Christina M. Jackson, a marketing assistant, and Tory K. Owens, a real estate investor, met through a mutual friend when Tory relocated to Los Angeles. On July 3rd, 2011, the happy couple were married at the Trump National Golf Course, in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
Beaming bride-to-be Christina flashes a pretty smile for the camera as she prepares to walk down the aisle and officially become Mrs. Owens.
Stylish bride Christina treated herself to two gowns for her wedding day. Her trumpet style gown took our breath away. “My ceremony dress was custom-made by Liza who is the owner at Brides by Liza in Beverly Hills, CA,” she tells us. “I originally had an idea of what I wanted my dress to look like. I guess I was lucky because prior to deciding on a dress I had only gone to one other bridal shop.”
To complete her glamorous wedding day style, Christina chose a pair of sparkly Christian Louboutin “red bottoms.”
For her bridal bouquet, Christina carried a lush arrangement of pretty purple blooms.
Groom Tory says he was happy to say farewell to his “bachelor” ways the moment he met Christina.
Christina tells us that Tory’s sweet dinner proposal was a total surprise. “Initially, I was shocked because I was thinking Tory had at least another year before he was ready to propose,” she says. When he got down on one knee, she admits, she was overcome with emotion.
Christina and her bridesmaids strike a fun pose at the altar. The girls wore floor-length gowns from BariJay chosen by the maid of honor. “I never wanted to play down my bridesmaids and have them in a bland, plain grandmother dress. I wanted them to be as glamorous as I was going to be.”
Christina and Tory owe everything to their mutual friend, Chris, who knew them both so well he insisted they meet because he had “a feeling” they would one day get married. Talk about a sure bet!
The happy groom takes a moment to pose with all the lovely bridesmaids. The gang’s very close knit and it really shows.
“After our first date, I knew he was different from the other guys I had dated in the past,” says Christina. “However, it was not until after the death of my grandmother that I realized he was really there for me and loved me like I loved him. I knew I wanted him for the rest of my life.”
Tory knew that booking a venue can be challenging and the couple had always talked about a summer wedding, so before he proposed, he’d already begun scouting out the perfect location.
One of Christina and Tory’s most cherished memories is when they went camping with friends on Pismo Beach during their first week of dating. “We had to sleep on the sand inside of a two person tent, the bathroom was a half a mile away, I hurt my leg on a dune buggy, and had an allergic reaction to something I ate, causing my eye to swell up like Will Smith’s did in the movie ‘Hitch,’” she recalls. “So although we just started dating, let’s just say we got comfortable real quick.”
Christina’s gorgeous gown boasted beauty from all sides. The beaded and crystal back detailing were absolutely divine.
“I chose the Trump because of everything it has to offer,” says Christina. “I loved the view and the ceremony location was absolutely perfect. It was quiet, the ballroom was romantic, it has beautiful hanging chandeliers, a huge fire place, gold accents on the ceiling, a marble entry way to ballroom, and the food is really good!”
The couple’s ring bearer was as cute as button as he made his way down the aisle.
The flower girls float down the aisle in beautiful princess gowns and floral tiaras.
Christina’s doting dad had the pleasure of escorting her down the aisle to meet her future husband.
“I think we included all the traditions,” says Christina. “We lit the unity candles, combined the salt during the salt covenant, took communion and jumped the broom.”
Like so many Black couples often do, the bride and groom wanted to seal the deal by jumping the broom. “Our broom was imported from Nigeria by one of the grooms’ good friend, whose dad is a Nigerian Chief,” Christina tells us about their special wedding keepsake.
A memorable shot of the groomsmen taking in the magic of the moment.
“When Tory put the ring on my finger, I saw my two bands for the first time,” says Christina. “He didn’t want me to see my full ring setting until the day of the wedding. It was so beautiful and when he put it on my finger I let out a little scream because I loved it.”
Christina and Tory made the perfect team when it came to pulling off their dream wedding in six months. “We absolutely planned the wedding together,” she says. “We both wanted it to be the perfect blend of both our personalities. According to Tory, my taste is more Kanye and Pharrell while his taste is Donald Trump. I like modern and clean, Tory likes elegant and classy.”
Ready to party the night away, the new Mr. and Mrs. Owens make their way into the reception space.
The floral arrangements included purple tulips, white, pink and purple roses, purple freesia, purple and pink orchids, and hydrangeas and were mounted in crystal candelabras for the centerpieces.
Christina and Tory planned a lively first dance show to surprise their guests.
Christina and Tory made a point of including all their favorite wedding traditions in their big day. “We’re Christian but Tory even did a Jewish tradition by having everyone carry him around.”
In addition to munching on champagne cake from Cake and Art in West Hollywood, guests were treated to red velvet cupcakes favors, which represented the moment Tory proposed to Christina.
Newlyweds Christina and Tory bask in the moment with a tender kiss.
The newlyweds hold each other close during the last dance of the evening.
As the sun sets Christina and Tory hold each other close and reflect on their bliss. Join us in wishing the happy couple a marriage filled with love and blessings.
