Areial and Marcus met at a mutual friend’s cookout. "We did not exchange numbers at the cookout, so Marcus blocked my car in so he could have a shot at making a move," said Areial. Marcus' brave move was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between the two. Areial and Marcus celebrated their union in the city where they were both born and raised, at the Ariel International Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Check out their special day captured by Omari Souza of JazzyMae Photography!
Bride: Areial Leia Morrison, 31, Teacher
Groom: Marcus Randall Morrison, 39, Teacher
Place of residence: University Heights, Ohio
Wedding date: 7/5/14
Wedding location: Ariel International Center, Cleveland Ohio
Wedding theme: City of Cleveland Skyline
Honeymoon Destination: Punta Cana, Dominica Republic
Engagement story:
Marcus called me out the blue saying we were going to dinner with another couple to celebrate a job promotion. I was waiting over an hour when I called to see where he was, he told me “at the bar.” I had a few choice words for him and told him we were going to be late. So we finally arrive to the restaurant and I was furious at this point. We had a wonderful dinner and relaxed on the pier. Marcus calls me over to check out a boat. He goes on rambling about fishing, which I’ve heard plenty of times. I told him we should get back to our friends he says you have to do something for me first. I turn around and he is on one knee and asked will you marry me? I scream out OMG and other patrons at the restaurant thought one of us fell in the water!!! Of course I said yes. Come to find out everyone was in on the surprise, including the restaurant. We enjoyed plenty of champagne and called our loved ones to share the news.
From the Groom:
The day was great!! We took the non-traditional approach of doing our pictures first so we didn’t have to take time after the ceremony. I was a little nervous but as time got closer to the ceremony I was good. Our transition from ceremony into reception was great. Our guests had a small window which they took advantage of the cocktail hour. Everyone still tells me that our wedding was the best wedding they have ever attended and that’s what we wanted to hear.
From the Bride:
Our big day had finally arrived and I could not sleep that whole night before. The day started off with hair and makeup. I was very calm and relaxed. I enjoyed every minute with my bridesmaids and family who helped me get dressed. I did not get nervous until we had our first look shots. I wanted to take my husbands breath away when he saw me (which I did). The ceremony was very exciting. When the doors opened I took my husbands breath away again. All I could do was focus on him and think how blessed I am in this moment. Now the reception when I say it was Epic- it was EPIC! Everyone had such a great time and the décor, food, and music was awesome!! July 5th 2014 was the best day of my life.
What makes your love special?
What makes our love special is that we are such good friends, and we constantly make each other laugh. We enjoy spending our time together even at the grocery store. I think since we are both former college athletes we are able to have fun competitions with each other, such as staying in shape, bowling, golfing, and fishing. We really have fun, and try to resolve our problems quickly and privately.
The couple's most memorable moment:
The groom- best memorable moment was the introduction of the couple to the song “turn down for what?!!!”
The bride- best memorable moment was when Marcus lifted my veil to kiss his bride for the first time.
Wedding song:
Lady of My Life by Michael Jackson. We literally just heard the song for his 5 year tribute of his death in the car before we met with our DJ. Plus I am the lady of his life (smile).
Favorite wedding detail :
Our favorite details were the monogram, décor, Dj, and photo booth. The pictures are hilarious as the night went on.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
The Groom- a long life of health and wealth.
The Bride- I am looking forward to growing together, sharing a bond only a few have the chance to experience and starting a family.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
From the groom- Enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast. From the bride- you have to let go and trust everything will work out fine. Also have someone whom is married to consult with and enjoy the moment.
Congrats to Areial and Marcus! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!
Vendors:
Photographer: Omari Souza of JazzyMae Photography!
Ceremony and reception location: Ariel International Center
Bridal gown: Brides by Demetrios
Bridal party attire: Brides by Demetrios
Groom’s tux: Vera Wang/Men’s Warehouse
Rings: Din Basch Jewelers
Caterer: Skye LaRaes Culinary Services
Favors: U Design Events
Wedding planners: Monica Cowans
Music: DJ LoKey LoKey Entertainment Services
Hair and makeup: Sheena Causey-hair
Posh Hair Salon, Angel Krsacok
Stationery: DG Invites
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink
