Real {Atlanta} Wedding: Zoe + Tino

We just love it when a bride finds unique ways to incorporate her culture into her wedding. Here’s a cute Atlanta wedding of Zoe Minor and Tino Johnson, planned by Nicole Scott-Tate of Your Champaign Wishes Events.  Going off of the theme of the bride’s unique and romantic proposal, they opted to have their wedding reception in a museum on August 8, 2009.

Here’s how Tino proposed:

Tino surprised Zoe by having her engagement ring on display at a museum’s exhibit about rings.  Zoe had no idea of Tino’s plan. She was observing the ring exhibits at the Georgia Museum of Arts at an exhibit called “The Ring Shows: Then & Now and Putting the Band Back Together.” One of her friends pointed out a gorgeous ring which turned out to be Zoe’s favorite in the entire exhibit. On the wall, there was description of the ring and mention that it was made by T.L. Johnson…but she still had no clue.  It wasn’t until she read the rest of the description on the card which read, ‘August 31, 2008…The Johnson Engagement Ring’ that she realized the engagement ring was for her.  At that moment, Tino came out and proposed to her.

The bride, being of Liberian heritage, wanted to add some African highlights to her wedding. African musicians welcomed the newlyweds as they were introduced into the venue as husband and wife.  They started their first dance off to the beat of African drums, then slowed it down into a more traditional slow dance.

Zoe on the most important aspect of the wedding: “..That the ceremony be a true reflection of our love for each other, spirituality, and love of music.  As a retired United Methodist minister, my father walked me down the aisle and officiated.  The choir from the church I grew up in sang. My brother read scripture.”

On the aspect disagreed upon most:  Crafting and finalizing the guest list was definitely the most difficult part.  There were so many people we wanted to share this moment with, but staying reasonably within budget did not allow us to have an unlimited guest list.  Once we accepted that reality, it was easier to get on the same page in that regard.

Advice for brides-to-be:  “Don’t just plan for your wedding, plan for your marriage.  Be sure that you stay connected with each other during the hectic period of planning, seek pre-martial counseling, and don’t blow your budget.  The wedding is but one lovely day out of what will hopefully be a lifetime of happiness.” -Zoe

Thanks so much to Nicole for sharing this lovely wedding and congrats to Zoe and Tino.  Be sure to check out more of her weddings on her site.   Also, head over to Picture You Studios to see more of their work.

VENDORS:

Bridal Gown:  Casablanca Bridal ::  Venue:  Lyndon House Arts Center ::  Event Designer/Decor:  the bride  ::  Wedding Planner:  Nicole Scott-Tate of Your Champagne Wishes Events ::  Florist:  Athens Florist :: Cake: Publix ::  Photographer:  Danielle McAdams of Picture You Studios ::  Entertainment:  Ambience Event Services

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