This week's special #WCW couple goes to one of my first best friends and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. My cousin, Aleia, and her husband, Antwain, have an adorable, sassy, and extremely bright daughter, Bria (who is also my God-daughter, by the way) and in a lop-sided debate on expanding their family... hehehe... The two complement each other very well and have amazingly positive and 'chill' vibes, when in their presence. Please read on to see how they planned their day simply and sweet.
Wedding Date:
June 15, 2013
Outside Ceremony (Meridian Hill Park) & Indoor/Outside "Gathering" Reception (at the couple's house after the ceremony)
Color scheme for ceremony:
No color scheme
Approximate expense:
$1,200 (ceremony & "gathering" afterwards: including hair, attire, food, drinks, officiant...etc.)
Honeymoon:
Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada
Approximate expense (not including gambling money... hehehe): less than $1,500
Why did you all pick that date?
"Honestly, we would have eloped, but we couldn't leave our parents out because we knew that would hurt them. We already had the Vegas trip planned so we just decided to get married right before we went to Vegas. Plus it was my birthday weekend!" -Answered the Bride: Aleia
How long were you engaged?
"4 months" -The couple answered together
What was your best memory of your wedding?
"Of course the day itself, but I would say the waterfall at Meridian Park. It was really nice and we had it at like 10 am, so the sun was shining and it was nice weather. The ambiance in the park was perfect and everyone was kind of just chilling and relaxing." -answered the Bride: Aleia
"For me, when everyone left the house! It was just a long day and it was hot and we had a 5am flight the next morning." -answered the honest Groom: Antwain
What was your worst memory of your wedding?
"I didn't really have a bad memory. I think because we did it so simple it wasn't much to worry about. I didn't have a coordinator, bridesmaids, or anyone else to worry about so it was pretty much put your make-up on, get dressed, get married and that was it." -answered the Bride: Aleia
"I agree; I didn't have a bad memory at all." -answered the Groom: Antwain
Would you get married all over again?
"I would and I would do it the same exact way." -answered the Groom: Antwain
"So I would 'probably' do the same thing, but then I don't know. I think I would have a wedding, still small, but have an actual reception afterwards. But then again, I don't know because I don't think I could do a big wedding. We have been talking about doing a renewal of our vows, so we'll see." -answered the wavering Bride: Aleia
Was it what you expected?
"I never had a dream wedding" -the couple simultaneously answered.
"I never wanted to get married; I never wanted to have kids, so it was good because I never said I'm going to have this type of wedding dress or this venue. I didn't really have that expectation or fantasy." -elaborated the Bride: Aleia
What is the best advice you would give to someone else planning their wedding?
"Stay within your budget. Don't go overboard because you have a long life to live. I'm just cheap with money anyway, so that's how I feel about it. Just stick to your budget." -answered the Groom: Antwain
"I would probably piggyback off of Antwain, but also just say do what you want, but don't do it for your family and friends. I see a lot of people get married and they have this big wedding so that everyone can eat and everyone can have a good time. Of course you want people to share your love, but at the end of the day you don't want to be in debt from just having a wedding. It should really be about the marriage and not just about a 'party'. For me, being simplistic was perfect because it was just for that one day." -answered the Bride: Aleia
Are there any pictures that you wish your photographer would have captured, but didn't?
"Our friend was supposed to be the photographer for that day, but he was late so there were a lot of pictures at the beginning that we don't have."
-answered the Groom: Antwain
"Yes, I wish he would have gotten us during the ceremony. We have a lot of pictures afterwards, but not much during the ceremony." -answered the Bride: Aleia
What was your most wasteful purchase in regards to planning your wedding?
"That 'dang-on' dress and the shoes I wore because I haven't worn them since that day."- answered the Bride: Aleia.
"Everything I bought for the wedding, I still wear and use to this day."
-answered the Groom: Antwain.
"Overall we didn't waste anything and that was really our point. The left over wine that we did buy, we made sangrias with. We used pretty much everything that we bought for that day." -later responded the Bride: Aleia
What was your best/favorite wedding gift?
"Not to be cheesy, but the money was the best gift. I didn't expect anyone to give us anything. It wasn't that type of wedding. We only did it that way because we had to include our parents, so to get money as gifts was a nice surprise." -answered the Bride: Aleia
Overall, the couple was extremely pleased with their 'Simple', but 'Special' day celebrating their love and marriage with close family and friends. The two are actively saving up to purchase their first home together by the end of the year. Wishing them nothing but success and happiness, Alluring DeKor is sure this couple will go far. Thanks for reading and please stay tuned for next week's #WeddingCrushWednesday Couple.