Real Weddings {New York}: Vanessa & Leonard! - Blackbride.com

Vanessa and Leonard's love story began at their church. Leonard and his friends were in the church band and Vanessa sang on the praise team. Through many rehearsals, lunches, concerts and church services, they had the opportunity to get to know each other better. It was during a youth convention in Connecticut, where they both began to see each other in a new light. It was then that their friendship grew from like to love. Check out their elegant wedding at the Woodbury Country Club in Woodbury, New York, captured by wedding photographer Joshua Dwain.

Bride: Vanessa Desir, Claims Supervisor

Groom: Leonard Desir, Electrical Engineer

Place of residence: Long Island, New York

Wedding date: 10/13/13

Honeymoon Destination: Oahu & Maui Hawaii

Engagement story:

After 5 years of dating on the date of his late father's birthday April 11, 2012, in his honor Leonard asked me to be his wife. Every year on his father’s birthday his family would go out to dinner and celebrate. This year was different because his father had recently passed away a few months prior. He told me he still wanted to go out. We went to our favorite restaurant and the ring came out with the check. Leonard got on one knee and proposed. I honestly don’t remember what he said! I was so overwhelmed with emotions. Naturally I said yes. I learned later on he took my parents out to dinner the week prior to ask for my hand in marriage.

Your best/most memorable moment:

When Leonard sang to me during his vows. I was completely surprised. He sang a song he wrote while his brother played the guitar.

From the Bride:

My wedding experience was great. I already coached myself and anticipated that something could possibly go wrong but that everything would be okay.

From the Groom:

It was wonderful I was actually looking forward to the day after so I could officially start the rest of my life with Vanessa as Husband and Wife. We had a lot of fun and the food was amazing.

What makes your love special?

Our foundation is deeply rooted in our love for God and our friendship.

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

My advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day is to RELAX! Enjoy the day and go with the flow. Something may go wrong and that is okay. The most important part of the day is that you marry the love of your life. If you can do that your day was a big success everything else is minor.