Vannessa and Marvin met in 2006 on the campus of Albany State University in Albany, GA. They were both at a friend’s house watching videos when they locked eyes. After logging into Facebook the next day, Vannessa received a message from Marvin asking if he could get to know her better. The two have been inseparable ever since that day. Check out their "romantic /vintage glamour" themed wedding at The Biltmore Ballrooms in Atlanta, GA. Janet Howard of Janet Howard Studios captured all of the memorable moments from their big day.
Bride: Vannessa Fiona Howard, 27, Informatica Analyst
Groom: Marvin Jerome Howard, 27, Geo spatial, Geology & Reservoir Engineering Systems Analyst
Place of residence: Houston, TX
Wedding date: 8/ 2/13
Honeymoon Destination: Aruba
Engagement story:
We were living in Oklahoma when I got a call from my hairstylist back in Atlanta asking if I can fly in for a photo-shoot for her salon. Of course I agreed and I asked Marvin to follow me to Atlanta for the shoot. We get to Atlanta the night before the shoot. We met up with friends for a birthday party and left a little early as I needed to get up early for my photo-shoot. The next day arrives. I’m at the salon with my two friends who will also participate in the shoot. We’re getting our hair, makeup and even our nails done. We head to the shoot location and I’m snapping pictures with the photographer in a boutique in Atlantic Station. The photographer then asks me to sit in the chair for a few shoots then all of a sudden I see Marvin. I’m so into the shoot I politely asked Marvin to move as he was in my way. I was in my modeling zone. Marvin got on one knee and the room suddenly got quiet. I could hear the photographer snapping photos when I realized Marvin was proposing. Not only that, after I said yes, I looked to my right and there was our entire family and close friends there to witness. He did a great job!
Favorite detail:
I loved everything. The venue is gorgeous. Edge Design group did the décor and it was absolutely amazing.
From the Bride:
There were tons of emotions happening with me. I flew into Atlanta the day before the wedding, after putting on a presentation at work and going through a job fair competing with other candidates for new positions with my company. That was a lot. Then to get married the next day was even crazier. I had the actual dream team as vendors so I knew the space and atmosphere would be perfect so I wasn’t worried about the venue whatsoever. Once it got closer to the ceremony I just couldn’t stop smiling.
From the Groom:
Leading up to the wedding, my two biggest concerns were not crying or catching lock knees and falling on my face. As time got closer, my only concern was making sure everything ran smooth and that Vannessa enjoyed our wedding day. It was truly the best day of my life and I will never forget the moment the curtains opened and I saw her for the first time in her dress. She looked amazing! I almost cried and fell on my face!
What makes your love special?
Our love is special because we’re meant for each other. I know it sounds cliché but when you know you just know. We’ve known that we were soul mates from the day we locked eyes. When Marvin was offered a great position in Oklahoma, he told the company he wouldn’t take the position if I couldn’t get a job there as well. That was a bold move coming straight out of college with no solid work experience but they accepted his counter offer because our love cannot be separated.
Favorite wedding detail:
Ramona’s Cakes nailed every detail with the cake. Did I mention it was the best cake I have ever tasted? Amazing! Papered Wonders made every paper detail special. Our photographer Janet has such a great skill with pictures. She captured everything. I look back at photos and I tear up, laugh and smile every time.
Wedding song:
Baby Face ft. Mariah Carey – Every time I Close My Eyes. The song describes our love for one another.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
We’re looking forward to accomplishing all of our goals and experiencing new adventures together.
Your best/most memorable moment:
The bouquet toss. You would have thought the girls were in the WNBA they jumped so high!
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
It starts with planning. Planning a wedding is stressful but, don’t let it get too stressful that when the big day comes you are ready for it to be over.
Congratulations to newlyweds Vannessa and Marvin! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss.
Vendors:
Photographer: Janet Howard (Janet Howard Studios)
http://janethowardstudio.com/
Wedding Planner: F&G Weddings; Brian Green
http://www.fandgweddings.com/
Ceremony and reception location: The Biltmore
http://www.novareevents.com/the-biltmore-ballrooms
Bridal gown: Paloma Blanca/ La Raines Bridal Boutique
http://www.larainesboutique.com/
Groom’s tux :Men’s Warehouse
http://www.menswearhouse.com/
Cake: Unforgettable Wedding Cakes by Ramona
http://www.unforgettableweddingcakes.com/index.htm
Caterer: A Divine Event
http://www.adivineevent.com/
Favors: A Divine Event
http://www.adivineevent.com/
Wedding planners: F&G Weddings
http://www.fandgweddings.com/
Music: Chris Whitehead
http://www.atlantadjonline.com/
Hair and makeup: Hair: Lee Gayle (Salon Moxie)
Makeup- Dionka Scott
Flowers: Gabrielle & Maxine Mecca – Edge Design Group
http://www.edgedesignatlanta.com/
Stationery: Papered Wonders
http://www.paperedwonders.com
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K is the owner and founder of Love Ink. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink