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Home • Love & Sex

Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold's Renaissance Wedding Day

Through the power of prayer (and Facebook), this gorgeous bride was even able to book one of her favorite singers for their reception.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
By Jasmine Grant · Updated October 23, 2020
Harold had always admired Tuwisha from afar when they attended the same college. After getting transferred to another school to play football, he decided to shoot his shot via social media. Lucky for him, it was nothing but net. Fast forward to summer of 2018, these two lovebirds took their love to the next step by exchanging vows at a gorgeous modern renaissance theme in Staten Island’s stunning Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. Surrounded by lush foliage and breathtaking views, Tuwisha and Harold celebrated their union in the most elegant way possible. Their wedding planner, Lisa Brooks, helped bring all the elements together seamlessly for their dream day. Bonus: find out which R&B singer they secured to sing their love song. Want to see your wedding featured on Bridal Bliss? Send your story and a link to your wedding photos to bridalbliss@essence.com for consideration.
01
Meet The Simpsons
Bride: Tuwisha Rogers-Simpson Groom: Harold Simpson Ceremony and Reception Location: Snug Harbor, Staten Island, NY Wedding Planner: Lisa Brooks (@eventsbyml) Wedding Theme/Style: Gatsby/Renaissance Photography: Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography Wedding dress: Castle Couture Bridesmaids dresses: Rent the Runway Music: DJ Mark Battle
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
02
A Holiday Proposal
“When he proposed, we were hosting our first Thanksgiving together. We all gathered around the table to bless the food. He suggested everyone go around and state what they are grateful for, positioning himself to be last. During his moment of giving thanks, he spoke of how grateful he was for me and our relationship. With tears in his eyes he proposed in front of family and friends.”
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
03
When A Man Loves A Woman
“What I love about Tuwisha is her drive to do well at anything she does. I knew she was the one after our first official date.”
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
04
Glitz and Glam
“I knew I wanted high glam designer sequin gowns. Given I knew this would be a pretty penny, I immediately contacted Rent the Runway and secured all their gowns that way. Each lady had a dress of similar color and fabric with silhouettes they chose to match their personal style.”
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darashaw, of MadWorks
05
Tailor Made For Tuwisha
“I didn’t get the dress I thought I wanted. I got the one that was RIGHT for me. My mom insisted we check New Jersey’s Castle Couture, noted to have a slew of dresses in “curvy” sizes. I found a dress that was totally Tuwisha. When I saw the detail in the back and learned I can add a belt to snatch the look together, I was sold.”
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
06
Parkside Elegance
It didn’t take long for Tuwisha and Harold to find the venue of their dreams. “I passed the venue everyday while commuting to work,” Tuwusha said. “It’s a huge park with various gardens and building including museums, mazes, an old church and a 1920’s style hall. I fell in love with the entire park and said to my mom, ‘this is that kind of place I want to get married.'”
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
07
A Few Good Men
In the absence of Harold’s father, Tuwisha’s dad, uncles and older brother assisted him with his attire, provided pep talks and love on the couple’s big day.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
08
A Mother’s Love
Tuwisha’s mother was a key part of the process. From selecting the dress to placing jewelry, mom helped make sure every detail was secured.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
09
Walking in Love
Tuwisha was accompanied down the isle by her father Terry.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
10
Tears Of Joy
Harold was overcome with emotion seeing his bride for the first time.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
11
Modern Tradition
“We had a family declaration of support, Yoruba adopted Four Element ceremony, tying of the Knot and finally a good old fashion broom jumping.”
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
12
Complete Bliss
“My wedding day was the most serene and best day of my life to date,” Tuwisha told us.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
13
When Two Become One
“We customized our wedding to ensure the audience and bridal party participated and understood the responsibility of witnessing two people becoming one under God.”
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
14
We’re Blushing At The Details
Tuwisha and Harold’s wedding colors were gold, blush and black. The wedding was a mandated black-tie affair and reception centerpieces oozed elegance.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
15
A Sweet Hideaway
The couple’s reception space had cute little cubbies, which they transformed into lounge areas (complete with sequin pillows, tables with mini white and gold themed candy stations. )
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darashaw of MadWorks
16
It’s All About Branding
The Simpson’s cake was 4 layers of gold and cream perfection. They also had a custom logo that ordinated the cake, invites, dance floor and menus.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darashaw of MadWorks
17
Music To Their Ears
The couple’s favorite singer, Eric Roberson, performed at both the ceremony and reception. Tuwisha was able to secure the R&B crooner after sharing her wish on Facebook and discovering one of her sorors is his manager. Look at God!
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
18
Get On Down!
The party was just as fab as the ceremony.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darashaw of MadWorks
19
It’s a Delta Thang!
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darashaw of MadWorks
20
Change Clothes and Go!
Tuwisha slipped into something a bit more comfortable (but just as elegant!) for the reception.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
21
A Piece Of Cake
Tuwisha and Harold take the first slice of their four tier gilded cake.
Bridal Bliss: A Round of Applause For Tuwisha and Harold’s Renaissance Wedding Day
Maya Darasaw of MAD Works Photography
TOPICS:  Bridal Bliss essence
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