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Home · Weddings

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards

We're celebrating the most spectacular wedding moments of the year. We rounded up the fiercest gowns, sweetest kisses, and the exquisite details that took our breath away. See which weddings made our list!

By Charli Penn · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Bliss At Its Best

We’re celebrating the most spectacular wedding moments of the year. We rounded up the fiercest gowns, sweetest kisses, and the exquisite details that took our breath away. See which weddings made our list!

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
02
Most Stunning Bridal Portrait

Roshal’s stunning bridal portraits stayed on our minds for weeks after we featured she and husband Zwade’s bridal bliss story. See their romantic wedding weekend in Jamaica here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
03
Best Bouquet

“During our first year of dating, Savill lost his niece Arielle Parker who was only 18 years old and a few days before our engagement, I lost my grandmother,” says bride Ayana. “Arielle loved butterflies and my grandmother loved elephants. To honor them both during the wedding, I wore one of her elephant brooches on my bouquet and all throughout the wedding decor we had butterflies placed.” See their wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Scobey Photography
04
Most Romantic Cake

A grand cake for a grand couple. Tiffany any Lenson’s romantic Atlanta “I dos” blew us away. We admit it, we’re suckers for a gorgeous white wedding cake. Aren’t you?

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Scobey Photography
05
Best Bridal Glow

Virginia bride Deneisha’s wedding day glow could be seen a mile away. (Kudos to her glam squad!) See more of Deneisha and Wayne’s big day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Keith Cephus Photography
06
Best Bridal Accessory

Lovely bride Deborah rocked this statement necklace right. We were blown away by her fierce bridal style. See more from Deborah and Sam’s wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Luke Eshleman Photography
07
Most Touching Love Story

Ressurrection Graves ended up at a homeless shelter after losing her home and business in 2011. It was there she met Deven, a homeless veteran. Two years after meeting, the couple married on August 28, 2013 – the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. See their D.C. wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
08
Best Wedding Dress

You can always tell when a bride has found the perfect wedding gown because she knows exactly how to work it from every angle in every photo. Case in point: Terri in this super fierce gown that instantly stole readers hearts. See the rest of Terri and Pete’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Designs By JK Photography
09
Most Stunning Cake

“Our wedding cake was amazing,” says bride Dedrina, and we agree. See Dedrina and Abu’s Texas wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Still-Life Media Photography
10
Shot Of The Year

This breathtaking photo from O’Shea and Shawn’s wedding day was hands down the most unforgettable image we saw all year. The magic was captured by photographer Nadia D. Isn’t it lovely?

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
11
Best Wedding Glow

“Because of Shavonn’s loving ways and unbelievably kind spirit I chose her to be my wife,” says groom Hugh who met his bride because her grandmother was his patient. On their wedding day their giant matching grins made us smile too. See their wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Artstar by Laura Stone
12
Most Romantic Ballgown

Keiwana’s gown was absolutely stunning from every single angle, especially the back. See her beautiful ballgown in action here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
13
Most Romantic Portrait

“I did not think that I’d find true love how and when I did because I was coming out of the tail end of a bad relationship and I wasn’t sure if I would even meet someone that would hold my interest,” says bride Sheree. “It wasn’t until after I met Duriel that I started to connect the dots on how he was everything that I had hoped and  prayed for.” See their romantic wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
JLB Wedding Photography
14
Sweetest Ceremony Style

“We had an outdoor ceremony at Boothe Memorial Park,” bride Harriette explains. “They have an intimate rose garden with a fountain that fit about 100 people. It was very informal. We had the guests stand for the ceremony while we faced them versus the traditional way where the guests stand behind you. They surrounded us, sort of like a semi-circle.” We loved it! See Harriette and Ricardo’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Stuart Pierre-Louis and Susan Gleason
15
Best Reception

Instead of a traditional reception, Resurrection and Deven chose to visit various parks in Washington, D.C. and offer food to the hungry instead. It was a beautiful gesture of selfless love that warmed our hearts. See their wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
16
Most Romantic Dance Moment

Raven and Tracy tell us that the overall theme of their wedding day was love and this dip said it all. See more of their wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Kauwaune Burton and DeIra Lacy
17
Most Touching Groom Moment

Groom Alain was overcome with emotion as he watched his lovely bride-to-be Mary make her way down the aisle. See the rest of their touching ceremony photos here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Janelle C. Photography
18
Most Touching Tribute

“We honored our sister, best friend and bridesmaid Genevieve Costello who lost her battle to breast cancer just one month and a few days before our wedding,” says sweet bride Alisha. “We used the picture she sent us in her bridesmaid dress to walk her down the aisle along with a lantern and placed her picture on an easel in her rightful place among the other bridesmaids. The entire bridal party wore the pink breast cancer ribbon.” Just beautiful. See more photos here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Chill Photography
19
Best Headpiece

“My headpiece was a handmade Swarovski crystal bridal sash that I purchased and my seamstress,turned into a headband,” says stunning bride Sheree. Beautifully done, Miss! See Sheree and Duriel’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
JLB Wedding Photography
20
Best Dressed Couple

Bride and groom Pete and Terri were dressed to impress during their wedding weekend in St. Lucia. We give their looks five stars. See more of their fierce photos here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Designs By JK Photography
21
Best Entrance

Latraviette made her grand entrance to her evening mansion wedding riding in a carriage with her brother. “We rode to John Legend’s ‘All of Me” which was when Steve and our guests first saw me!” See Latraviette and Steve’s romantic New Orleans’ wedding weekend here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Robert Faust Photography
22
Best Bridesmaid Dresses

Monique chose vintage glam inspired looks for her lovely bridesmaids and they looked amazing. See Monique and her handsome hubby Nikki’s wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Binford Creative Photography
23
Best Use Of Bling

“The overall theme was romance,” says lovely bride Keiwana. “The style was modern luxe. The colors that we chose were grey and blush pink.” Well played you two. See their fairytale wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
24
Sweetest Gaze

“Josh is caring, protective, compassionate comedian who is hard working and very goal oriented,” says bride Angie. “I love the fact that he loves me for me and he has never tried to change me.” The way they look at each other says it all. See Josh and Angie’s romantic wedding celebration here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Amanda Dorian Photography
25
Best First Look Moment

Roshal’s romantic walk to her groom Zwade for their “first look” was picture-perfect. See more of their romantic wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
26
Best “Something Blue”

Texas bride Dedrina had no problem securing “something blue” for her big day. She wore these embellished blue pumps by Steve Madden. How fun!? See Dedrina and Abu’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Still-Life Media Photography
27
Best Destination Wedding

“Our wedding day felt like our own little oasis,” beams happy bride Niambi She and hubby Troy were married in an unforgettable ceremony in Costa Rica. See their lovely photos here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Ilene Squires Photography
28
Most Tender Couple Moment

Within their first year of dating, Keiwana just knew she’d found her mate for life. “He was my best friend and I couldn’t imagine spending life with anyone else,” she shares. See how their romantic “I dos” unfolded here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
29
Best Natural Bride Style

Beaming natural bride Jessica let her fierce bridal style speak for itself and we applaud her. She looked absolutely stunning. See Jessica and Derrick’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Ivy Weddings
30
Best Bridal Party Portrait

Roshal and her bridesmaids posed perfectly for the cameras. This picture should be framed in everybody’s home. See more from Rosha and Zwade’s spectacular wedding weekend here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
31
Best Getting Ready Moment

Stunning bride Nadia was surrounded by sisterly love on her wedding morning. We love those robes! See more from Taquari and Nadia’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Studio Tran Photographers
32
Most Adorable Little Ones

How sweet are these little princesses? We’d follow them down any aisle. See more from Monique and Nikki’s big day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Binford Creative Photography
33
Most Romantic Heels

To complement her stunning modern gown, lovely bride Amber wore these sweet Badgley Mischka heels. See Amber and Donovan’s romantic wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nelson J. Photography
34
Most Flawless Makeup

Gorgeous bride Omonye’s makeup was absolutely flawless. See more of Omonye and Seun’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Craig David Butler Studios
35
Best Kiss

O’Shea and Shawn’s romantic smooch took our breath away. Cheers! Isn’t love beautiful?

