“Because I had been single for many years, I was very clear about the man I wanted to marry,” says Dawn, 40. “My husband has so many of the qualities I was looking for in my mate.”
Dawn was all smiles as her makeup artist made sure she looked amazing on her special day.
Pretty, pretty Badgley Mischka pumps for a pretty, pretty bride. Um, we think we’re in love with these shoes!
“I have short hair, so I wanted to wear it in a way that would complement my vintage birdcage veil,” says Dawn.
Dawn wore a stunning non traditional wedding gown designed by Elegance by Roya Bridal Couture.
“The chemistry experienced during our first date was amazing, and it remained constant for months afterwards,” Reginald shares.
“It was obvious to me that she was the one almost immediately,” admits Reginald. When he realized she felt the same, he was one seriously happy camper.
Birdcage veils are always an excellent choice for vintage brides, but there’s something about Dawn’s that really makes a statement all its own.
“I love him,” says Dawn. “We have so many similarities. We are both very driven and committed to our families.”
“Dawn is an amazing woman,” says her husband. “She’s a devout Christian, a great friend, lover, communicator, supporter and motivator.”
“Reginald is very driven,” says Dawn. “He’s a big dreamer who is caring, kind, loves his family and is open to new things. He’s even willing to eat my cooking with minimal negative comments. (Laughs) He loves me!”
“I found a picture of a backless dress on Pinterest and I needed to find a bridal designer that could recreate the look,” Dawn recalls. “After meeting with the designer, I felt confident that she understood me as a bride and could create the perfect dress for my special day.” And, she sure did. You looked amazing, Dawn!
“I never met a person who doesn’t admire Dawn,” says Reginald. “My friends admire her and my family adores her, so how could I resist?”
Dawn and Reginald’s gorgeous matching wedding bands were deserving of a photo opp all their own.
“I knew I wanted to get married outside,” says Dawn. “After visiting many hotels, when I saw the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore’s rooftop, I immediately fell in love with the space.”
Guests were given custom fans to keep cool on the rooftop on that sunny summer day.
The couple’s children filled all of their bridal party roles. “My husband’s daughters were my bridesmaids and my son was my husband’s groomsman,” says Dawn. “The girls wore blush pink dresses from David’s Bridal.”
Dawn was escorted down the aisle to the sounds of Brian McKnight’s “Never Felt This Way” with a little help from her son and her dad. “I am a traditionalist, so I wanted my father to walk me down the aisle,” she says. “However, I thought it was very important for my son Drew to give me away too. It had just been Drew and I for the past 12 years, so his blessing over this union was critical, and his willingness to give me away to my husband symbolized his blessing.”
Dawn’s pastor joined them as husband and wife.
“Looking into his eyes as we stood at the altar, I felt overwhelmed,” says Dawn. “I had rehearsed this moment in my mind for years…I was ready!”
The happy couple exchanged traditional vows beneath the sun as their friends and family watched on with big smiles.
To join their family as one, the couple carried out a unity candle ceremony that symbolized the blending of both sides. They also took communion together, and Dawn’s pastor prayed Deuteronomy 28 over them, which the bride describes as the blessings God promised those who follow his word.
“In that moment, I felt overwhelmed, proud, and blessed,” says the groom. “I could hardly believe that I was marrying the love of my life.”
“Together we can create an extraordinary life and leave an amazing legacy for our family,” insists Dawn, who feels at ease and truly happy with her new husband Reginald.
“We started dating exclusively after going out for one month, got engaged after one year of dating and married shortly thereafter,” says Dawn. “Who knew I would find true love that way?”
After the ceremony, guests were escorted to the reception area for a cocktail hour in a space that overlooked the marina full of yachts. It was very special to Dawn because it paid homage to the fact that Reginald proposed on a private yacht.
“Reginald loves me and allows me to be my authentic self,” says Dawn.
There was a small custom cake for the bride and groom and delicious cupcakes for their guests.
Instead of a deejay, the fun loving couple went with a live band.
The newlyweds and their guests never left the dance floor open.
“I truly didn’t think it was possible to find this level of connection with someone I met online,” Reginald admits. Did you enjoy Dawn and Reginald’s vintage wedding style as much as we did? Leave the happy couple a little comment love below and see more of their wedding photos over at The Bride’s Cafe. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!
