Bride: Adrienne Williams, 24
Groom: Darius Beck, 28
Occupations: Williams, merchandise planning analyst; Beck, assistant manager
Homebase: Chicago
Wedding Date: June 4, 2011
Wedding Location: Ceremony: St. Philips Episcopal Church; Reception: Franklin Park Conservatory; both in Columbus, Ohio

Greek Ties: Since Adrienne was a member of Delta Sigma Theta at Northwestern University and Darius was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi at DuPaul University, the young coeds shared many mutual acquaintances and bumped into each other often at events. “We were Facebook friends and didn’t even know it,” shares Darius with a laugh. When the pair “officially” met, they hit it off pretty quickly. “I thought he was a cool guy and cute, too,” recalls Adrienne. “On our first date, I didn’t really eat because I was so nervous but Adrienne ate everything!” Darius jokingly remembers. “She was down to Earth and had a good head on her shoulders,” he adds. “Darius was very easy to talk to and funny. Both are very important to me,” Adrienne explains.

Closer Than Close: “I can be awkward and quirky. We get each other,” Adrienne quips. She continues, “I’m also very hard on myself; I’m an overachiever. Darius is optimistic. He’s a glass half full kind of guy.” Darius agrees saying, “I’m the calmer of the relationship.” He adds, “I looked forward to getting off work and seeing her.” Darius realized he wanted to see Adrienne everyday for the rest of his life and decided to propose. “I got her line sisters to help me pick out her engagement ring,” he shares. One evening after Adrienne prepared a Cinco de Mayo (she loves cooking Mexican food) dinner, Darius popped the question. “She was in bed studying for the GMAT and I asked her to be my wife,” Darius says. Adrienne, who excitingly accepted says, “I never wanted a public engagement.” 

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All images by Bruce Ellingsen.]

For Richer or Poorer: In the midst of their blissful wedding planning, Adrienne received unfortunate news. “My job informed me they were relocating my position to Iowa just weeks before our wedding,” she reflects. While most nearlyweds are finalizing menus and seating charts, Adrienne and Darius were contemplating where they were going to live. “Darius couldn’t get his job transferred to Iowa and we [accepted] that one of us was going to be unemployed. It was a very scary time and tested our relationship,” admits Adrienne. Darius agrees, “It was stressful.” He shares Adrienne experienced self-doubt when companies weren’t calling her back. “I told her to lean on me,” he says. Adrienne eventually received several job offers in Chicago where the twosome wanted to stay and now agree the difficult experience made them a stronger couple.  

Fab & Frugal: Wise beyond their years, Adrienne and Darius were adamant about not going in debt for their wedding day. “We’re a financially responsible couple and funded our wedding ourselves,” says Adrienne. The pair opted not to have programs or elaborate favors and they swapped the traditional wedding cake for less pricey cupcakes. “We’re in love with red velvet cupcakes!” beams Adrienne. Another cost-saving trick the Becks used was their reception venue of choice. “The conservatory didn’t need a lot of decorations,” explains Adrienne. The discerning duo also postponed their honeymoon but has other goals on the horizon. “I’m looking forward to us buying our first home together,”Adrienne shares. However don’t think the couple’s frugalness prevented them from enjoying their nuptials. Darius gushes, “Our wedding day was absolutely perfect. We had so much fun; it was hands down the best day of my life thus far!”

Adrienne’s Money Saving Tips for Future Brides:

Last Call for Alcohol: “Open bars are expensive!” exclaims Adrienne with a chuckle. “We just did passed champagne which was perfect since our wedding was earlier in the day,” she adds. Consider limiting your alcohol to a signature cocktail, mimosas or bellinis to cut beverage costs at your own wedding.

Communicate, Communicate: “Being communicative with your vendors is key. Let them know what you can and cannot afford upfront and more than likely they’ll be flexible with you,” advises Adrienne.

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

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