Inspiration

Real Weddings {Florida}: Candice & Mark! – Blackbride.com

Candice and  Mark's love story began with a text message on a cold day in March of 2012. It was a Sunday evening when Candice received a text from her friend Tiana, that said her brother saw pictures of them from a party they attended and he found her to be very attractive. Tiana asked Candice if it would be okay for her to give her brother her number. "Initially I was hesitant but eventually agreed because the things she said about him, peaked my interest. He called me the next day and we spoke for hours. After our first conversation, speaking to each other quickly became a part of our daily routine. We would spend these early conversations sharing our day, thoughts, and giving each other advice on how to resolve any issues or concerns going on in our lives," said Candice. Even though didn't meet face to face as yet, their bond grew stronger. Eventually the two planned to meet up for their very first date. However, those plans were set aside when tragedy struck Mark and his family. Mark's younger brother Shane passed away from his 3 year battle with cancer at 11 years old.  "During this time of pain and loss, I didn't know how to be there for Mark because it was so early in our friendship. Mark explained that he understood if I did not want to continue building our friendship and developing relationship because at the moment, his heart was broken and there was no way he could commit to me or anyone else during his time of grief. I didn't care what he said, there was no way I was leaving his side and I never did," said Candice.  After months of strengthening their connection over the phone, they finally met. "It was a beautiful day in June, when we had our first date. I remember calling my mother and being so nervous! When we met it became crystal clear that he was the one for me and I was the one for him. We appreciated the time we spent building our relationship the way it did. It allowed us to fall in love as best friends and to build a foundation that can withstand any test." Check out Mark and Candice's wedding day, beautifully captured by Landon Hendrick Photography.

Bride: Candice A. Braddy, 27, American Airlines Customer Service Rep

Groom: Mark A Brown, 31, Eligibility Specialist

Place of Residence: Maple Shade, NJ

Wedding Location: Solid Rock Church Of God, Kissimmee, FL

Imperial Design Banquet Hall, Orlando, FL

Wedding Theme: Celebration!

Honeymoon Destination: St Maarten, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino

 

 

From the Bride:

Surprisingly, the night before I promised myself that I would be calm and happy on my wedding day. When I woke up that morning I was in such a great mood. I prayed with my mom and we had a wonderful morning. My bridesmaid stayed with us at my parents’ house so we had music, breakfast and laughs! It was amazing. I had no cares only about the fun we were about to have! The wedding was running late because of minor issues and I had no cares. I was so high off life and love I wasn’t even stressing it. When I walked in the sanctuary and saw my husband’s face and all of our love ones in one place I was elated. I felt so blessed at that moment. The whole day was perfect from start to ending. We partied and shut the place down! God truly shined his love and blessings on us that day.

 

From the Groom:

I felt emotional that day because I was filled with joy on the fact that I was marrying my wife and sad because my little brother Shane wasn’t here to share the day with me. When I saw her coming down the aisle I instantly was brought to tears. She was so beautiful and like an angel walking down the aisle. The love I have for Candice is so special and grows deeper than words can explain. We had such a beautiful time at our wedding. I wouldn’t change a thing, it was perfect.

Most memorable moment:

Our best moment at our wedding besides committing our love to each other was the music! We had the BEST DJ! Music is important to us because we both come from Caribbean decent. Making sure everyone was one the dance floor the entire wedding was our goal. Soca, reggae and dancehall music filled the air all night. We played everything from top 30, salsa, kompa and everything else to make sure we touched all of our guests’ culture.

What makes your love special?

Our love is special because we were created for each other by God. He knew we needed each other and designed every step in life for us to lead to this moment. Our love is strong and one of a kind.

Wedding song:

We chose I love you by Faith Evans. We wanted a song that explains how we feel about each other and something old school that we grew up on. We love
old school R&B so it was only right that Faith took us away with her beautiful vocals.

Favorite Wedding Detail:

We loved the décor at the church and reception venue. My mother did all the décor for the church as well as the flowers for the entire wedding party. It was just breathtaking, beautiful. We chose purple and different accents to bring out the purple colors, it was perfect.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

As a married couple besides a lifetime of happiness, we are looking forward to our bundle of joy coming September 2016! It came as a surprise but anything in God’s timing is perfect for us. God is amazing and we are so excited to see what he has in store for us!

Advice for other Bride/Groom:

DON’T STRESS! Stressing doesn’t help anything! Whatever you get done will be done and what you need you will get. Once you have God you can do all things and that means plan a successful wedding. Enjoy every moment because it goes fast. Take in that you have every loved one with you at that one moment. It will be perfect.

Congratulations to the newlyweds Candice and Mark! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss.

Vendors:

Photography: Landon Hendrick Photography

Ceremony Location: Solid Rock Church of God

Reception: Imperial Design Banquet Hall

Bridal Gown: Kay Bridal, Maggie Sottero

Bridal Party Attire: Alfred Angelo Bridal

Grooms Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

Cake: Sherrie Ann Turton

Wedding Planner: Imperial Design Banquet Hall & Donna Braddy

Music: DJ Supa C

Hair: Laydbylaylay and LadyAmourExtensions

Makeup: Jo Michelle

Flowers: Donna Braddy, Designs by Donna

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