Couple: Alana and Eric
Wedding Date: April 26, 2013
Wedding and Reception Location: Oxon Hill Manor, Oxon Hill, MD
Excuse me, Miss… “The first time I laid eyes on Alana I said, She’s going to be my wife,” reveals Eric. Maryland residents Alana and Eric were both in Miami for a film festival eight years ago and Alana’s pretty face caught Eric’s eye in a crowded club. But Eric was admittedly too nervous to approach the future Mrs. Elston then. As destiny would have it, the pair ended up in the airport together en route back home. Alana recalls, “We were on the same flight. My girlfriend said Eric kept looking at me but I didn’t pay it much attention. When we landed at BWI we were both in baggage claim and he came over to introduce himself. The rest is history.”
We’ve Got Something in Common “Alana was just nice. We had great conversation,” shares Eric. He adds, “Even in the beginning we were inseparable. One of our first dates was a spontaneous road trip to an island off the Eastern Shore of Maryland near Ocean City that has wild horses and surprisingly clear blue water. We took the two hour drive, ate crabs…It was beautiful.” Alana agrees that the couple’s shared love of travel was an early indicator that they were meant to be. “We did lots of traveling together; that was a big connection for us and has helped sustain our relationship.” She continues, “We would talk on the phone for hours. We share a lot of little things in common and both like to have a good time. And our birthdays are just a week apart.”
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[Photography by Hartcorn Studios.]
Independent Lady “Eric and I had a son together before we got married. It gets challenging when you have a family and start to merge your life. We’ve had to realize that it might not always be 50/50. Sometimes it might be 60/40. I had to make the adjustment from being an independent woman to realizing there is someone else in my life to help me, who will meet me where I am. That was difficult for us at first. Living our lives as one has been a huge adjustment,” reveals Alana.
Let’s Groove Tonight “I proposed on Valentine’s Day and everything went wrong!” says Eric with a chuckle who also admits he had Alana’s engagement ring for nearly eight months before popping the question. “From the timing at the restaurant to the valet pulling the car around on the wrong side…So, when we finally got home I took the opportunity to do it there.” To Eric’s relief Alana happily accepted. The pair decided to become husband and wife before 200 guests at a classy yet down-to-earth venue like them. “The Oxon Hill Manor is breathtaking. It has a beautiful grand staircase, the grounds are well-kept and it is right off the National Harbor,” brags Alana. All this didn’t stop the duo from having the time of their lives. “We had a great party! We literally partied ’til the wee hours of the morning, everyone was on the dance floor,” Alana reminiscences. Most importantly, Eric shares: “There is no right or wrong way to love. You can’t look at every argument as the end. Marriage is a journey; not a race.”
Alana’s Budget-Friendly Tips for Brides-to-Be
Friday Night Lights “It was cost effective to have our wedding on a Friday evening. We figured everyone who was important to us would (figure out a way to) be there.”
Designer Discount Diva “I got my wedding gown at Kleinfeld. We drove to NYC on a whim so I was very fortunate to get that gown by Ian Stuart at a sample sale.”
Frugal Florals “We made all of our own bouquets, boutonnières and centerpieces. Some florists will try to get you to buy the most expensive product so do your own research and find ways to cut costs. That is critical.”
VENDOR CREDITS
Venue: Oxon Hill Manor
Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal
Tuxes/Suits: Vera Wang Suits
Cake: Mimi’s Mocha Treats
Florist: Potomac Florist
DJ/Band: DJ Shogun
Caterer: Paul’s Homewood Cafe
Hair: Cole Stevens Salon
Makeup Artist: Danielle Lewis
Wedding Planner: Shonda Hurt
Photographer: Hartcorn Studios
Videography: Artlife Studio, LLC. Watch the couple’s touching trailer here!
[Reporting by Cousin Mars]
Take a look at past Tie the Knot Tuesday and (Not Quite) Tie the Knot Tuesday features here.
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Beautiful story. The date on a small island in Maryland with the wild horses would have won me over. I thought the best thing about Maryland’s eastern shore was Ocean City. The pictures are really nice.
Interviewing this couple was fun. With each question response, I thought to myself “they are truly in love.” It was refreshing. Knowing the groom personally, made this interview more rewarding. As I do all of the couples featured on Triple B, I wish this couple infinite BLISS.
Great story and the pictures are beautiful! I like that this couple seems so real and honest and their relationship. And who knew there were islands off the eastern shore in Maryland??!! LMBO
Aren’t Alana and Eric just awesome?! Cousin Mars did an excellent job interviewing the couple and we’re both so appreciative of their candidness. Keep the postitive feedback coming, folks. Oh yeah, I guess I’m not the only one who wants to visit these islands on the Eastern Shore very soon! @Bianca – I’m with you girl; who knew? ;-)
BBB – you are able to publish such diverse stories and lives. I enjoyed reading and watching the trailer. I must do this more often!
What a beautiful love story. As a descendant of parents from Eastern Shore Maryland and having completed a Century bike ride along the coast, I can tell you Maryland has more to offer than you might think. Best of all, its inhabitants. Great blessings to this handsome couple.
Lovely story and pictures. Many blessings to your union.
This is beautiful!!!!!!
This couple seems so real and honest. and their relationship is pure. It is really a very beautiful story. The date on a small island in Maryland with the wild horses must had been amazing. The pictures are really amazing.
Beautiful story. I wish the couple the best future.
What a love story! What a lovely couple and beautiful family you are! Alana you are a beauty through and through and on this day you simply glowed! Eric, handsome as usual! The day was truly exquisite! As God parents to Eric, Unc Boopie & I have always wanted nothing but the best for you and you have found it. It pleases me to no end to see the wonderful life you have and are continuing to build together. I am so thrilled that you got it right the first time around. Alana truly is a jewel and the two of you have created two more precious jewels. I am over the moon happy for you and I am sure your Unc Boopie, our guardian angel, is smiling down and beaming with pride and joy too. May God continue to bless and keep you all in His care. Peace & Blessings.
@Aunt Shambra – I do believe your comment is my favorite of all the Tie the Knot Tuesday features I’ve profiled on Triple B thus far. Triple B truly celebrates community and your words exemplify a big reason why I’m constantly saying, BlackBridalBliss.com is so much bigger than weddings. I am appreciative of all my commenters but THANK YOU!