In 2014, Tyler and Tegest met while attending the Made in America Festival in Philadelphia. There was an instant connection and the couple dated long distance for two years before making the decision to move in together in 2016. Tyler and Tegest said “I do” in a modern, outdoor ceremony with hints of blush pink and cream at the The Liberty View in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in front of their closest family and friends.
Take a look at the best moments from their gorgeous affair captured by Alyssa Timoteo of Life like Ruby’s.
Bride’s full name, age, and occupation: Tegest Saunders, 33, Compliance Officer
Groom’s full name, age, and occupation: Tyler Bighum, 31, Administrative Assistant
Place of residence: Teaneck, NJ
Wedding date: October 19, 2019
Wedding location: The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center (ceremony) and Renaissance Hotel Downtown (reception) – Philadelphia, PA
Wedding theme: Modern and Classic
Honeymoon Destination: Puerto de Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Engagement Story:
While on a family vacation in Venice at St. Marks Square, Tyler got down on one knee and asked for Tegest to be his wife. Their family was able to capture the whole surprise on camera!
From the Bride:
I was not nervous at all! We have been together for so long and been through so many personal challenges together that I was just relieved that the day had come where I could call him my husband.
Your best/most memorable moment:
My most memorable memory during the wedding would have to be the moment that I walked down the aisle. I had always dreamed of my wedding day but everything that day was perfect. The weather was beautiful and my husband was emotional (which I had never seen before). It was a moment I will never forget.
What makes your love special?
We are truly best friends. We talk about everything and are close to each other’s family.
Wedding song:
Angels by Robin Thicke – we wanted a timeless song which spoke to our relationship.
Favorite wedding detail (favors, cake, food, band, etc.):
Our favorite wedding detail would have to be our band. We found our wedding quartet while riding the subway. We really loved the idea of having an all African-American string quartet and it just so happened that they played modern current music in addition to the classics. They really spoke to the vision of our wedding.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
We just purchased our first home together and are therefore looking forward to taking the next step and starting a family together.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Make sure that you make sure that the day reflects both the bride and groom’s tastes. Compromise and make sure that you make it special for both of you. It will show in the pictures and videos from after your event. Most importantly – don’t forget to have fun!
Please feel free to include any other interesting anecdotes
from your big day!
- Tyler’s dad officiated the ceremony
- We had marble place cards handwritten with every guest’s name on it.
- We played mixture of oldies, current hits, & songs from the bride’s culture of Ethiopia
Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish you many years of wedded bliss!
Sources
LIFE LIKE RUBY’S|Forever Love Events|Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel|Amsale|The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center|Amsale Bridesmaids|Sandro Paris|Bredenbecks bakery|Renaissance Hotel Philadelphia- Downtown|Moore letter designs|DJ Rob Bediako|Jazzmin Dudley|Glamsoul (Taysha Chantel)|Carl Alan Floral Designs Ltd|Foglio Press
