Johnanika and Clarence's Intimate and Emotional Wedding in Birmingham -Munaluchi Bride

Johnanika and Clarence initially met at a super bowl party after which Clarence, determined to become a part of Johnanika’s life, requested her phone number from her best friend and future Maid of Honor for their wedding. Quickly realizing how perfect they are for each other it would be two years later that they would say “I do” becoming husband and wife.
Of the many fond memories from the wedding, Johnanika will never forget her father’s emotional display of love for his daughter when walking her down the aisle.

Read all about Johnanika & Clarence’s love story, surprise birthday proposal, and experiences in their intimate and emotional wedding in Birmingham – featuring the planning & design of MunaLuchi Coterie member ValiaRose Events. Photographed by Andre Brown Photography. See the complete vendor list below.

Bride & Groom: Johnanika & Clarence
Wedding date: 04/29/2017
Wedding location: City Club Birmingham, AL

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Clarence and I met at a super bowl party two years ago. He later received my number from my best friend (Maid of Honor) unbeknownst to me, however when he called and asked me out I was uber excited!
Clarence proposed to me the morning of my 34th birthday. We had already made plans to fly to Miami that morning to celebrate so I never suspected the proposal was coming that morning. Before leaving out to the airport we had a moment that felt like time had stopped. He first handed me a card to read which talked about love, life and knowing when you have found “the one.” As I was reading the card and getting to the end, I noticed Clarence started to kneel down on his knee and I thought to myself, “oh my god this is it!” Clarence looked me in my eyes and told me how much he loved and cared about me and how he did not want to live his life without me, wanting me to be a part of his life forever! He said so many other things but I was so excited and overwhelmed with emotion I couldn’t remember!

What was wedding shopping like for you? My wedding dress was everything to me! There were certain details that I knew I had to have which included a fit and flare or mermaid style. I also knew that I couldn’t live without bling and organza as my details. My dress had a sweetheart neckline, which I had altered because the original design was not sweetheart. It had just enough bling at the top and bottom of the dress and of course an organza train. Winnie Couture was the designer and also the first place I went to try dresses on. Wedding shopping for me was really fun but also a serious matter! I was determined to find the perfect dress that describes me so I was okay if I didn’t say yes to the dress on the first round. I had my mom, my maid of honor and a close friend with me. We went to two places and I tried on several dresses including the one I chose! I then had my mom come back to Atlanta two weeks later so we could go to two more places. I was trying to top the first dress that I liked but couldn’t find any. It took me three weeks to say yes to the dress! It was the only dress that made me really light up when I tried it on. I knew it was the dress because whenever I would put it on, everyone in the boutique would look at me and smile, including other brides.

What is your best memory from your wedding? I have so many memories! One in particular was when my dad walked me down the aisle. In 34 years I have never seen my father cry. It totally shocked me that by the time we walked to the alter, just before he gave me away, he suddenly burst into tears! It was a very emotional and beautiful moment that we shared. I put my arm around his waist and held him tight. There wasn’t a dry face in the place after that moment.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? The best advice I could give is to enjoy the process. Although it can be overwhelming, don’t forget to have fun and keep your love on top above all!