Ivory & Rose: Modern Elegance Wedding in Maryland

It was on the campus of the University of Maryland, during a step show, in which Blessing and Thomas first crossed paths.

Over the next few years, their relationship grew and evolved, first as campus acquaintances, followed by a fulfilling friendship, until finally, they began dating in the Fall of 2013. Founded on years of trust and support, they soon realized their relationship had the markings of together-forever written all over it. It wasn’t long after that Thomas began planning their perfect proposal…
Continue reading about Blessing & Thomas’ proposal and wedding experiences!

Bride & Groom: Blessing & Thomas
Occupations: Therapists & Consultant
Wedding date: 6/15/2019
Wedding location: University of Maryland, College Park – Memorial Chapel

How did you meet? We met at a step show performance in 2011 while in college at the University of Maryland, College Park. We began dating in the fall of 2013.

Tell us about the proposal. Thomas proposed to Blessing on Malibu Beach during a trip to California that he gifted Blessing to celebrate her 24th birthday (11/25/17). On 11/26 (the day after Blessing’s birthday and also their 4th year dating anniversary), Thomas planned a day to treat Blessing with one last birthday surprise. After a day of brunching and shopping, Thomas told Blessing to get dressed for the grand finale, and gave little details, except to “Look nice”. They were set to leave for Malibu at 4 pm, which was an hour away. They arrived just in time for the “sunset dinner”, which Thomas eventually told Blessing about to keep her from inquiring. As they got out of their ride and entered the beachside restaurant, Blessing was greeted by some of her friends that live in LA, which she had no idea would be there. They all yelled out “Surprise” and Blessing was so overwhelmed by what she now thought was a surprise birthday dinner. Soon Thomas invited Blessing and her friends outside to the beach to watch the sunset. As they held hands walking on the beach, Thomas asked for a kiss that led to Blessing closing her eyes. Once she opened them, Thomas was on his knee, with a ring in hand, proposing. Thomas hired professional photographers to capture the moment. They celebrated with dinner at the restaurant that they initially walked into for Blessing’s “surprise birthday dinner” which turned out to be a “surprise proposal dinner!”

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? Wedding dress shopping was one of my favorite experiences during the wedding planning process. I started out shopping for a mermaid gown, but once I tried on a ball gown, I fell in love with the idea of going big for my big day.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We incorporated the Blessing’s Nigerian culture into the wedding by having a traditional Nigerian ceremony prior to the church ceremony. The Nigerian culture was also heavily incorporated through the music, where Afro-beats took over the dance floor.

Wedding Party Gifts: Bridesmaids were gifted with silk robes, tumblers, luggage tags, candles & face masks.
Ceremony Entrance Song: “The One He Kept for Me” by Marquette Brown
First Dance Song: “This Is Why I Love You” by Major.

What is your best memory from your wedding? The best memory of our wedding would have to be out First look. It was recommended by our photographer and it was one of the stillest moments we had together to just admire each other in excitement, without a crowd.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? The real pressure of the engagement comes into play when your friends and family get involved. It is normal for them to pitch in their ideas and suggestions, but it’s important to prioritize your desires for your big day as much as possible. Hence, make sure that you have your own vision of your wedding and work towards that, not that of other people’s. It’s good to take in their ideas, but at the end of the day, it’s still you and your partner who’s going to decide on how the very first day of your marriage will flow.