Bride: Shenise Euland, 30
Groom: Antonio Gerideau, 32
Occupations: Euland: Environmental Firm Analyst; Gerideau: Longshoreman
Homebase: South Carolina
Wedding Date: September 3, 2011
Wedding Location: Founder’s Hall Charles Towne Landing, Charleston, South Carolina  

I’ve Got a Crush on You “My husband and I both went to Drayton Hall Middle School in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the new kid on the block that all the girls went crazy over, including me.” “I thought she was a goodie two shoes,” admits Antonio about Shenise. The teens attended different high schools and colleges. “After graduating from college, we would see each other in the mall and have light conversations until one day he asked for my number,” recalls Shenise.  Antonio called a few weeks later and the pair went on their first date. She adds, “That was five years ago and we’ve been best friends ever since.”

Funny Gal In their early dating days, the twosome would sit in each others cars and talk for hours. “Necie has a great sense of humor,” shares Antonio. He adds, ” I tell her she missed her calling as a comedian because she’s always cracking jokes!” Antonio further explains that his sweetie’s quick wit keeps him on his toes. Shenise became smitten with Antonio’s encouraging ways and selflessness. “He is very patient,” she confides. She continues, “He has a closeness with God that is so admirable.” 

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[All images by Richard Singleton of A Click in Time Photography.]

So Hard to Say Goodbye “We’ve experienced some rough patches as a couple but the good times outweigh those rough times,” Shenise reflects. One of those rough times was the passing of Shenise’s grandfather. “My grandfather Sam passed away very early in our relationship. It was hard. The night before his funeral, I went to clean his house and Tony came with me and helped. I really needed him at that time and he was there for me. I saw that he wanted to be with me for the long haul.” And just weeks before Antonio was scheduled to meet his father for the first time — a trip Shenise helped to coordinate — Antonio’s father passed away. “Tony held it together in front of me but I could feel his sense of loss. It was a rough time.”  Shenise declares, “Our love allowed us to weather those storms together and our love will enable us to ride out the many storms that will come with this journey called life.” Antonio is also the father to a 16 year-old son from a  previous relationship and now the couple have a 10 month-old baby boy together. Their past trials have helped them transition into a loving blended family. 

Easy Extravagance On the evening of Shenise’s 10 year high school reunion, in between styling her hair and touching up her makeup, Antonio asked her to be his wife. “I kept it nice and intimate because I wanted that moment to just be between us,” explains Antonio of his proposal. Shenise happily agreed and the couple began planning their nuptials after three years of dating. Before approximately 300 guests, the pair said “I Do” in their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. The memorable southern affair was planned by event designer Atosha Barboza of Larger Than Life Events. The couple both agree that their wedding day was filled with unforgettable moments including their first kiss and dance as husband and wife and the reception toasts. But Antonio reveals that before it all got started he was worried about his wife’s intentions to marry him. He admits with a laugh, “We were waiting for an hour after the wedding was suppose to start [for Shenise to arrive to the ceremony]. I was starting to wonder if she changed her mind!”

Shenise’s tips for saving money on your wedding day!

Mother Knows Best  “My mom got our wedding day limo and party bus for half-price from Groupon,” shares Shenise.

Student Discounts “We found a pianist and violinist from a local school,” explains Shenise.

Minimoons Rock Budget or schedules permitting you from taking the lavish honeymoon you’ve been dreaming about? Consider a short vacation to a local destination that won’t break the bank but will still allow you to recoup (and enjoy alone time with your new spouse) after the big day. “We took a minimoon to Jacksonville Beach, FL for four days. We had a great time!” Shenise says.