Well folks, the deed was done. On Saturday, October 19, 2013, I jumped the broom with my best friend in front of roughly 115 loved ones. (We actually wed a month prior in a much smaller ceremony — I promise to elaborate more on that later.) In a word, last weekend was bliss.
Mr. TK and I are still sleepwalking and aren’t scheduled to return to our normal (whatever that means) schedules until next week. Still, I wanted to give you all a glimpse into our nuptials to hold you over until the official Tie the Knot Tuesday feature next month. Below is hand’s down one of my favorite moments from the big day:
Mr. TK and I chose The Harvey B. Gantt Center in Charlotte, North Carolina as our wedding venue — both the ceremony and reception were held there. We’re both huge supporters of institutions that inspire and encourage the arts while giving well-deserved exposure to visual artistic talents of Black Americans. As previously mentioned, I was scheduled to wed outdoors on the terrace. The idea of being able to have our ceremony on the rooftop terrace and the reception indoors was a significant part of the reason we selected this venue.
However after the weather proved to be too unpredictable on Saturday (it rained on and off all morning and afternoon), my mother and wedding coordinator Summer decided to move the ceremony indoors. I was a tad bit disappointed but had way too much on my mind at the time to worry about it. It was what it was. So Summer and her team, as well as the Gantt staff worked feverishly to move chairs and such. Although I was only observing from a distance while Kesha Lambert of Lash to Lens snapped First Look pictures, the entire effort appeared seamless.
After my wedding party, the officiant and Mr. TK entered the ceremony, my brother and I prepared to walk down the aisle. Right before the doors opened, he told me he loved me and was proud of me. I immediately began to cry. I thought about all the times he’s been right by my side in life just as he was that day. After our father passed away, he further stepped up as an unbelievable supporter, guide and friend. At that very moment I realized many things will change now that I’m a “Mrs.”. The ways I used to run to my big bro will cease because I now have a husband. It was a true “ah-ha” moment that I wasn’t prepared for.
Anyhoo, we made our way to the aisle (my bro also shed a few tears) and the sun began to shine. I mean the sun began to shine incredibly bright. About a dozen guests — who don’t know each other — shared throughout the evening that the sun was particularly shining on me. Guests added they felt it was my father making his presence known. Here’s a picture but it doesn’t really do the moment justice. Just keep in mind that minutes before this picture was snapped it was dark and gloomy.
I don’t normally get too spiritual here on Triple B but if this isn’t proof that God is real, well… More fun wedding recaps to come later this week!
By the way, you can see lots of fun behind the scenes images and hilarious videos from the weekend on Instagram by searching under this hashtag: #theroyallunion
Congratulations!! You look amazing! I loved your gown after you were featured on “Something Borrowed” and I’m still loving it now. God Bless!!
Wow!!! I wondered if the photographers pictures would capture that moment…. And yes! Yes they did!!! Beautiful…. With the anticipation of seeing the bride enter the room, that seconds prior was cloudy…. As the doors opened, so did the clouds..Congratulations BLISSFUL!!!! ;)
Congrats!! You are an inspiration.. I’m very happy for you two!!
Love the dress!!!!!
What a day! I was and still am so happy for you. I just wanted you to be happy. Anyone that knows me and have been around me for any length of time knows how I feel about my children. I love Anthony because you love him. Anthony is a wonderful person and I am so blessed to have him as son-in-law. I have a gut feeling you guys are going to be fine…..
My son is blessed and fortunate to be accepted into this family. Each and every family member, friend and loved one was more than welcoming, warm and gracious. The evening was nothing less than majestic. All praises are due to this royal affair!!!
I will always be encouraged by the memory of your ceremony: the sunset heralded your entrance (and really, everyone was stunned by the addition of nature’s unscripted majesty), surely in support of the proceedings.
love–coming from friends and relatives of at least four generations–permeated the room.
It was/is a clear sign that devotion and commitment can conquer all.
Sending well wishes to the Royall’s!! May your union be filled with peace, endless love, understanding and marital bliss! God bless you both!
Awww, your dress is stunning! It looks like your wedding came together in the way it was destined to be…now you’ve got to tell us about the smaller wedding too:) Congratulations Newlywed!!!
“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” this is the first quote to come to mind while looking at this beautiful picture. So proud to have been able to see that sun shine so brightly on you as you walked down the aisle to meet that stud of a brother of mine…You owned it Bridge! Congrats on such a beautiful wedding xoxo
Congrats Bridgette. I can’t wait to read more about your magical day.
Lynda
Wishing you all the best as you enter a new chapter of your lives together. Peace and blessings. Zo-
Congrats Bridgette! I wish you and your husband many blessings!! May God bless your union!! :-}}}
Love,
Tianna F. Clark
Bridgette you and your husband look fabulous. You are absolutely stunning in that dress! I am so happy for you and for Oddie who loves you so much. When I read the tribute you wrote to your father, tears came to my eyes and you know I don’t know him. You made him so human and so loving. That’s a family filled with love!
I look forward to meeting you.
Pearl (your mom’s friend)
What an amazing photo of you and your brother! Wishing you and your new hubby all the happiness in the world!
I’m overwhelmed (in a good way) by these comments. Mr. TK and I are so blessed. To everyone: Thank you!
Hi Bridg,
The wedding was awesome! My ailing knees have not seen so much use since…well, I don’t know when! If I ever need a dj I’m calling your friend. It was truly a magical evening with every detail having a special meaning, especially the tribute to your father. May the peace of God continue to rest, rule and abide with you and Anthony.
So happy for you Bridgett! I know your father must be proud of his baby girl. Enjoy all your bridal bliss to the fullest. If anyone deserves it you do!!!
You and your hubby look fabulous. I’m so happy that you had such a special day!
You and your hubby look fabulous. I’m so happy that you had such a special day!