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Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Anika and Daryl’s Beach Wedding

Co-workers Anika and Daryl were on their 10th “unofficial date” when they realized what was happening between them was special. From super sweet beginnings to a dreamy beach wedding, you’ll love their story!

By Charli Penn · March 4, 2015October 27, 2020
01
Romance Me

Anika and Daryl met while working at the same school. Their chemistry was instant but they let their love grow slow and steady over time. They tied the knot on November 8, 2014 in a romantic beach ceremony in Mexico.

Cendino Temé Photography
02
Friends And Family

“My stylist Angela at Hair Beyond in Silver Spring, Maryland, did my hair the day before I flew to Mexico,” says Anika. “My mother is also a hair stylist and she was able to do some touch ups on the day of the wedding. My husband’s cousin Lashawnia Sheppard did my makeup.”

Cendino Temé Photography
03
Fit For Me

“On my wedding day, I wore my hair the way I always wear it,” says Anika. “I have a short haircut and I felt like it was fitting for my style on my big day.”

Cendino Temé Photography
04
Oh So Romantic

The bride wore these romantic heels by Antonio Melani, a veil and a statement necklace she purchased on Etsy and big studs.

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05
Second Times A Charm

“I wanted my dress to be simple and I accessorized it with a bold jewelry,” says the bride. “This was the second dress I tried on. The consultant at the bridal boutique paired it with an amazing statement necklace. It was the perfect combination and I knew I didn’t need to search any further.”

Cendino Temé Photography
06
The Long and Short Of It

“My bridesmaid dresses were from David’s Bridal,” says Anika. “I decide on a sleeveless long mesh dress with cascading sides in eggplant for the bridesmaids. I went with the same style for the junior bridesmaids but with the short version in pewter. Both styles were very fitting for a destination wedding outdoors.”

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07
Meet The Guys

Dapper groomsman were on hand to escort Anika’s lovely bridesmaids down the aisle.

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08
Jump For Joy

Anika and her bridesmaids went all out for their oceanfront portrait session. Go, ladies, go!

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09
Beautifully Captured

Photographer Cendino Temé captured amazing candids of the wedding party in paradise.

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10
Spicy Lover

“She is very thoughtful, kind, sweet, intelligent, compromising, strong-willed, down to earth and beautiful inside and out,” says Anika. “I just love so many aspects of her. She is also a Taurus just like me so if you poke the bull you will get the horns.”

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11
Come Back To Me

“One day after a few unofficial dates I thought to myself I really like this woman,” says Daryl. “Then I called my brother and one of my best friends and shared my thoughts. They both ended up being my only two groomsmen. Shortly thereafter, I told her, ‘You know one day you are going to be mine right?’  She just laughed. When she got ready to move, she told me she didn’t want to do a long distance relationship. I responded by smirking and saying ok in a sarcastic voice. I knew she would come back!”

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12
Don’t Let Him Get Away

“I really knew he was the one when I moved away,” says Anika. “It’s funny how you don’t realize what is right in front of you until it is no longer there.  I knew that was my future husband and I wasn’t going to let him get away.”

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13
Spend My Life With You

“I said yes because I knew he was my best friend and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him,” says Anika.

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14
Laugh, Pray, Love

“We laugh together, pray together, and love together,” says Anika. “I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He truly completes me!”

Cendino Temé Photography
15
In God’s Hands

“I kept praying and asking God to send me the wife that he wanted for me,” says Daryl. “Because obviously the choices that I was making were not the correct ones. Many times I focused on the exterior first but this time we became friends first. She had me mentally. I chose to do things differently with my wife then what I had done in previous relationships. This time I let God lead me instead of other things.”

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16
God First

“I figured that premarital sex got me in trouble in many of my previous relationships so I decided to put my focus in other areas,” says Daryl. “I felt like sex was keeping me from some of my blessings. I vowed not to have sex until I took my vows in the presence of God. I’m glad I decided to wait.” 

Cendino Temé Photography
17
Her Blessing

“I would describe my husband as a God-fearing man, a strong man, who is loving, family-oriented, hard-working and genuine,” Anika shares. “These qualities are truly rare to find in a man and to have it all in one is a blessing.”

Cendino Temé Photography
18
A Plan For Love

“I really and truly enjoy her company,” says Daryl. “She is like one of the guy guys. I think this is how she hooked me too. It may have even been a part of her plan! (Smile)”

Cendino Temé Photography
19
Dressed To Impress

A gorgeous gown for a gorgeous bride. We like your style, Anika!

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20
Aww!

We love a tender moment like this one caught on camera.

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21
Flower Girl Time

Adorable flower girl alert!

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22
Shared Joy

“My mother took the honor of walking me down the aisle,” says Anika. “My mother raised me as a single parent and it’s because of her that I am the woman I am today. It was an honor to have her share this experience with me.”

Cendino Temé Photography
23
A Mother Daughter Moment

“We walked down the aisle to ‘I Found Love’ by Bebe Winans,” says Anika.

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24
Tears Of Joy

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

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25
Officially Yours

Smiles all around as the couple finally make it official at the altar.

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26
Absolutely Beautiful

“At the altar, I was happy,” Daryl tells us. “I really felt in my heart that I made the right decision. She was absolutely beautiful.”

Cendino Temé Photography
27
Best Friends

“It was an absolutely amazing feeling,” says Anika. “I was filled with complete excitement and joy. It was at that moment that I realized I was having the wedding of my dreams and that this was everything I had prayed for; I was marrying my best friend.”

Cendino Temé Photography
28
Office Crush

Co-workers Anika and Daryl were on their 10th “unofficial date” when they realized what was happening between them was special. From super sweet beginnings to a dreamy beach wedding, you’ll love their story!

Cendino Temé Photography
29
From The Heart

“We said our own vows during the ceremony,” Anika shares. “Neither of us wrote them down because we felt it was more meaningful to just say what was on our hearts at that very moment.”

Cendino Temé Photography
30
Cheers To Love

Now that looks like a very happy couple. Cheers to love!

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31
Newlyweds At Last

Meet the new Mr. and Mrs!

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32
Portrait Perfection

Couple portrait perfection! Wouldn’t you agree?

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33
Dapper Darlings

A tender moment of reflection. Do these fellas look dapper, or what?

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34
Party On The Beach

We love a bridal party who knows how to party!

Cendino Temé Photography
35
Bring On The Romance

Anika and Daryl’s beachfront reception party was uber romantic.

Cendino Temé Photography
36
Dance, Dance, Dance!

“Our first dance song was ‘Stay Together’ by Ledisi and Jahiem,” the bride tells us.

Cendino Temé Photography
37
Count On Me

The kiss makes it count!

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38
Sweet Beach Bliss

A decadent cake for a delightful occaison. We loved the couple’s “Live, Laugh, Love” wedding theme.

Cendino Temé Photography
39
Show Some Love

Let’s show Anika and Daryl how much we enjoyed sharing in their Bridal Bliss! Leave the happy couple some comment love below. Want to see your wedding featured here? Email us now!

Cendino Temé Photography

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