When Maleah and Erin Henderson met, sparks flew immediately. Distance separated them for two years, with Maleah working in television in Atlanta and Erin playing football for the Minnesota Vikings. However, with patience and persistence they made their long distance relationship work, and Erin knew he was ready to pledge his eternal love and devotion to Maleah. He decided to propose on Mother’s Day, the month after Maleah gave birth to their son. Erin threw a brunch to celebrate Maleah’s first Mother’s Day and invited their family and friends. Maleah recalls, “[Erin] gave me a beautiful enchanting snow globe as a gift from [our son] and him, and on the bottom of the box there was another box. I immediately started to cry. He took it out and held it up and asked me if I would do him the honor of spending the rest of my life with him.”
Their wedding was truly majestic and elegant. Maleah shares, “We wanted it to feel timeless and very regal. I didn’t want it to look dated or too themed. We chose deep aubergine and slate as our main colors and literally they could not have been more beautiful. I’m proud to say that this wedding captured a King who had found his Queen.” Maleah was stunning in a lovely Monique Lhuillier gown, and fragrant flowers in shades of ivory and purple helped create a royal ambiance during their ceremony and reception. Their photographers, Photogen Inc., beautifully captured every single moment.
- Wedding Date: 03/31/2012
- Wedding Location: Atlanta, GA
Description of Event
Our main thing about having a wedding was that we wanted it to feel timeless and very regal. I didn’t want it to look dated or too themed. We chose deep aubergine and slate as our main colors and literally they could not have been more beautiful. They complimented everyone so well. We hired a wedding planner from MN and worked extensively (and across the country too) with her over all of the intricate details and it turned out splendid! This was very challenging at times but it truly did all work out. It was super elegant and majestic. I’m proud to say that this wedding captured a King who had found his Queen. Our photographers (Photogen Inc.) went above and beyond and captured every single moment. Our pictures depict a beautiful love story.
Incorporation of Culture
The one thing that we wanted to be sure to do was to jump the broom. It’s a tradition within the African-American culture dating back to the days of slavery- which symbolized jumping from single households into a committed household together. During slavery, it was one of the ways that Africans were able to express their commitment to one another, despite legal marriage being strictly prohibited for them. Although we are able to be legally married; we aren’t that far removed from not having that right. This was a way to pay homage to our ancestors that stayed together at a time when they weren’t even recognized as legal partners. It was a very special moment for us.
Most Memorable Moment
Erin- “For me it was without a question watching Maleah walk down the aisle. She was the most beautiful woman my eyes had ever seen. She was my dream-come-true strolling down the aisle to be mine forever. I was and still am the happiest man on Earth. At that moment I realized that this is what everything is all about. She’s my best friend and my soul mate. She is absolutely breathtaking. ”
Maleah- “I think when I heard the music that I was walking down the aisle to start was the most memorable for me. Literally everything you’ve ever experienced relationship-wise has led you to that place. You’re putting all that you’ve gone through before behind you, and walking willingly into a prominent part of your destiny. Erin was created for me; and at that point I realized that I would never be alone or without love again.”
You Make Loving You So Easy
From the Groom…I would say that I love her smile and her laugh! She has a huge and sparkly smile and she laughs so loud and boisterous. It is definitely contagious. She can literally brighten up any space that she walks into. Her charisma and charm comes through everytime she flashes her pearly whites or chuckles, makes me feel so lucky to have her. She’s such a loving person and is always smiling, and she causes me to do the same.
From the Bride…Erin understands me. He lets me be myself without making me feel like something is wrong with me. I think in our society we women can become almost obsessed with “fixing” ourselves. With Erin I can honestly say that I can always be whoever I am at any moment and still have him right by my side. He loves me unconditionally. I tend to march to the beat of my own my own drum and Erin allows me the freedom to do that! I love that he does not try to control me or change me- he just loves me. For this I will forever be grateful for him being sent to me.
Vendors
- Photographer: Eliesa Johnson of Photogen Inc.
- Second Photographer: Jeffrey Lawler of JNP Studios
- Brides Dress: Monique Lhuillier
- Shoes: Jimmy Choo
- Menswear: Mens Warehouse
- Hair: Dena Gibson, Independent
- Venue: The Biltmore, Atlanta
- Coordination: Fete Perfection
- Florist: Tulip Blooming Creations
- Bakery: Buckhead Bakehouse
- Catering: Affairs to Remember
- Decor Draping: Event Drapery Inc.
- Lighting: Production People
- Furniture: Something Borrowed
- Vintage Cigar Roller: Cigartainment
- DJ: DJ Triple M
- 1961 Bentley: Wedding Trans
