Nana and Tracy’s first college encounters read like a romance novel. “We talked about our childhood, our families, and everything in between. It was as if we were old, familiar friends catching up. There was this outer body feeling as if our meeting was all part of a plan we had no idea about. We fell in love, fast and hard,” Tracy shares. They dated and broke up all in the same year. When their relationship ended, Tracy remembers, “it felt as if we were losing out on something bigger than us.”
Call it divine intervention, but their paths crossed again years later in church. This time, they were maturer and had a deeper sense of spirituality. They began to pray about their relationship, and they felt that this time they were ordained to last.
Like many men, Nana was nervous when he was ready to propose. He wanted everything to go smoothly. He told Tracy he was taking her to a work event, but then made an excuse to detour to their church. When he arrived, he went inside and came out with two dozen roses. Tracy immediately started crying. He escorted her inside the church where they were welcomed by the sound of their favorite gospel songs being sung by their praise and worship team. He got down on one knee and proposed. Nana recalls, “After we took photos with our church family, we drove to Tracy’s sister’s house where I had her family and best friends waiting for her. It was an amazing day, and watching Tracy stare at her ring in disbelief was priceless.”
Everything about their gorgeous spring wedding in Connecticut centered around their faith, love of family and friends, and fashion! They wanted a bright, all white wedding with gold accents. Elegant and lush white cherry blossoms severed as the focal point of their décor complemented by golden candelabras and table ornaments. Surrounded by beauty and the uplifting energy of their loved ones, Tracy and Nana’s wedding was a divine celebration of their holy union!
- Full names of couple: Nana and Tracy Opoku
- Occupation: Systems Analyst and Attorney
- Wedding date: April 7,2019
- Wedding location: The Waterview- Monroe, CT
Quick Facts
- Bridesmaids and groomsmen’s gifts: Nana gave his groomsmen each a pair of Nike flyknits. Tracy gave her bridesmaids a box with a candle, a jewelry dish, and her favorite study bible.
- Gifts for one another: Although we agreed not to do gifts, Tracy surprised Nana with a pair Air Jordan 1s Retro High OG Black Toe sneakers. Nana was ecstatic.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Who is Like the Lord” by Israel & New Breed
- First dance song: “If this World Were Mine” by Luther Vandross
Interesting Highlight
The day before our wedding, we had a big Ghanaian wedding. I was dressed up as a Ghanaian queen, full with the traditional attire, jewelry and adornments. It took an hour for the women to dress me. Nana was dressed as a king. We came out with drums, music, dancers, and every aspect of the culture embedded into the entrance. Nana came out with his groomsmen and family members, with crates full of gifts to present to my family. I came out alongside my in-law who held my umbrella for me (because a queen can’t be exposed in any kind of way, okay!), with my bridesmaids and family members. Nana presented the gifts to my parents and asked for my hand in marriage. It was a beautiful day. Since this cultural explosion was just a day before our wedding, we decided it was more than enough for one event. Our “white wedding,” or our American wedding, was traditional.
Best Wedding Memories
There are so many, but we’d have to say the moments leading up to our first look were pretty incredible. We were both surrounded by our best friends, and were anticipating what we knew would be something out of a fairytale. Because our planner timed our day perfectly, we were truly at ease while we got ready and as we made our way to the venue. My girls gave me a final once over, and then our bridal party watched from the bridal suite as I made my way to Nana. As I walked, I just thought of everything we’d gone through to get us to this point. Tears, joy, grace, and God’s glory. I knew I couldn’t cry until these photos were done, so I pressed my way to him, and grabbed his hand like our photographer Amy instructed. His reaction to seeing me was perfect. It was funny, a little awkward per usual, but full of love and longing.
Wedding Advice for Engaged Couples
You are not just planning for your wedding, you are planning for your marriage. That said, when you get to that altar and you make vows to one another before God, and you ask the Lord to reign in your marriage, remember that you need to also invite Him into your wedding planning process. It’s hard not to treat wedding planning like a job because of the sheer volume of items on your to-do list, but pray before you start each task. Pray after you finish them. Pray before you buy your dress/tux, that God’s glory will manifest in it. Pray before you select your venue, that God’s presence will meet you there. Pray while making your guest list and sending out invitations, that everyone will come with hearts of love and that no one who seeks to destroy your union will be in attendance. Pray as you select your planner (if you have one), that their vision will align with God’s vision for your wedding day. Pray that you and your fiancé will not grow apart, but even closer during the planning process. Pray that the weaknesses in your future spouse revealed during wedding planning (trust me, wedding planning brings out the best and worst of you both) will not be criticized, but that you both will use godly wisdom in dealing with them. Pray that counter attacks on your marriage will be stopped before they ever form. Pray for spiritual knowledge, insight, and power, keeping in mind that your wedding is another way for your guests to see the glory of God manifest in the covenant He created. In all things, pray! This will help you guys to laugh through problems, shrug at situations that would make others cry, and walk down that altar with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Your prayers will not only get you victoriously through wedding planning, but will open the door to a long and successful marriage till death do you part.
Vendors
- Planning & Design: Statuesque Events
- Venue: The Waterview
- Decor: M Sarah Designs
- Photography: Amy Anaiz Photography
- Videography: Ahren Weddings
- MUA: Clean Touchh
- Hair: Crowned Belles
- Praise Dancers: Alexus Jegede
- DJ : DJ Zimo
- Officiant: Pastor Paulette Bowman of Seedtime & Harvest Ministries
- MC: Skinnyman
- MC: Jocelyn Bedu-Addo
- Dance Cloud: CNT Entertainment
- Tracy’s first dress: RK Bridal
- Tracy’s 2nd Dress: Zubair
- Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Zubair(high neck dresses)
- Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Lulu’s (v-neck dresses)
- Groom’s Tux Designer: Suitsupply
- Groomsmen Suit Designer: Henry Couture Paris
Such stellar advice and what a beautiful wedding. GOD bless!
The florist for this wedding are insane! The entire room is beautiful but the centerpieces really ties everything together.