Fenisha and Lorenzo’s love story began on the campus of Franci Marion University where Fenisha was a new transfer student.
Being part of the same gospel choir, Fenisha and Lorenzo quickly became aware of each other, forming a years-long friendship that eventually led to their first date. Around two years after their first date, Lorenzo asked Fenisha for her hand in marriage during a joint birthday celebration vacation in Jamaica. Fenisha and Lorenzo were married in a stylish ceremony in South Carolina. Read all about their love story and wedding experiences.
Bride & Groom: Fenisha & Lorenzo
Occupations: Licensed Practical Nurse & Hotel Office Manager
Wedding Date: September 28, 2019
Wedding Location: Fort Mill, South Carolina
How did you meet? At Francis Marion University, February 16, 2013. Lorenzo was a second-semester freshman and I was a transfer student. We were a part of the Francis Marion YGB gospel choir. We started dating on September 29, 2015.
Tell us about the proposal. It was February 16, 2017, our final night in Jamaica. We were celebrating our Birthdays, Fenisha’s on January 29th and mine on Feb 16th. After a full day of excursions and fun around the island, I scheduled a photo shoot that evening on the beach, and the photographer was in on the plan. He instructed Fenisha to turn her back to me while I got on one knee. When she was instructed to face me again, that’s when I popped the question.
Describe your wedding style. A glamorous and vintage-inspired mermaid dress by Maggie Sotter that offered additional coverage to the back and front of the gown. The bodice was accented in beaded embroidery and Swarovski crystals. The V-back and sweetheart neckline were complimented with the beaded illusion sleeves showcasing fresh, cold-shoulder straps. Organza trimmed with horsehair complete the elegant fit-and-flare skirt. Covered buttons cascaded along the train, complete with crystal buttons over an elastic and zipper closure. A long veil complemented the gown.
The groom wore a double-breasted ivory jacket with a diamond pattern, a satin navy lapel, and gold buttons. It was hand-sewn by Ms. Deborah Bennett of St. Stephen, South Carolina. Groom also wore an ivory dress shirt, navy suit pants by perfect tux, mint green and navy checkered pattern socks, navy blue Manoble Men’s Metal Golden Wings Two Layer Neck Bowtie, and Cognac colored Monk Strap Vincent Cavallo Dress Shoes.
How was your wedding shopping experience? The shopping experience immediately became overwhelming as soon as I stepped foot into the bridal salon! There were thousands of dresses to choose from. Although I had already found the dress of my dreams four years prior. I tried on what I thought was my dream dress but wasn’t moved by it. A simple suggestion from the stylist assisting turned out to be the dress! I fell in love and said yes to my dress after only trying on four gowns.
Wedding Party Gifts: Bridesmaids: Matching gold-plated tear-drop shaped earrings and bracelet set encrusted with crystals, personalized bridesmaid hangers with their name and wedding date engraved, floral-printed mint-colored robes, personalized shot glasses with their individual bridesmaid gown hand-painted on them. Groomsmen: Engraved shot glasses, a bottle of their favorite drink, their tie and socks which were worn on the wedding day.
Gifts for Each Other: For Her: hand-sewn, mint green accent pillow with our wedding monogram hand-painted on it, created by Original Runner Company. For Him: Lux Luther three-hand gold-tone stainless steel fossil watch with custom engraving: “Forever Yours LNVII & FMV 9/28/19”
Ceremony Entrance Song: (Bridal Entrance) “Still” by Mali Music, sung by Aaron Holmes-Bennett.
First Dance Song: “Point of It All” by Anthony Hamilton, live performance by Mike Stone.
What is your best memory from your wedding? Bride: “My best memory from my wedding is watching my husband’s reaction to me walking down the aisle.”
Groom: “My best memory is watching my wife walk down the aisle.”
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? The best advice we can give to engaged couples would be not to allow your vision for your special day to die because of the opinions of others. This day is about the couple and nobody else.
Vendors:
Venue Location: Heritage International Conference Center
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Charisse Dupree
Wedding decorator: Occasions By Hernetha, Ribald Events
Makeup artist: Kira Middleton
Hair Stylist: Chata Seegars
Dress Boutique: New York Bride & Groom of Columbia
Photography: Picture Perfect Photography by Monifa Basdeo
DJ name: Master T Productions
Caterer: Heritage International Conference Center
Cake baker: Tami Jewell with Jewell Treats
Band/Orchestra/Songstress: Roosevelt Mclamore (Ceremony Musical Director/Keyboard), Darius Starks (Saxophone),Montrell James (Bass), Mason Mellerson (Lead Guitar), Paul Jones III (Auxiliary Keyboard), Travis Smalls (Drums), O’Bryaan Prioleau, Jeffrey Lampkin (Vocal Coach), Jaicey Hamilton, Jalesa Mckelvey, Dr. Rakiya Faulkner, Jeffrey Grice, Aaron Bennett, T’eron Prioleau (vocalists), Mike Stone Entertainment (Reception)
Bouquet and Boutonniere designer: Buy The Bunch – Fredda Smith
Event Lighting & Effects: Donald Trowell- Essential Lighting LLC
Accent Pillow: The Original Runner Company
Groom’s Jacket: Deborah Bennett
Gorgeous setting and beautiful couple! Thanks for sharing!