This story is a true testament to the saying that “Love conquers all.” On the day that was to be the happiest moment in their lives, unfathomable tragedy stuck the Moss family. Tenniele and Marquis learned the morning of their wedding that Marquis’ brother, Jamal, was killed in a car accident. When their photographers, BG Productions, arrived at the hotel to take “getting ready” shots, the brides’ aunt and wedding planner informed them of the tragic news, but also shared that the brave couple planned to go on with the wedding. Cathie of BG Productions recalls, “We helped them change the timeline, got the hotel to give us an empty room so we could at least photograph their details without invading their space- then went to help set up their ceremony space.” Bride Tenniele shares these inspiring words, “Never in a million years could we imagine our wedding day being the most beautiful and saddest day of our lives thus far….Although it was very difficult, both families along with Marq and I decided to go on with the wedding. We prayed as a family and reminded each other that we had gathered to celebrate the love of two people and the blessing of two families coming together. Jamaal was a loving, happy and free spirited person and we knew he would have wanted us to go on with the wedding. A day that started out so tragic and sad ended so beautiful! With the love from other family members and our beautiful vendors, we went on with the day’s events and became one, and we were able to ease some of the hurt for just a moment to celebrate life. The life that Marq and I were going to start together, the life of two wonderful families coming together and the life of our brother, Jamaal Moss.” We thank Tenniele and Marquis for sharing their beautiful wedding and story of strength and faith with us.
Quick Facts
- Wedding Date: 08/10/2013
- Wedding Location: The Merion Tribute House- Merion, PA
- Wedding Theme: Elegant simplicity
- Color Scheme: Pink, Ivory and Blue
- Wedding Flowers: Ivory/plush pink rose, white hydrangea
- First Dance Song: “The Closer I Get To You” -Luther Vandross and Beyonce
- Wedding Cake Flavors: Top layer-chocolate chip, second- lemon, third- almond poundcake, bottom-vanilla poundcake
- Wedding Menu Favorite: Chili Rubbed Shrimp hors’ d oeuvres
- Bridesmaids Gifts: Monogrammed cosmetic bag and flask
- Groomsmen Gifts: Tuxedoes for the wedding
Wedding Style
My dress was a Marisa strapless white ivory lace over cafe satin sheath. My favorite accessory were my shoes. They were glittery peep toe heels by Christian Louboutin. Made me feel like a princess!
Incorporation of Culture
During the ceremony we jumped over the broom to pay homage to our ancestors who could not legally get married and had to use a broom. It symbolized their union as husband and wife. We also had sky lanterns launched to the sky for wedding wishes for ourselves and the hopes and wishes of our guest (family).
Most Memorable Moment
The best memory from the wedding for me is at the end when I could see everyone enjoying themselves and celebrating life for just a moment. The life we lost that day. The life we had that day. And the new life we were beginning as a family!
Wedding Advice
Have the wedding you want to have!! Everyone will have an opinion, idea or demand. Listen to your own voices. Whether small or big, have the wedding you always dreamed of having.
Vendors
- Wedding dress- Marisa Bridal
- Bridesmaids dresses- Bill Levkoff
- Wedding salon- Bijou Bridal
- Hair- Frenchie of Hair Vyce Studio
- Make up- Sparkle Hill
- Shoes- Christian Louboutin
- Ceremony/Reception- The Merion Tribute House
- Photography/Videography- BG Productions
- Wedding Planner/Florist- The Bride’s Aunt
- Cake- Bredenbeck’s Bakery
- Stationery- Wedding Paper Divas
- Caterer- Sage Event Design and Catering
Thank you soooo much for featuring this wedding we submitted!! It was such a beautiful, yet tragic day. I wanted her to be able to share all the sorrow and beautify!! and we both Love this blog so much!!
Really touching, beautiful.