Inspiration

Real Weddings {Louisiana}: Leslie & Anwar! – Blackbride.com

Leslie and Anwar met in the lobby of their apartment building in November 2011, as Anwar was moving into the building. "As we stood waiting for the elevator Anwar introduced himself, and my initial thought was 'I had to be standing her in my sweats with a messy top knot',”  recalls Leslie. The two chatted for a few minutes and realized they were both in the military. Leslie was in the Army and Anwar was in the Air Force. During their conversation Anwar invited Leslie to a group outing, which she had to turn down due to a prior obligation. However, they both exchanged numbers before  going about their day. After that day in the lobby, Leslie and Anwar didn’t see, nor communicate with each other for about three months. However, everything changed on Leslie's birthday."On my birthday, May 29, I see Anwar at his car as I’m driving into the parking garage. I honestly didn’t think anything of it. I had just gotten off of work and couldn’t wait to get home to unwind. A couple of hours later I get a text message from Anwar. After texting back and forth for an hour he asked if I would like to grab some dinner. I didn’t have any plans for my birthday and I figured a girl’s got to eat. That evening, we dined at a restaurant called Town and we talked and laughed for hours. We definitely hit it off and decided to meet for lunch the following day. The more we talked the more we realized how much we had in common. It didn’t take me long to realize Anwar was the one." Leslie and Anwar celebrated their union in front of friends and family with an elegant and modern wedding at The Old State Capital, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Check out their special day beautifully captured by Corine Tran of  Studio Tran!

Bride: Leslie K. Farrior, 30, CPT, U.S. Army

Groom: Anwar L. Johnson, 28, CPT, U.S. Air Force

Place of residence: Honolulu, Hawaii

Wedding date: 5/24/14

Engagement story {His Story}:

I was nervous the entire day because I wanted it to be everything Leslie had dreamed of. I planned a weekend getaway for Leslie and I at the  JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort. We went to dinner at one of the hotel restaurants shortly after we arrived, but I suggested we just order room service after looking over the menu. Much to Leslie’s surprise, she opened the door with rose petals on the floor, bed, and leading to the lani that overlooked the ocean. Both chocolate covered strawberries and champagne were available as we walked into our room. Leslie was in tears by merely the gesture. She proceeded to open the lani doors only to realize dinner was already prepared for us. I had planned to propose to her after dinner, but the moment felt right. So after she turned around, I was already on one knee.

Your best/most memorable moment:

Every couple wants the best for their wedding day. Anwar and I spent countless hours going back and forth on the perfect linens, the perfect flowers, and the perfect music but on our wedding day at that very moment when the doors opened and we locked eyes none of that mattered. There I stood before the man God had sent for me and the smile on his face as he saw me for the first time absorbed all of the butterflies I felt inside. As I walked down the aisle to my future husband I was confident and ready to become Mrs. Johnson.

Father of the Groom:

Another aspect that made our day very special was having Anwar’s father Reverend Lionel Johnson Sr. marry us. Just knowing how much Anwar truly admires and loves his father and seeing the smile on Rev’s face as he married his youngest son off was priceless.

From the Bride:

I can honestly say I absolutely enjoyed my wedding experience! Yes, the process was somewhat stressful at times however our wedding planner did a phenomenal job handling any issues or concerns that arose. I often tell Anwar that I would love to marry him all over again just to relive the experience!

From the Groom:

Our wedding day was amazing! So much so, I viewed each imperfect detail as perfect. My first look of Leslie was breathtaking, and she nearly brought me to tears. I remember our reception as a party since everyone danced until the music stopped. The only drawback is that our day seemed like a blur to me, and I wish we could relive each moment over again.

Favorite wedding detail:

That’s a tough one it would be a close tie between the décor and the band. After speaking to about four different florists Bobbi Rice and her team were the one’s who were actually able to bring our vision to light. When it came to the music, a live band is a must in state of Louisiana. The Michael Foster Project kept our guest on the floor the entire evening, it was truly a big party!

What makes your love special?

Anwar and I are two peas in a pod. We are alike in so many ways but yet so different. We embrace those differences because they allow us to challenge each to be a better man and woman.

Wedding songs:

“Inseparable” by Natalie Cole – I walked down the aisle to this song because it encompassed all of the thoughts and emotions of how I felt about my future with Anwar. “Just you and me, it’s so wonderful to know you will always be around”

“Happy” by Pharrel Williams – Anytime we hear this song we can’t help but to bob our heads to the tune or actually get up and dance. We knew this was the perfect song to kick off the reception.

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

As a married couple we simply look forward to spending time together laughing and making new memories. In our profession, we never know when an assignment will require us to be separated for a period of time so we try not to take the time we do have together for granted.

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

I think my mother-in-law says it best “Work smarter not harder.”   If it’s in your budget I would highly recommend a wedding planner, even if it’s only for the day of your wedding. With Anwar and I planning a destination wedding, we could not be at every consultation or visit every venue.   Our wedding planner took so much pressure off of us that it actually allowed us to enjoy the planning.   On our wedding day it was assuring to know that my only job was to make it down the aisle. The planner gracefully handled any issues that arose.

Congrats to newlyweds Leslie and Anwar. We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!

Vendors:

Photographer:

Studio Tran

www.studiotran.com

Ceremony location:

Louisiana Old State Capital, Baton Rouge

http://louisianaoldstatecapitol.org/

Reception location:

Renaissance Hotel, Baton Rouge

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/btrbb-renaissance-baton-rouge-hotel/

Bridal gown:

Weddings by Debbie, Katy TX

www.weddingsbydebbie.com

Bridal party attire:

BCBG

www.bcbg.com

Groom’s tux:

Brown and Brown Custom Clothiers

brownandbrownclothiers.com

Cake:

The Ambrosia Bakery

ambrosiabakery.com

Wedding Coordinator:

Gala Productions
www.imaginegala.com

Music:

Michael Foster Project (Band)

DJ Marquis

Hair and makeup:

Leah, Hot Headz Hair Salon

Makeup by Jennifer Peters

Flowers and Decor:

Bobbi Rice

bobbirice.com

Stationery:

Paperie

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *