Bridal Bliss 2019 Awards! These Are The Couple That Stunned

By Jasmine Grant · Updated November 4, 2020

Black love was in full effect in 2019. Don’t believe us? Look no further than the fabulous wedding ceremonies featured in our weekly Bridal Bliss column.

Each year, hundreds of couples send the Bridal Bliss team their wedding photos and sweet love stories. While we wish we could feature them all, the competition is stiff with this weekly feature – and you’re about to see why.

Between Chloe and Jose’s epic (and I do mean epic) proposal story, Johnathan and Sydnisha’s glamorous black-tie affair, and Julieann and Andrew’s lit reception, there was so much wedding inspo to obsess over.

Take a look at our favorite Bridal Bliss moments from 2019.

Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Send your story and a link to your wedding photos to bridalbliss@essence.com for consideration.

Best Proposal Story: Chloe and Jose

The elaborate scavenger hunt turned proposal will surely bring a tear to your eye. Read all about it here.

Best Venue: Joi-Marie and Anton

The George Peabody Library in Baltimore, Maryland provided the perfect backdrop for the couple’s beautiful portraits. Wedding guests were treated to violinists, stunning gold table settings and one heck of a party. See their wedding here!

Best Wedding Gown: Raquel

The bride was positively glowing in this creme Winnie Couture gown. See Raquel and Jahlell’s royal-inspired wedding here!

Best Wedding Day Glam: Crystal

We simply can’t forget this bride’s impeccable beat and sleek updo.

Best Wedding Theme: Brittany and Reginald

From their Black excellence-filled ceremony to the “R&B Sunday” themed reception…we’ve never seen Black love quite like this. See Brittany and Reginald’s woke New Orleans wedding here!

Best Cake: Amie and Craig

Amie and Craig’s modern Houston wedding was a total showstopper – especially because of their outstanding wedding cake. The couple hired Cakes By Gina, an architect turned baker, to construct their multi-layer cake with eight different flavors. See their wedding here!

Best Squad Slay: Nia and Javon

Nia Blackmon’s pre-wedding turnup with her bridesmaids was unforgettable. See their wedding here.

Best Altar Moment: Lisa and Sunette

Lisa thought her fiancee Sunette flew her down to New Orleans for Essence Festival. Unbeknownst to Lisa, the couple’s friends and family all traveled to the Big Easy for their surprise wedding. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. See Lisa and Sunette’s surprise New Orleans wedding here!

Best Design Element: Kornelius and Rachel

The couple etched their wedding hashtag into a massive flower wall. What a beautiful touch! See their red carpet-inspired wedding here!

Best Destination Wedding: Melissa and Hervan

Melissa and Hervan said “I do” overlooking St. Lucia’s famous Pitons, then relocated to Jade Mountain resort’s beach to capture a kiss under the sunset. See their picture-perfect St. Lucia wedding here!

Best Cultural Celebration: Viviana and Benson

The Wisconsin-based couple held a traditional Rendille tribal ceremony at their reception serving each other milk from a calabash. This Kenyan tradition symbolizes nourishment for eternity. See their traditional ceremony here!

Beya Johnson

Best Color Scheme: Edna and Eric

Bursts of pink, blue, orange and yellow at Eric and Edna’s reception gave our eyes a vibrant treat. See Eric and Edna’s rustic wedding here!

LaJoy Photography

Best Party: Julieann and Andrew

Just when Julieann and Andrew’s guests thought the evening was winding down, in walks another surprise: 8-foot stilt walkers! See Julieann and Andrew’s Caribbean-themed wedding here!

Best Exit: Tiffany and Terrence

The Lows rode off as husband and wife in this sweet vintage ride. See their opera-style wedding here!

Best Dressed Groomsmen: Brooke and Layne

The best men were dressed in Suit Supply tuxedos that complimented the groom’s blue and black Musika Frère tuxedo. See Brooke and Layne’s upscale Miami wedding here!

Best Dressed Bridesmaids: Brea and Brandon

Brea’s bridesmaids looked straight off the runway in Black floor-length gowns in varying styles. See the couple’s modern industrial-style wedding here!

Most Unique Wedding: Jeanelle and Jane

If their custom-made bridal looks weren’t enough of an indication, get into their Crooklyn-inspired wedding which was vibrant, spiritual and full of pride. Did we mention they had an entire cannabis bar? Yes, really! Read all about it here!