• Celebrity
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Women in Music
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion House
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Color Files Podcast
    • Nails
    • How-To
    • Beauty Carnival-Archive
    • Dope Stuff On My Desk
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
    • Spring Hair And Beauty
  • Love
    • Love & Sex
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle News
    • Build Your Legacy
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
    • Unbossed Podcast
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
  • News
    • Latest News
    • BLACK VOTES MATTER
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Events
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • LEVEL UP: Entrepreneur Summit (DEC 2020)
    • Power Tools
    • SHE GOT NOW
    • Girls United Summit
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Dear Black Men
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Festival
  • Subscribe
  • Essence Studios
  • Girls United
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Shop Essence

Follow Us

Skip to content
  • Essence Studios
  • Girls United
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Shop Essence
  • Celebrity
    • Celebrity
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Women in Music
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion House
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Beauty
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Color Files Podcast
    • Nails
    • How-To
    • AVEENO® Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
    • Beauty Carnival-Archive
    • Dope Stuff On My Desk
  • Hair
    • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
    • Spring Hair And Beauty
  • Love
    • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle News
    • Build Your Legacy
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
    • Netflix’s Jingle Jangle Gift Guide
    • Unbossed Podcast
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
    • Your Legacy
  • News
    • News
    • Latest News
    • BLACK VOTES MATTER
    • Essence 50th Anniversary
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Events
    • Events
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • LEVEL UP: Entrepreneur Summit (DEC 2020)
    • Power Tools
    • SHE GOT NOW
    • Girls United Summit
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Dear Black Men
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Festival
  • Subscribe
Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Deneisha and Wayne’s Norfolk Wedding Photos

Deneisha and Wayne met while caring for a mutual friend who was dying from cancer, but from that loss a beautiful love story was born. Read their touching story and see their lovely wedding day!

By Charli Penn · July 9, 2014October 27, 2020
01
The Right Kind Of Man

“He loves and understands me, exactly as I am – quirks and air-headed tendencies included,” says beaming bride Deneisha. “He is so loving, kind, resilient and funny. We laugh daily, through the good and bad.”

Keith Cephus Photography
02
Total Acceptance

“When she accepted my teenage son and blind and mentally challenged cousin who I was caring for at the time,” I knew she was the one,” says Wayne.

Keith Cephus Photography
03
The Right Choice

“I felt a little conflicted about purchasing a dress without my mother there, especially since she was paying for it,” Deneisha shares. “So, I had to call her and plead my case. She was very understanding. We sent pictures of me in the dress and she approved!”

Keith Cephus Photography
04
Glam Squad Success!

“My hair was done by my longtime hair stylist and friend, Sheri Simms of Distinktiv Imajz Salon in Somerset, New Jersey,” says the beaming bride. “ She drove all the way to Virginia the night prior to the wedding to be by my side that morning.  I felt so loved and blessed that she would do that for me.”  Wil Strayhorn of Let’s Face It Makeup and Hair Studio in Virginia Beach was on deck for makeup duty. Kudos to the glam squad!

Keith Cephus Photography
05
Steppin’ Out

Deneisha chose Jimmy Choo open-toe sparklers to step out in style on her wedding day.

Keith Cephus Photography
06
And Then I Found You

“I did not expect to even consider dating anyone for quite some time considering the complexities of my previous relationship, says Deneisha. But, that all changed the moment she truly got to know Wayne.

Keith Cephus Photography
07
Great Choice!

“When Wayne proposed, I was shocked and speechless because I wasn’t expecting an ‘official’ proposal,” says Deneisha.  “I was also very nervous because we never discussed my ideal style of ring. I stared at the box and was afraid to open it.  Much to my surprise, it was exactly the ring I wanted (thanks to Laura, my friend). More importantly, he asked me to be his wife and life partner.”

Keith Cephus Photography
08
Beautiful Inside and Out

“She is family first with no exceptions,” says Wayne. “She is a beautiful woman inside and out, who has a hard time disliking anyone. She is a motivator and a pillar of loyalty.”

Keith Cephus Photography
09
Out Of Body Experience

“Being a groom was all that I dreamed of and more,” says Wayne. “Our ceremony was so wonderful it even surprised me. I could not believe I was actually involved in something so beautiful. At times it felt like an out of body experience.”

Keith Cephus Photography
10
In Loving Memory

“I carried charms attached to my bouquet engraved with the initials of my brother, Cory, and Wayne’s father; both of whom died of cancer,” says the bride.

