Couple: Bridgette and Anthony
Wedding Date: September 14, 2013
Wedding Location: (ceremony) The Cloisters at Ft. Tryon Park, Upper Manhattan, NY, (reception) Londel’s Restaurant, Harlem, NY
Theme: Just Us
In the midst of planning #theroyallunion in Charlotte, NC, it became apparent that our venue of choice was not going to accommodate all our loved ones. It caused us much angst. The solution? Have a small affair in New York for those friends and family members who wouldn’t be able to join us down in The Queen City. It was my mother’s idea and yes both Mr. TK and I were skeptical about it at first. But my mother assured us it we wouldn’t regret it. And once again she was right.
Mr. TK aka Anthony and I had always talked about exchanging vows in a low-key, intimate space and since I adore Fort Tryon Park and it holds sentimental value to us, we decided to say our I Dos there. The only other people present were our mothers, the officiant, one of Anthony’s family friends and two of his best friends who drove up from Washington, DC – they insisted on being there even though they were in our Charlotte wedding. It was a picturesque sunny afternoon. We headed to our favorite Harlem restaurant Londel’s to break bread and celebrate with about sixty loved ones after the ceremony.
I purchased my bouquet – a few bunches of baby’s breath that I wrapped in ribbon myself – from Penn Station. My earrings were 19 years old and my shoes were about five years old. My mother and I took a cab to Fort Tryon Park. Our cake was from Costco and Anthony’s college buddy John took pics. We laughed. We cried. We reminisced. We created new memories.
That day was pure bliss! And no it didn’t take the place of our equally blissful Charlotte affair. They’re apples and oranges; we’re extremely blessed to be able to experience both. I hope you enjoy the pics.
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[All images by John Clark.]
Dress: Parker
Earrings: Vintage
Jeweled Comb & Bracelet: Halo & Co. courtesy of The White Gown, Brooklyn, NY
Hair: Viki at Styles Salon, NYC
Makeup: MAC counter at Macy’s in Herald Square, NYC
Groom’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Photographer: John Clark
Stay tuned for Part II next week! In the meantime, view past Tie the Knot Tuesday features here.
Beautiful, simply Beautiful! Although I was quite impressed with the “Queen City” affair, memories of the NY gathering still warms my heart. I was brought to tears several times that evening by the stories and palpable love. The history of the attendees connection to the family is remarkable. Your mother is an amazingly wise woman whom I am forever grateful to have bonded with. Should she ever tell me a cow can lay eggs there will be no verbal response from me, I’ll just grease the skillet. Truly, One Love. The venue was enormously special because it is one I shared with my own wise mother. It couldn’t get any better than that. John Clark is photographer extraordinaire, he captured the love so lovingly. Respect, my brother!
Thanks for sharing. Congratulations again! BTW, where did you meet at?
@SD – Wasn’t it a beautiful day? I underestimated how emotional it would be but it was also so much fun. Just great memories all around. I look forward to many, many more joyous family (and that includes friends who are like family) gatherings. Love you!
@Shauna – Thanks girl! My bad, I should have included in the post that our full love story will be posted next Tuesday. But we met in Queens through a mutual friend. ;-)
Grateful I was able to share this experience in person and now virtually. Best wishes to you all!!
What a beautiful day it was! I am so glad I did what I did. Soooo happy for you both. I love you both.
Thank you Jackie for the kind words.
Great pics and even better story surrounding your decision to have an event in NYC before the wedding. Definitely seems like the decision to have an earlier, separate event had more advantages to it than originally anticipated… Congrats to you guys again and best of luck.
@LD – You and John made me even more grateful for your friendship that day. It is a blessing to know I’ve gained friends aka family like y’all as a result of this relationship. Thank you!
@Mommy – You had the vision! Love you so much!
@Gerald – Yes, you’re right! Thanks for showing our new marriage and Triple B love.
Love it…beautiful black bridal bliss….
@Jackie – Thank you!
Beautiful, Bridgette! Congrats again!
Thank you, Kristen! xo