Thursday, April 18, 2013


James David and Monique Danye` 

Ebony & Ivory all day 

We were having a private dance  

The most perfect ring ever...the Holy Spirit led him to get it. He had it made for me based on several conversations. He held onto it for 4 months. 




We are kissing...don't tell my dad 

The Dress...

This is where things get girly. Sorry fellas. This was the 2nd dress I tried on, period. Mom looked at me stunned when I said I loved it because she loved it too and we NEVER agree on clothes. We knew it had to be the "one" for this reason alone. Mom added all the embellishments including more bling and lace at the bottom. She is soooooo talented.

 Standing on the same pulpit I walked across the day of my Truett graduation...James proposed to me that day just a few steps down below.


 For a vintage touch all of these items were used in some way. They are heirlooms from my aunt and great grandmother...some are over 100 years old




I look completely disinterested but I have no idea why. I love the lighting though. 

 That cuff on my wrist is almost 100 years old...another heirloom. I come from some bougie folks.


 My photographer, CJ Hudgins of Design Cortex, really liked this shot. Awesome placement.


This is my great-grandmother's hand mirror. I use it everyday. That little thing is heavy.




 This was a mink coat my dad bought for my mom when they were first married over 40 years ago. 






The Bouquet...

My mom pieced this together over 8 months. She gathered heirloom pins, earrings and necklaces from my great aunts, grandmother and great-grandmother. Also, my church "mothers" and "aunts" gave their heirlooms or their own to add to the bunch. So much rich history. Yet, another labor of love from my mama.



Friends...brothers

These fellas clean up real nice...especially my man.



Don't stress; just dance


All ready

Her dream come true. She was so tired at this point but still running things.

My sweet flower-girl. She began saving flowers long before James and I were engaged.

I love these beautiful women. They kept me laughing and in check. They put out many fires that I'm not allowed to know about for at least a year.


The Church Without Walls Worship Team drove all the way to Waco from Houston just to sing at our wedding. They set the tone for worship. These voices have been the soundtrack to my life since I joined the church as a teen. I could not imagine not having them at this particular time of worship.


Mom made these "banners" for the people to wave as James and I exited.

Matching rings. We both love the antique look of filigree and James loves his Lord of the Ring ring...precious.

Cole, James' nephew carried and held that heavy Bible the whole ceremony. He did such a great job and got compliments all day.

I forgot to get flowers for the flower girl so she dropped left over baby's breath. She also had to wear her mom's slip which was rolled up under her dress so it wouldn't slip off. She did such a great job!

Dad and I have been waiting for this moment for 2 decades. Me in my dress and dad in his dress blues...OOORAH...To God be the glory!


Deano was there when we were engaged and walked us through pre-marital counseling. There are so many reasons why he had to do our wedding.









EVERY picture I have ever taken with them ends up looking something like this. Why change for the wedding, fellas?








Our first dance was to "Love on Top" by Beyonce.

We are so happy...that we are done planning.


Each table number sign told a significant fact about that number.




James loves sharks...loves them.

The kiddos even had a good time. They wouldn't leave the dance floor. That is how you know it's a good party.


Dad and I dancing to "My Girl" by the Temptations...two decades in the making. We danced and sang to each other. I was so nervous about steppin with my dad the original Chi-town stepper.







Our best childhood friends toasting us. "To the Bride and Groom". Then they had to run around collecting as much money from our guest as they could in 2 minutes. It is a game called "The Honey Run" so we have honeymoon spending money. SO fun.

We had not discussed this part so I was nervous but we didn't smoosh the cake. 

"The Shoe Game" 

Instead of tossing the bouquet we gave it, as a tribute, to the longest married couple.

Then all the couples danced to "Our Love is Here to Stay" by Nat King Cole


"Garter Search and Toss" to "Brickhouse" by Rick James


They were instructed to smile and dance.

And they danced




Our Pastor...

The other reason why we chose him.


Salsa time!





Sparkle Exit
&
Off to Denver for the Honeymoon

Our wedding day was perfect and not for the "regular" reasons. I mean what bride doesn't think their wedding is special and unique. Our wedding was touched by God's grace, mercy and provision from the beginning of our relationship. God gave us each other and just keep on blessing. Each aspect of our wedding was created or given to us by friends and family who just wanted to bless us. Our wedding was touched with love all over. There are so many stories we could tell. There are so many little things we could point out but that would take more words than this little blog can contain. All James and I can say is "Thank you". God is so good to us and we are overwhelmed by his great love for us displayed by those we love. We are humbled and we are grateful. Our wedding day was perfect

**Special thanks to our photographers: Alan Felts (seminary friend and talented photo man) took many of the first set of engagement pics. Emily Underwood took some of the pictures that don't have the "Felts Photography" stamp. CJ & Bri Hudgins of Design Cortex photographed and edited all of the bridal, wedding and reception photos.