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Home • Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding

This Chicago couple planned a wedding that was dreamy, elegant and timeless (but they didn't miss out on the turn up!)
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
Barbara and Edmund’s Wedding
By Jasmine Grant · Updated November 4, 2020

Barbara and Edmund’s love story began at a Chicago nightclub. Her sister ran into a friend, who’s brother happened to be Edmund. After meeting up in the VIP area, the pair sat next to each other and immediately hit it off. The rest was history.

After six years of dating, Edmund surprised Barbara with a sweet Valentine’s Day proposal like the true romantic he is. “I was over the moon and excited for our new chapter of love together,” she remembers.

Barbara, a decisive planner, knew she wanted to have a modern ceremony with simplistic yet elegant details that felt timeless. Her wedding planner, Kia Marie Events, pulled it off seamlessly. “Our wedding planner did not play any games,” says Barbara. “She made sure everything was taken care of. If there were any mishaps, Kia and her team took care of it right away.”

Scroll through the gallery for Barbara and Edmund’s modern classic wedding.

Want to see your wedding featured on Bridal Bliss? Send your story and a link to your wedding photos to [email protected] for consideration.

01
Meet The Griffins
Bride: Barbara Ware, Esthetician, 32 Groom: Edmund Griffin, Entrepreneur, 41 Venue: Hotel Arista, Naperville, IL Theme: Modern Classic Wedding planner designer: Kia Marie Events ​ Photographer: Gregoire Jules​ Florist: Siblana Event Design Videography: Maha Studios Hair Stylist: Jasmine Styles Makeup Artist: MiMi Paino Bride’s ceremony and reception dresses: Winnie Couture Groom Tux: Nicholas Joseph Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka Groom’s shoes: Gucci DJ: Perry Dontae , Spark Entertainment Group Chair rental: Platinum Affairs Rentals ​ Violinist: Rhett Price ​ Drumline: The Pack Drumline
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
02
The Proposal
“It was the morning of Valentine’s Day,” Barb remembers of the engagement. “I remember waking up that morning to get a glass of water. As I walked toward the kitchen I noticed white rose petals leading up to the living room area. As I followed the trail of roses I looked up and there he was, standing there with five dozen white roses across our living room. I couldn’t believe my eyes! He dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
03
All Smiles
Barbara and her bridesmaids kept stress at a minimum the morning of her big day.
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
04
It’s Showtime!
“It felt amazing being a bride,” says Barbara. “It’s a feeling of pure excitement. I didn’t feel any stress because I knew I had the best wedding planner.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
05
The One For Me
Edmund says he knew Barbara was the one during their conversations about the future. “She was so sincere and caring that I knew she was the woman I had prayed for.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
06
A Dress Meant To Be
Barbara’s ceremony dress was from Winnie Couture. While most brides go through several appointments before finding their dream dress, this bride found hers on the first try. “Based on the reaction that my mom and aunts had, I knew it was perfect for me.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
07
Fresh And Clean
“When choosing the elements for our wedding I knew that I wanted a fresh, romantic look,” says Barbara. “I was not particular about the type of flowers, but I knew I wanted them to be all white with lots of candlelight. We chose to draping the entire room from ceiling to floor in elegant white fabric.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
08
Bridal Style
The bridesmaids wore simple yet elegant blush pink gowns while the groomsmen looked dapper in James Bond-inspired black tuxedos.
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
09
A Ribbon In The Sky For Our Love
Barb walked down the aisle with her father to “Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder. “I told my husband (when we were dating) while listening to the song in the car I wanted to get married to that exact song.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
10
May God Bless This Union
The priest covers the happy couple in prayer.
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
11
Always And Forever
Officially Mr. and Mrs. Griffin!
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
12
Ask And You Shall Receive
“I prayed for a woman exactly like Barbara,” Edmund tells ESSENCE. “When I met her I knew my prayer was answered.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
13
Dreamy And White
“Our reception was transformed into what I call our dream wedding,” says Barbara. “We had an all-white dance floor with a gold monogram, a sweetheart table under the most amazing floral structure full of hanging flowers. and white drapery. We entered the reception space before our guests for a room reveal. I remember thinking ̈OMG!'”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
14
Simple Elegance
“We wanted to keep the decor pure and clean,” says Barbara. “I didn’t want to look at my wedding 10 years later and hate it.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
15
To The Beat Of Their Own Drum
The Griffin’ livened up their reception with a live band that had everyone on their feet.
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
16
Get On Down
” It was extremely important for us to have a fun wedding that reflected us as a couple,” says the bride.
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
17
Change Clothes And Go
The brides second dress was also Winnie Couture, and a total stunner!
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
18
Bust A Move
Barbara surprised her husband with a Beyoncé-inspired choreographed routine, ensuring her reception was the party her guests wouldn’t forget.
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
19
Forever My Lady
“I felt proud to be a groom,” say Edmund. “Looking at my future was one of the proudest moments of my life. It was all I dreamed it would be and more.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
20
Let Us Eat Cake
The couple’s four-tiered ivory cake tasted just as good as it looked.
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
21
Barbara’s Advice To Brides
“Never let anyone tell you what you should like or do for your wedding, especially if you did not ask them. At the end of the day, it’s all about YOU. Too much input could just be an unnecessary headache.”
Bridal Bliss: Barbara Had A Beyoncé-Inspired Dance Surprise For Her Groom Edmund At Their Dreamy Wedding
TOPICS:  Black Love Bridal Bliss weddings