• Celebrity
    • Daniel Kaluuya Digital Cover
    • Digital Cover Method Man
    • Digital Cover Zazie
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
    • If Not For My Girls
  • Fashion
    • ESSENCE Fashion House 2022
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Black Beauty Awards 2022
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weave
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • ESSENCE Gift Guide 2022
    • ESSENCE + smartwater Live Well Challenge
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Dream & Plan with Confidence Prudential
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Homecoming Season 2022
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • Black History Month
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
  • News
    • Paint The Polls Black
    • Sponsors Recognition Page 2022
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Video
  • Festival
    • 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2022 Fest Videos
  • Events
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2022 Girls United Summit
    • 2022 ESSENCE Fashion House
    • 2022 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2022 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • 2022 Homecoming Season
    • Wellness House
    • She Got Now
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • Power Tools
  • Studios
  • Girls United
Skip to content
SUBSCRIBE
  • MAGAZINE
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Celebrity
    • Daniel Kaluuya Digital Cover
    • Digital Cover Method Man
    • Digital Cover Zazie
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
      • Paint The Polls Black
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
    • If Not For My Girls
  • Fashion
    • ESSENCE Fashion House 2022
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Black Beauty Awards 2022
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weave
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • ESSENCE Gift Guide 2022
    • ESSENCE + smartwater Live Well Challenge
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Dream & Plan with Confidence Prudential
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Homecoming Season 2022
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • Black History Month
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
  • News
    • Paint The Polls Black
    • Sponsors Recognition Page 2022
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Video
  • Festival
    • 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2022 Fest Videos
  • Events
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2022 Girls United Summit
    • 2022 ESSENCE Fashion House
    • 2022 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2022 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • 2022 Homecoming Season
    • Wellness House
    • She Got Now
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • Power Tools
  • Studios
  • Girls United
Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan

The moment Donovan laid eyes on Amber from across the room at a Congressional Black Caucus event he just knew he had to have her. When her friend approached him to try and set them up, he knew his prayers had been answered.
By Charli Penn · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Meant To Be With Me

Donovan, 42, had a hunch that Amber, 38, was the woman for him the very moment they first met. It took her a little while to come around, but after a few months of intimate phone conversations, Amber realized he was right all along.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
02
It’s Almost Time

Kudos to the couple’s photographer for capturing this lovely getting-ready-moment between the bride and her makeup artist, Meredith Marshall.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
03
For the Love Of You

“My dress was designed by Rivini,” says Amber. “The process was somewhat simple. I went to three stores in downtown Philadelphia with an open mind. I tried on everything that I loved.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
04
A Classic Bride

“I wanted a no-fuss, romantic hairstyle so after a few searches on Pinterest, I decided on a classic, loose chignon with side swept bangs,” says Amber, who trusted stylist Nneka Tatum to create the look for her. “It was perfect!”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
05
Custom Chic

To complement her stunning modern gown, Amber wore Badgley Mischka heels, a custom birdcage veil by Artikal and custom made jewelry.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
06
Love Conquers All

“Donovan is the most loving person I know,” says Amber. “He is God-fearing and loves me whole heartedly. He inspires me every single day with his ‘can do’ attitude.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
07
All Bases Covered

“My something old and something borrowed were rhinestone hairpins from my maternal grandmother,” says the lovely bride. “My something blue was my garter and my something new was my wedding dress and shoes.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
08
Little Miss

Even the flower girl got to enjoy a little pampering before it was time for the ceremony to begin.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
09
A Perfect Match

“I was a little surprised that so many dresses looked good on me, so I went for the one that was classic with a modern twist,” Amber shares.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
10
Philly’s Finest

Amber and Donovan tied the knot at the Rose Garden Ballroom inside the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Philadelphia, then kicked off an elegant reception party at trendy restaurant, XIX Restaurant, which was also located inside the hotel.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
11
Dressed to Impress

Donovan wore a custom black Gucci suit with a white shirt. All of the groomsmen wore classic black suits with white shirts and black ties to match.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
12
The Circle Of Trust

Amber’s bridesmaids wore charcoal grey gowns with hints of black and the matron-of-honor wore a Vera Wang White selection. “Each dress was different and matched their personalities perfectly,” says the beaming bride.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
13
The Fellas Are Ready

Let’s hear it for Donovan’s side of the bridal party. The fellas wore those tuxedos well.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
14
Flower Fab

Amber and Donovan chose their wedding flowers based on the season and the recommendations of their florist, Hiram Smith of Hiram Style Designs. “They were a mixture of blush and ivory roses, white calla lilies, white hydrangeas and white francoas,” she adds.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
15
And Then I Met You

“I knew that God would bless me with someone special but I had no idea when, where or how,” says Donovan. Then he met Amber.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
16
So Beautiful

“My wife is the most beautiful woman I know,” says Donovan. “She is equally as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Plus, she is caring, funny and smart.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
17
In the Mood For Love

“I really wanted a romantic feel to the ceremony, so we used lots of floating candles and flowing sheer fabric hung from the ceiling,” says Amber. “We used soft pink up-lighting to add to the romance. We chose to have the ring bearer carry a decorated wedding bible down the aisle instead of a ring pillow.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
18
Let’s Give ‘Em Something to Talk About