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
36
Best Reception Style

Romantic blooms and lavish décor set the stage for an evening of elegance in St. Lucia that Pete and Terri and their guests will never forget. See their romantic destination wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Designs By JK Photography
37
Best Selfie

You know that Naima’s pre-wedding festivities could not be complete without a selfie moment with her girls. Too cute! (We recommend all brides pause for a moment like this one.) See more photos from Naima and Isaiah’s wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Rob Korb Photography
38
Most Fierce Bridal Style

When Shayla married Sterling. from her hair to her shoes, she brought her own unique style to her big day and we loved it. See more of Shayla and Sterling’s intimate “I dos” here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Love Like Weddings
39
Sweetest Father Daughter Moment

Nadia is her father’s only daughter, so he was happy to pick her up for her big ride to the altar. We loved this shot so much we just had to share again. See more of Nadia and Taquari’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Studio Tran Photographers
40
Best Dressed Groom

Raven’s handsome groom Tracy wore one seriously sharp custom made suit for his big moment at the altar with his bride. See more from their wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Kauwaune Burton and DeIra Lacy
41
Best Use Of A Sign

Jasmine and Mark sealed the deal in style then posed for these breathtaking beach photos. See more of their wedding weekend here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Cendino Temé Photography
42
Best Sweetheart Table

At their reception party this bride and groom had a special sweetheart table waiting for them that was fit for a king and queen. See more of Nadia and Taquari’s royal wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Studio Tran Photographers
43
Most Dapper Groomsmen

Beautiful bride Angelisse received the royal treatment on her big day and the groomsman were as dapper as it gets. Angeliss and Marcus’ weddding day was all-around stunning. See more photos here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
JPix Photography
44
Most Unique Cake

O’Shea and Shawn’s creative wedding cake was one to remember!

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
45
Best Entertainment

“Our first dance song was ‘All Of Me’ by John Legend,” says lucky bride Regina. “We had him there to perform it which was mind blowing!” (Jealous? We are too!)  See more of their wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Zamani Feelings Photography
46
Most Unique Wedding Gown

Jennifer chose to wear lavendar on her big day and we just adored her fierce bridal style. See more from Jennifer and Keith’s wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Janelle C. Photography
47
Best Color Palette

Bride and groom O’Shea and Shawn puckered-up for a kiss as they posed before their whimsical and romantic reception space. Their color palette was stunning and beautifully executed. See more from their Atlanta wedding here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Nadia D. Photography
48
Best First Dance Photo

We’re nuts about this stunning aerial shot of newlyweds LaShonda and Steven swaying together for their first dance. See more photos from their romantic wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
49
Best Party

Like a true New Orleans bride could resist! The last 30 minutes of Nadia and Taquari’s reception featured live music and a second line. Yes! See more photos here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Studio Tran Photographers
50
Best Groom’s Cake

“Our groom’s cake was also a red velvet cake. It was the replica of a Morehouse fitted cap that my husband owns,” says bride Alisha. We just loved the customization and the style. Too cool. See more of their wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Chill Photography
51
Most Adorable Aisle Moment

Tracy had no plans to miss his big moment with beautiful bride Raven, but just in case he had any last minute second thoughts, the bride had a master plan. We love this sign! See more from their wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Kauwaune Burton and DeIra Lacy
52
Best Dress Swap

Bride Jamia’s reception dress switcharoo was both fun and elegant. We loved everything about it. See Jamia and Travis wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
The Captured Life Photography
53
Best Cake Topper

This custom cake topper for Regina and Ramondo’s cake is sweeter than sweet. Bravo! See more of their wedding day here.

The 2014 ESSENCE Bridal Bliss Awards
Zamani Feelings Photography

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