Tenesha and Courtney's Beautiful Ballroom Wedding in Atlanta -Munaluchi Bride

Tenesha and Courtney’s love story began during the fall of 2009 on the campus of the University of Alabama. Serendipity continued bringing them together for shared campus connections and events – their interest in each other growing with every meeting. It would be during homecoming week, at Courtney’s fraternity house party where their official relationship would begin – their love for each other deepening with every passing day from that moment on, setting them on the path to happily-ever-after…

Read all about Tenesha & Courtney’s love story, romantic proposal, and experiences in their beautiful ballroom wedding in Atlanta – featuring planning and design by MunaLuchi Coterie member Z. Curlett Events, and Stationery by MunaLuchi Coterie member Sandi Spells Designs.

Bride & Groom: Tenesha & Courtney
Occupations: Director of Outreach and Marketing & Specialty Pharmaceutical Sales Trainer
Wedding date: October 13, 2018
Wedding location: Atlanta, Georgia

Tell us how you met. To everything, there is a season for new beginnings. For Courtney and Tenesha, the beginning was on a rainy day in the Fall of 2009 on the campus of The University of Alabama. For Courtney and his Fraternity brothers, the weather conditions presented a seamless opportunity for a chivalrous moment.
Tenesha and her friends decided to take an afternoon trip to the nail salon. Together, they piled into Courtney’s black Dodge Durango, and Courtney drove them to the nail salon. When the ladies finished, Courtney picked them up and dropped them back off at their dorm.
Later that season—October 13, 2009 to be exact—Homecoming week had arrived. It was also a special week for the brothers of the ETA CHI (HX) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, known for them as “NUPE Week.” As part of the week’s events, the NUPES held a contest amongst themselves to see who could sell the most tickets to their weekend party. Once again, Courtney found himself running into Tenesha and her friends in between classes. He asked Tenesha if she was interested in purchasing a ticket to the party. “I don’t know yet,” Tenesha responded. Courtney quickly pulled out a piece of paper and jotted his name and number on it. “Hit me up when you decide, and y’all can just buy the tickets from me,” he said, handing her the piece of paper.
Well, some days went by. No call from Tenesha. “So, you straight forgot about the ticket?” Courtney messaged Tenesha on Facebook. Tenesha responded to his message and purchased a ticket. That weekend, Tenesha enjoyed the party with her friends, and a dating relationship between Courtney and Tenesha had formed.
As time went on, and as they continued to build their relationship, Courtney graduated and moved back home while Tenesha finished up her bachelor’s degree. Shortly after, Courtney got a new job that would bring him back to Tuscaloosa where they were able to see each other every day.

Tell us about the proposal. In 2014, Courtney relocated to Atlanta, GA to accept a job offer. The couple maintained a long-distance relationship, while going on monthly dates and enjoying the city of Atlanta in Courtney’s Corvette. With ups and downs, they stuck it through while Tenesha completed both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 2015, Tenesha joined Courtney in Atlanta in a brand-new home that they share together.
Fast-forward some more. It is October 13, 2017. “It’s time,” Courtney thought. Eight years together, and Courtney knew just the decision he wanted to make. He planned a date night (that included a photographer and videographer that followed us with Tenesha not having the slightest clue) with Tenesha in Buckhead and Midtown Atlanta. The outing started with a trip to Louis Vuitton for a purse that Tenesha had previously been hinting, and dinner at STK Midtown. Unbeknownst to Tenesha, the night was far from over. When Tenesha walked in Courtney was on one knee surprising Tenesha with 40 of their closest friends and family in their living room. When she walked in “You are the perfect woman,” he said. “And you’ve been more than patient.” A special quote reads that “the couples that are meant-to-be are the ones who go through everything that is meant to tear them apart and come out even stronger than they were before.”

