Traditional Christian Wedding in Columbus, Ohio: Taylor + Deven

Taylor and Deven’s love story is straight out of the movies. Deven was the boy next door. Yep. Next door neighbor love. The two first met when they were just fifteen years old and have been sweethearts ever since.

On the day of the proposal, Deven blew Taylor away before they even reached the restaurant. “When he arrived, he looked like he stepped out of a GQ Magazine,” Taylor exclaims. More on their love story and beautiful March wedding below.

Wedding Date: March 27, 2015
Wedding Location: Kingdom Christian Center and Jefferson Golf & Country Club
First Dance Song: “Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!

We were 15 years old when we met in the summer of 2004. Our parents are neighbors. One afternoon, I was upstairs in my room and my brother yelled for me to come downstairs. I walked downstairs and saw someone standing at the bottom of the steps by the door. My brother introduced us very quickly. We both locked eyes and said, “Hi.” Yes, it was for real like in the movies, corny and all! So they left and I went back upstairs. Mom asked, “Who was downstairs?” With a big grin on my face, I said, “Michael’s new friend, Deven.” A couple of weeks later, I received a phone call from a random number.

The next day, my brother said, “Oh, we were prank calling people yesterday. Deven called and pranked you! ” Secretly, Deven knew what he was doing because now his number was in my phone. Two months later, I asked him if he would go to the homecoming dance with me and he said yes! We started dating on October 16, 2004. From that point on it was literally breakup, get back together, breakup again, get back together. Here we are, 10 years later, stable, and even more in love!

I was having a rough morning/afternoon and was very stressed out. Deven and I had gotten into an argument the night before and I had to be somewhere the next morning, so my mind was all over the place! We had already planned to go out to dinner that evening but I had cancelled it because I was upset. I was being stubborn and didn’t talk to him much that day but knew I needed to. We talked it out and he asked if we could still go out to dinner that night and I said “I’ll think about it.” Well, I thought about it & decided to go – this was also on our anniversary. I got ready at my friend’s house that day and told her that I felt like I was going to get a ring but I wasn’t sure. Deven called around 7:25pm to say he was on his way. When he arrived, he looked like he stepped out of a GQ Magazine! He rented a car and we went to one of our favorite restaurants, Cameron Mitchell’s Ocean Club. When we got to the restaurant, the hostess showed us to our table which was decorated with red rose petals and a bouquet of fresh flowers in my favorite color, purple. We ordered our food and had great conversation. He kept looking at his phone and then excused himself to the restroom. When he came back we chatted some more, ate our food and then he went to the bathroom again. At this point, I was a little suspicious and concerned.

Finally, he came out the restroom but with a large poster-size object. He told me to open it and as I open the gift, he began to tell me how much he loves me, how much fun he has with me and that he thinks I’m perfect for him. When I opened the gift, I turned it around and it read, KEEP CALM & MARRY ME. I balled. Around the perimeter of the canvas were words that describe our future (Progress, Love, God, Favor, etc.) He got on one knee and asked me to marry him. On top of that, I turned around and all of our family and friends were watching along with the hostess recording the entire proposal and a photographer taking photos! Everything about this night was perfect.

Wedding Style

The style I went for was royal so I chose a champagne, strapless lace Maggie Sottero dress with detailed beading. I paired the dress with elegant statement earrings & jeweled headband! It must’ve been fate because no alterations were needed!

Culture

It was important for us to honor our faith so we made sure to incorporate meaningful scriptures and take communion. We know we wouldn’t be the people God has called us to be without His love and grace.

Memories

The best memory from our wedding was probably the moment we locked eyes as we met at the altar and went through our vows. Having my husband’s dad marry us made the day even more special.

Help a bride-to-be out!

Keep God in the driver’s seat & remember, marriage is forever. Know that this is your day so do not let people control your emotions. Lastly, plan ahead so you can make the day before your wedding peaceful, relaxing and with little distractions.

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Distinct Event Planning
Photography: Comfort Photography
Videographer: CandiRain Productions
Ceremony Venue: Kingdom Christian Center
Reception Venue: Jefferson Golf & Country Club
Hair: Naty’s Hair Design, Leah Lyons
Makeup: Makeup by Apryl
Earrings: Charming Charlie
Headpiece: Henry Bendel
Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero Couture via Henri’s Cloud Nine
Bride’s Ring: Timothy A. Fleming & Associates
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Tuxedo: Jones Select
Groom’s Ring: Zales
Groomsmen Tuxedo: President Tuxedo
Shoes: DSW Shoe Warehouse
Cake: TG Patty Cakes
Invitations/Stationery: Alternative Hitches
Flowers: SHE Design Co.
Transportation: Xtreme Limo
Entertainment: Soul Derivative
Design Decor: Event Source