The saying goes something old like the tradition of true love, something new like custom crystal wedding attire, and something blue with the Thomas’s dreamy wedding.
Meet Tynesha and Justin Thomas – the newlyweds. They’ve blossomed together in true love for over six years. The pair’s very first date over dinner may have just been to pass the time, but soon they never wanted to spend any time apart.
Commonly known as “La Isla del Encanto” or the Island of Enchantment, Justin planned the proposal there in Puerto Rico. Along its crystal-clear shoreline, Justin collaborated with a local photographer to capture the moment he went on bended knee. Tynesha said yes, and then in continued awe of the moment and her ring, they both enjoyed the rest of their vacation and engagement.
After basking in the pristine white sands of their Puerto Rican engagement, the newly engaged couple headed to tie the knot at an expansive Columbia, SC wedding venue.
With soft white drapery, a perfectly arched altar of white florals, and the sparkling crystals in the tuxedo, the gown, and all of the arrangements – their wedding was nothing short of dreamy!
Keep reading below to get to know more about how these newlyweds planned this fabulous wedding with Cindy McFadden, the Diva Wedding Planner.
- Couple: Justin Thomas (Groom) and Tynesha Gray (Bride)
- Occupations: Justin (Automotive Technician) and Tynesha (Dental Hygienist )
- Wedding Date: November 23, 2024
- Location: Columbia, SC
Quick Facts:
- Groomsmen gifts: Each was given custom bow ties, name-embroidered dress shirts, and custom duffle bags with wallets and whiskey glasses.
- Bridesmaid Gifts: Each bridesmaid was given a pair of shades, custom robes, and a custom jumpsuit.
- Ceremony Entrance: Bride – “You are the reason” by Calum Scott ft Leona Lewis) | Groom – “When it comes to you” by Friday
- First dance song: “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R
How did you two meet?
Our first date was at Applebee’s. There we imagined that we were just two lost people looking for ways to burn time. That first date turned into 10-20 more and before we knew it, we never wanted to spend days apart!
As the love grew so did the challenges of life and learning one another. So did the complications of being partners. Then you realize that forever means so much more than love and so much more than saying “I do”. Sometimes to find your forever you just need to be open-minded, have understanding, and have the willingness to be selfless.
What was the proposal like?
When I proposed, I booked a trip to Puerto Rico. I called almost ten photographers and videographers in the state and finally found someone who’d help me capture the moment and decorate the beach. After the flight landed, I told my wife that I wanted to go to the beach, take pictures, and go dancing. To perfectly execute the surprise, I made sure she wore a nice dress.
It took longer than expected for a videographer to arrive and at that point, my wife was getting a bit irritated. After his arrival, he captured a few photos of us. Then we blindfolded Tynesha and walked maybe 60 yards on the beach – and that’s where I proposed!
We spent the remainder of the weekend there enjoying our “vacation” while she admired her ring and I couldn’t have planned a better, more deserving moment for her.
Can you describe your wedding style?
Justin was clad in a custom white tuxedo with blue lapel and stitching. The tuxedo also featured crystal attachments on the shoulder and a bow tie. To complete the look, he donned white and blue Alexander McQueen sneakers.
Tynesha was adorned in a silver mermaid-style dress that was flowing with crystals. Then the bridal gown was perfectly complemented by silver heels covered in crystals.
Here comes the bride!
How was your shopping experience?
Shopping for the groom and groomsmen went smoothly for the most part. The only difficult part was attempting to get the vision out of my head and making it a reality. After choosing colors, it was easy to design the suit the exact way I wanted to. Then after discussing it with a tailor at Suit Yourself Warehouse, I also custom designed both of my best man tuxedos because I wanted them to stand out as they are the most important men in my life.
Shopping for the bride and bridesmaids was exciting! Shopping with the girls and parents was fun and very emotional, especially when you first revealed the dress to your close family and friends. After getting my dress picked out, I went online to hebeos.com to find the girls their dresses. But the only obstacle was finding dresses that matched everyone’s body type and once I saw that perfect dress for us, I made sure they got them sized and fitted twice before the wedding.
What was the best memory?
The best memory was when we made the first touch and we both realized that we were more nervous than we thought we would be. Even though we’d been together seven years prior, it still felt like the very first date. Then once you finally walk down the aisle every emotion hits you like a train but it’s probably the BEST feeling ever! Wish we had done it sooner!
Any advice for other engaged couples?
First, my advice to engaged couples would be to remember that it’s okay to ask for help, whether it is planning or just simple things like finding a dress or the right colors, etc. Secondly, never get caught up in this false illusion of what everyone else assumes a wedding should be or should look like or should cost – the only opinion that matters is yours. Therefore, you should plan well, budget well, spend what you can afford, get what you want, and when you see your bride or when you see your groom on the other side of that aisle, that’ll be the moment you realize everything was worth it!
Looking for more blue wedding inspo?
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Vendors
- Ceremony Minister: Chris McClerklin (Peaceable Solutions)
- Wedding Planner: The Diva Wedding Planner
- Bridal Gown: Hebeos
- Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse and Suit Yourself Menswear
- Bride’s Hair: Kira Reed
- Bride’s Makeup: ESTHETIZED BY NADIA
- Bridal Party Makeup: ELEVATED BY SIERRA
- Barber: Xavier Williams
- Event Décor: Couture Events, LLC
- Photographer: PARIS LOVE PRODUCTIONS
- Wedding Cake: Gardenia’s Custom Cakes & Catering, LLC
- Soloist: Zay Lee
- Reception DJ: KINFOLD ENTERTAINMENT
- Catering: R&T CATERING
- Bartending: RMENTERPRISESLLC
- Event Lighting: AMBIENT MEDIA
- Invitations/Programs/Stationery: DELIGHTED DREAMS
- Seating and draping: Illuminations SC Party Rentals
- Seating: Please Be Seated
- Ceiling lighting: Ambient Media SC
- Draping and lighting: We Do Draping
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