How did you know they were “the one”? Bride: “When I first met Courtney, I knew he was the one. At the time, I was only 18 years old and one would ask “but how.” I grew up believing in fairy tales and happily-ever-after’s so, when I meet Courtney you can say I had a Cinderella moment and it was crystal clear that he was my husband – he just did not know it yet. Not to mention, a couple days prior to meeting Courtney I prayed and asked God to send me my husband and it transpired days later.”
Groom: “I knew Tenesha was the one when I started to notice at a such a young age she was naturally doing things that a traditional loving wife would do. Cooking and bringing the food to me, cleaning my apartment without me asking and keeping her apartment clean, and most importantly sticking by my side when times were rough when she didn’t truly have any obligation to me. She was doing all these things before she hit 22 years old, and no matter what, every day she always shows me that beautiful smile. It is also important to mention that my mother and grandmother both told me how they really like Tenesha and they just loved her spirit and could tell she was special.”

What was wedding shopping like for you? Bride: “My dress style was inspired by the venue I selected which was enriched with tons of history but very glamorous. My dress style of choice was “vintage glam”. The dress color was Champagne with a lace strapless sweetheart neckline, form fitting with a wide-open lace pattern that covered a greater portion of the gown, and a chapel train. The wedding shopping experience for me was filled with laughter and tears of joy. I gathered both moms and seven of my lovely bridesmaids for a Saturday at Bridals by Lori. We were joined by Lori, Monte and my remarkable sales associate Megan. The entire staff at Bridals by Lori was flawless.”
Groom: “My attire I would describe as “timeless modern” with a little subtle flair. My shirt, trousers and waistcoat were custom made by Blank Label Atlanta to assure I would have that timeless look, but the waistcoat was inspired from an episode of Power with the cut being double breasted at an angle to add an element of surprise once I remove the blazer. The blazer was navy with a black shawl made by DeLouice Atlanta. The blazer was a subtle paisley texture where you can notice that it wasn’t solid navy from a distance but almost gives off the look of an invisible set. Shoes were a Magnanni black two tone leather a patent leather cap toe Oxford. Vintage flower brooch instead of boutonnière with gold watch and bracelet. The wedding shopping was rather easy because I knew early on exactly what I wanted. The tailors were flawless in their execution and they were just as excited about my attire as I was!”

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? The most important thing to us was to make sure that all of our guests was able to have fun and be themselves! Dance, shout, drink and eat as much as you want! Courtney’s fraternity brother was the DJ and his other fraternity brother was the MC and they both set the tone. They played a big part in hyping up the party with chants from their college days and as well as the special pulling of the garter session where they surround Courtney and Tenesha, chanted and were kappa shaking along with Courtney hyping up the Garter session.

Wedding Party gifts: Bridesmaids: Custom Navy Bridesmaid Robes w/ Champagne monogramming and custom cherry wood hangers with custom monogramming. Groomsmen’s: Custom made shirts from Blank Label where groomsmen were able to get measured, pick their fabric, collars, cuffs, button style and monogramming. Handmade black bow ties from Ties by Lucy, Ralph Lauren socks and a shoe horn.

What is your best memory from your wedding? Bride: “Being one of the first women in my family to have a wedding, it was a special moment for me. My fondest memories were the moments shared with close relatives and friends. I loved giving my family and new family a reason to gather.”
Groom: “My greatest memory from the wedding was when those drapes opened, and I saw Tenesha, I was in awe of how gorgeous she looked. I was so excited just chuckling on the inside and smiling from ear to ear, but as she got closer for some reason I got a little more emotional as tears started to run out of my eyes. I started to think about all the things we were able endure in our relationship and when planning for the wedding and when I saw her I realized therefore we stuck together, to solidify this love and union. As she got closer and closer she also started crying and I believe that shows the love we have for one another. I was so happy just standing there looking at her saying to myself ‘Man that is all MINE’ and she’s coming right to me!”

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Do what works for you and nobody else because this is YOUR wedding! I truly believe weddings should be something that when you look back 10-20 years from now you should smile and say “woooo! I couldn’t have asked for anything more!” HAVE FUN! Take some time and watch your friends and family have fun because those are the moments that you’ll still be able to feel after the wedding. You want to be able to feel that feeling again and the only way to get that is slow down and soak it all in. The food, the music, the dancing, the hugging, the laughing, soak it all in! The process may not be perfect but as long you two show up on that day and enjoy each other above all, that’s all that matters.