Tie the Knot Tuesday – Beatrice & Michel

In the Midst of Tragedy; Beatrice and Michel Say "I Do"

Bride:  Beatrice Dorcena
Groom: Michel Arty
Wedding Date: May 28, 2012
Location: ceremony: St. Joachim & St. Anne Church, Queens, NY; reception: Jericho Terrace, Long Island, NY
Theme: Garden of Love

A New Beginning Beatrice was a young woman on an academic mission. She wanted to ensure she finished obtaining her master’s degree in hospitality and management before settling down. Having the same boyfriend throughout undergrad, Beatrice thought she’d had all her puzzle pieces in place. Unexpectedly, she was told her guy had a change of heart, as well as plans, and in order for them to continue their relationship, she’d have to sacrifice her educational dreams. Although devastated, Beatrice made the decision to walk away.  Totally dismayed over what she thought were her life plans coming undone, Beatrice decided to put love on a shelf. “My life had been a series of roller-coaster emotions, but I knew God was preparing me to be able to give a testimony,” said Beatrice.  “I’ve learned that [with Him] you never have to enter somewhere that has no exit.” Her exit from heartache would eventually come when a cousin suggested she give a former acquaintance by the name of Michel Arty a chance. Having remembered meeting him at a few social gatherings in their homeland of Haiti, Beatrice said she’d give it a try.

Hide and Seek Reluctant to get involved in another relationship after just recovering from complete heartache, Beatrice settled on exchanging Internet info with Michel. However, Michel’s efforts to speak with Beatrice were tanking; they kept missing each other on MSN Messenger. In his persistence and somewhat frustration at what he felt was him being purposely dismissed, Michel gave Beatrice a proverbial ultimatum. One night he wrote that he’d been trying to reach her and if she didn’t respond, he’d never reach out again. “I thought twice about giving him my number,” said Beatrice. “But something told me to move forward.” The two ended up talking that night for six hours straight. This was her proof that moving forward is usually the best way to move on.

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[Photography by Bella Pictures]

Let’s Start Over No relationship is without hiccups. As strong as their love was, Beatrice and Michel were not immune. In 2006, Beatrice began a program at LaSalle University in Pennsylvania to be closer to Michel, but a year into it, feeling alone and wondering if she’d made the right choice, Beatrice began questioning her career path as well as her relationship. “I didn’t know how to trust [the relationship],” said Beatrice. In 2007, she decided to return to Haiti for some self-evaluation. Realizing he might lose her for good, after a seven year hiatus from Haiti, Michel returned there to let Beatrice know how serious he was about them being together. He reminded her of her academic passion and just why she couldn’t give up. “He told me that all we needed was time for him to show me what things would be like another go ‘round,” said Beatrice.  In 2011, Michel showed her how real it could be by proposing to her. “This time it felt real,” she said.

Marital Triumph On Memorial Day 2012, despite facing unexpected tragedy in the form of Beatrice losing her father three weeks before the wedding, the couple tied the knot in a love-filled ceremony at St. Joachim & St. Anne Church in Queens, NY. In front of loving family members and devoted friends, the couple exchanged vows and made it official. When asked spontaneously by the priest how he’d known Beatrice was the one for him, Michel responded without flinching: “When I got into my motorcycle accident, Bea did for me what my mother could not do. She proved her love for me by how she devoted herself to helping me recover.”

Beatrice’s Money Saving Tips for Future Brides

Tight and Right: Keep restructuring your guest list until only the most intimate are on it. “We did our guest list three times before it was finalized,” shares Beatrice.

Think Big Picture: “You don’t want to start your married life in debt. Remember that it’s only four hours. Be smart and sensible,” Beatrice advises.

Take a look at past Tie the Knot Tuesday features here.

***Did you or someone you know recently tie the knot? Completethis brief form and the wedding just might be featured in an upcoming Black Bridal Bliss feature!***

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