids. Carl had his best man church every weekend after that. and his brother and three closest They exchanged numbers again friends as his groomsmen. Their and the rest is history. colors were navy blue, coral, and silver. The vision of the wedding August 25, 2017 was the day Carl day was brought to life by A proposed. She was seven months 6SHFLDO $ȼDLU E\ /LVDǾV (YHU\WKLQJ pregnant with their son. Carl’s just came together so beautifully mom threw them a diaper shower, from everyone’s attire down to the

decorations. The photographer was Te’arra Hall of Picture That Brand Photography who captured every moment so beautifully. She’s a young entrepreneur, real estate agent, and very professional with such a big heart. The moment Jonnecia knew that Carl was the one in 2016. She woke up in excruciating pain. She had gotten half way work and while she was one the phone with Carl she expressed to him how bad she was feeling so much so that she began to vomit and almost wrecked. At that moment he begged her to go to the emergency room, so she did and was kept overnight for observation. She wasn’t informed why she was going to be kept overnight but she called Carl and he left work immediately and slept in a tiny bed, never leaving her side. The next day she found out that she needed to have an emergency surgery to OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Newlyweds

remove  a  cyst  the  size  of  an  orange  on  her  ovaries. “When  I  left  for  surgery  he  was  there  and  when  I  came  back  he  was  still  there.  That  is  the  moment  I  knew  he  was  the  one  for  me  because  he  made  time  for  me  and  never  left  my  side.â€? Hey  Babe  from  Jonnecia “I  love  you  because  your  relationship  with  God  is  one  thing  that  I  love  the  most  about  you.  It  has  always  been  important  that  the  guy  I  marry  have  a  UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG EHFDXVH LI KH FDQ SXW *RG Č˝UVW and  allow  Him  to  be  the  head  of  his  life  then  God  will  equip  him  to  be  the  head  that  me  and  our  children  need.  And  he  will  also  know  how  to  love  me  as  Christ  loves  the  church  and  also  know  how  to  cover  us  even  when  we  aren’t  covering  ourselves.â€?

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FALL Â IN Â LOVE Â 2019

Dress: Allure Bridal

Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

Hey Babe from Carl “I never understood how a woman could submit to a man, until I realized that the man has to be a man worth submitting to. That’s one of the things that makes it easy because you’re worth it. You’re more than enough, I thank God for blessing me with a husband I can be proud of and love unconditionally. I thank God for giving the kids the best father a child could have. You pray for them, you help nurture them, and most importantly you show them consistency and you let them know daddy will always be there. If I had to do it all over again with you I would and there is nothing or no one that would make me FKDQJH P\ PLQG RU IHHO GLȼHUHQW DERXW \RX <RX ZHUH PDGH IRU PH and I was made for you and I love you with everything in me.” OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

Love Her...

Groom: Cedric Bride: Jenill

Wedding Date: May 26, 2019

Photographer: Nola Darling Photography Event Planner: Planned by couple, family, and close friends

Location: DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton French Quarter New Orleans, Louisiana

OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

A Flawless Wedding

Groom’s Name: Juste Bride’s Name: Sephora

Wedding Date: August 24, 2019 Wedding Planner: Kimberlyn Toko Wedding Venue and Location: Radisson Hotel, Aurora Colorado Wedding Photographer: Our Story Imagery

Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Our Couples: Newlyweds

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

A Lifetime Of Love Groom’s Name: Montel Bride’s Name: Kerrian Wedding Date: April 19, 2019

Wedding Venue and Location: Loews Hotel, Miami Beach Wedding Photographer: Dana Lynn Photography

Wedding Planner: Liv & Lex Events

OUR WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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FALL IN LOVE 2019

The Honorable Collection NOW AVAILABLE!

Order: Â www.ourweddingsmagazine.com

Ronda Grandberry, Travel Agent agrandtimetravel@gmail.com (682) 305-1697 www.agrandtimetravel.com

Facebook: @AGrandTimeTravel Instagram: agtt_2017

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Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Specialist

Cedric & Shellye Lyons The Lyons Shop www.TheLyonsShop.com

A Special Affair by Lisa

For your special moments you need perfect memories and we are the perfect team for you! Servicing weddings, birthday parties, and retirement parties. Lisa Dotson -­ 706-­905-­8362 Lisa Goodwin -­ 706-­580-­7368

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