“Our guests were very surprised when they saw our ceremony program,” Amber tells us. “With Donovan being from Louisiana and living in Houston and me hailing from Philadelphia and living in Brooklyn, New York, we wanted a way for all of our family and friends to get to know us better. We designed a magazine to serve as the ceremony program. The magazine featured ceremony details along with photos, interviews and tidbits about us and our relationship. Our guests are still talking about it today.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
19
A Hero Comes Along

Amber calls her father her hero. That’s why she was thrilled to have him there to escort her down the aisle to the sounds of “The One He Kept for Me” by Maurette Brown Clark.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
20
Sparkle and Shine

Amber and Donovan exchanged vows beneath a gorgeous chandelier.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
21
All In the Family

“My cousin, Rev. Isaac Patterson V, officiated our wedding,” says Amber. “We selected him because it’s a family tradition. He’s the oldest of 18 children and has married so many couples in our family.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
22
Precious Moments

We love to see a happy couple who are all smiles at the altar. This picture made us smile even bigger. (Even dad couldn’t stop grinning.) What a precious and unforgettable moment.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
23
Just Me and You

“When I looked into his eyes, I felt peaceful,” Amber admits. “I am an introvert and with all eyes on the bride, I was a little nervous. When our eyes met and we held hands, I felt peace and my focus wasn’t on anything except me and him.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
24
Our Time Has Come

Amber and Donovan bow their heads in prayer. “I felt that my time had finally come and that what I wished for came true,” says Donovan.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
25
Here We Come

Mr. and Mrs. Casanave wore matching grins on their way back down the aisle.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
26
Best Of the Best

“Meeting Amber was the best thing to ever happen to me,” Donovan insists.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
27
A Helping Hand

Amber and Donovan’s goal was to throw a simple and elegant wedding with flair. To pull it off, the bride enlisted the help of her best friend, event planner Simone Jones Tyner, who owns an event planning company named TRUE Marketing, Media & Events.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
28
Teamwork Takes Two

“Donovan was a big help with planning the wedding but, for the most part, I planned the wedding with my event planner,” Amber reveals. “The experience was nice because we had the same vision.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
29
A Beautiful Day

“The format of our ceremony was traditional,” says Amber. “We gave standard vows and took communion, which was our first act as a married couple. The ceremony was beautiful.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
30
A Pleasure Meeting You

“Meeting Amber was the best thing to ever happen to me,” says Donovan. “One of many reasons why I married her is because she loves me so deeply and we are equally yoked.”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
31
Let’s Dance

“Music played a big part in our wedding,” says Amber. “We exited our ceremony dancing to Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ and entered our dinner reception to Beyoncé’s ‘Love on Top.’ Our first dance song was John Legend’s ‘So High.”‘

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
32
Divine Décor

The couple had a formal dinner reception. Rather than use typical escort cards, they chose an eclectic mix of mirror and glass picture frames as seating charts to direct guests to their seats. The reception décor featured rhinestones, mirrors and mercury glass to accent the focal point of the room—a stunning 19-foot handcrafted chandelier of dangling pearls. Each table was set with a custom charcoal gray runner to highlight the rich dark wood tables and flowers in mercury glass vases, mercury glass candle holders and floating candles.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
33
Elegance Mastered

Now this is a cake! The all white fondant and flowers make this an elegant masterpiece.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
34
A Slice of Heaven

Happy newlyweds Amber and Donovan couldn’t wait to enjoy sweet reception traditions like cutting the cake and toasting with their guests.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
35
Surprise, Baby!

“Oh, I did have one surprise for Donovan,” says Amber. “I sent him a gift box that contained a pair of socks with a label that said, ‘Just in case you get cold feet, Love, Amber.’”

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
36
Hold Me Close

“Our favorite memories were at the reception where we danced,” says the happy bride. “The Soul Train line was the best. Also, my father and I surprised guests with a salsa routine (we practiced for weeks) for our daddy-daughter dance.” 

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
37
Cheers to Us

A toast for the happy couple!

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
38
Love Sweet Love

Their guests received small boxes of Godiva white chocolate pearl candy tied with a bow and a note of thanks as their wedding favors.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
39
Just The Man For Me

“My husband is intelligent, compassionate, easy going, creative and oh so handsome!” Amber gushes.

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
40
Bridal Bliss

“I never dreamed of being a bride, so to speak, but the feeling was wonderful,” says Amber. “I was filled with joy, love and laughter.” If you enjoyed their wedding day as much as we did, don’t forget to leave the happy couple a little comment love below. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!

Bridal Bliss: Amber and Donovan
Nelson J. Photography
COMPANY INFORMATION
  • Our Company
  • Customer Service
  • Essence Ventures
  • Change Your Address
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Internships
  • Media Kit
  • tag
SUBSCRIBE
  • Newsletters
  • Give a Gift of ESSENCE
  • Magazine Tablet Edition
FOLLOW US
MORE ON ESSENCE
  • Home
  • Love
  • Celebrity
  • Beauty
  • Hair
  • Fashion
  • ESSENCE festival

ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

©2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms

Get The ESSENCE Newsletter and
Special Offers delivered to your inbox

By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Get The ESSENCE Magazine
by subscribing below
subscribe now