Modern Art Deco Wedding in Washington D.C.

Sammy knew LaTarya would be his lover forever before she could even respond to his advancements.

New to the area, LaTarya wasn’t too thrilled about the dating scene and atmosphere but was positive she could turn her fortune around. Little did LaTarya and Sammy know, fate was turning around in the hands of their fellow nurses and staff. The pair finally met by what they presumed to be an innocent daily work round but to their surprise, it had been a setup all along! As the emails grew from professional to personal, their fondness developed more than they’d expected. Even though they’re both unclear who asked who out first, they’re madly in love, but we’ll let them tell their story!

Couples Names: LaTarya & Sammy
Occupations: Clinical Nurse Specialist & System Administrator
Wedding Date: November 2, 2018
Wedding Ceremony Venue: The Westin at Georgetown, Washington DC

Tell us how you met. We met at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth where we both work. Sammy is the system administrator for the electronic health record system that is used in the hospital and I am a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse. Our stories vary on how we met.
Sammy: “I had been diligently working to ensure that the Hospital was running up to standard. I had been doing more daily rounds since The system had been having some issues, and unbeknownst to me I was being plotted on and setup! I received a call from the NICU on the assumption it was a routine call. Little did I know they had just got a new CNS to the unit whom they were planning to set me up with! I went to the designated area in which the problem was reported on the unit. I went to the office of the DIVO to talk trash and lo and behold there she was! Her eyes pierced my soul as if she knew me already. It was hard for me to keep eye contact with her. We exchange pleasantries and a handshake. I was able to break from her gaze with great will, power, and discipline! I escaped with my singleness intact. I thought about her for the rest of the day though, her lady powers proved effective. Maybe a day or two passed and she found her way into my government DM’s (aka she sent me an email)! She proceeded to enter the conversation with work-related topics then I proceeded to ask her how she liked the area so far. The conversation went on a little longer and next thing I know I’m being asked out for a night on the town. I agreed to her advances and we went on to have a great night and life thus far.”
LaTarya: “I had completed my master’s program at UPENN and received orders to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. I had requested orders to San Diego, but the needs of the Navy led me to Portsmouth. I was not happy at all. I had been told that the area was popular for families and didn’t see how it would be fun for me as a single girl, but chose to make the best of it. I had checked in to my new command, fresh out of school, ready to put to practice all that I had learned. My new co-workers had someone they thought I would be perfect with. I wasn’t the least bit concerned about dating at the time. They would not let it go though. I was told all about the infamous Mr. Gulley. He is so handsome, he dresses really nice, etc. He did his rounds on the unit every Wednesday, but due to meetings, I seemed to always miss him. One day I actually needed him for a work-related issue. I wanted to alter one of our Essentris flowsheets to help create a system stop to prevent medication errors. He came up to the unit so that I could show him what I needed and we continued discussing over email. His emails started off about work and then started getting personal. Next thing you know, he asked me out, we had our first date and…here we are now! He has continued to sweep me off my feet! I am forever in love!”

Tell us all about the proposal. The engagement was a huge ordeal. I was stationed in Japan at the time, and Sammy had planned to come visit for Christmas and New Year’s. He had been planning for months with friends and family to create a video with clips everyone rapping one of my favorite songs, “Int’l Players Anthem: I Choose You” by UGK. The end of the video featured Sammy’s two sons Kevon and Jaylen, saying “Merry Christmas and welcome to the family!” Then Sammy dropped to his knee while I was watching the video in my tiny living room in Japan, and the following video is, “The Matrimony” by Wale, featuring his favorite artist, Usher. Next thing I know he proposes and I’m a crying mess! I no idea and was so surprised. The video was simply amazing! The proposal was even amazing! Just like our relationship – amazing!

Where was your first date: At an Old Dominion University College basketball game. Sammy said he had tickets and invited me to join that Saturday. The game was good; ODU won! We both enjoy basketball, so it was a perfect first date well, kind of a first date. That Wednesday before, at work, he asked me to go see a movie. I guess he couldn’t wait till Saturday to have that first date!

Describe your wedding style: Art Deco, with a navy, blush, silver, and gold color palette.

Favorite Wedding Moments: Bride: “There were so many it is hard to choose. My favorite part of the wedding was hearing Sam say his vows to me. They were so heartfelt and real. For the decor, I loved the geometric shapes in gold incorporated with the navy and blush decor.”
Groom’s: “The cake was my favorite detail.”

Biggest Surprise of the Wedding. The groomsmen serenaded the bride on the dance floor.

First Dance Song: “The Point of it All” by Anthony Hamilton