Keith Cephus Photography
11
Nothing Compares To You

“The first dress I tried on, I fell in love with,” Deneisha admits. “It had everything I wanted and they had it in my size, which was very important considering we were getting married in three months. I tried on other dresses, but none compared. I knew that was my dress!”

Keith Cephus Photography
12
It’s About Us

“I did not have bridesmaids,” says Deneisha. “I have so many wonderful friends and family members that I did not want to choose. Instead, I involved each one in the process or ceremony in some way. I also wanted the ceremony to be about the two of us and Jackson.”

Keith Cephus Photography
13
It All Happened So Fast

“I knew she was wife material from the first day I met her,” says Wayne. “The only thing I needed to do was fall in love with her. That happened very fast.”

Keith Cephus Photography
14
Instant Ambiance

“I wanted a very scenic venue,” says Deneisha. “It was absolutely beautiful! Very few decorations were needed because the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the water.” 

Keith Cephus Photography
15
Love Brunch

“Our ceremony was on a Sunday morning followed by a brunch,” says Deneisha. “By choosing that day and time, we saved money on the venue.”

Keith Cephus Photography
16
I Found Love

Daddy’s girl and only daughter Deneisha just had to have her father walk her down the aisle. She chose the song “I Found Love” by BeBe and CeCe Winans for their big march.

Keith Cephus Photography
17
Oh Happy Day

“I felt like the luckiest girl in the world,” says Deneisha. “I was very relaxed and could not stop smiling. It was one of the happiest days of my life.”

Keith Cephus Photography
18
Moments to Cherish

Deneisha and Wayne wrote their own vows in addition to reciting traditional ones too. The bride’s cousin Deirdre, an ordained misters, officiated their ceremony.

Keith Cephus Photography
19
Like A Dream

“Unlike some women, I did not grow up with specific thoughts or plans for my dream wedding,” says Deneisha. “This all came together one step at a time. I felt absolutely amazing that day. I was surrounded by my loved ones and close friends which was very important to me. I could not stop smiling. At times, it felt like a dream.” 

Keith Cephus Photography
20
Keep It Simple

“To avoid any delays or lost guests, we chose to have the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all at the same venue,” Deneisha explains. “The ceremony was followed immediately by a cocktail hour in an adjacent room.  Our reception was a brunch, which was held in the same room as the ceremony.”

Keith Cephus Photography
21
His and Hers

Can you guess which kind and queen of the evening sat here? Too sweet!

Keith Cephus Photography
22
The Culture Of Love

“My husband is Jamaican, so we honored his heritage by having steel drummer, Chris Koroshetz, play as our guests arrived for the ceremony,” says Deneisha.

Keith Cephus Photography
23
What A Sweet Treat

“Our cake had four layers and each was wrapped with a wide fuchsia ribbon at the base,” says Deneisha. “Small white pearls studded each layer in a diamond pattern. A few brightly colored fresh flowers were placed on each layer. The cake was topped with a monogram letter ‘E’ with orange and fuchsia Swarovski crystals. The flavors were very hard to choose, especially since I love cake. My mom and I enjoyed every sample presented to us by the bakery. We finally chose alternating layers of fresh strawberry and almond pound cake with raspberry preservatives.” 

Keith Cephus Photography
24
Spin It!

A family friend who also deejays professionally was on hand to spin tunes for the couple and their guests during the reception.

Keith Cephus Photography
25
Budget Savvy Bride

“My first job was at the Great Big Greenhouse Nursery in Virginia Beach which cultivated my love for fresh flowers,” says Deneisha. “My ultimate dream wedding would have included large bouquets of flowers everywhere, but that did not seem practical for our budget. Our reception centerpieces were made of large bunches of all white baby’s breath in tall vases. We also used these to line the aisle during the ceremony. I wanted full bouquets on a budget.  They were simple arrangements, but very classy and elegant.”

Keith Cephus Photography
26
A Fitting Choice

For their first dance song, the newlyweds chose “Love Ballad” by LTD—a fitting choice for a couple so clearly in love.

Keith Cephus Photography
27
Circle Of Love

“If something went wrong, I have no idea,” says Deneisha. “My circle of awesome women made sure I was not stressed about anything. They handled any mishaps without involving me or Wayne.”

Keith Cephus Photography
28
Love Travels

“Our honeymoon was delayed until November,” Deneisha shares. “We went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico when the time came.”

Keith Cephus Photography
29
Do Us A Favor

“We gave something practical for our wedding favors – brass, elephant bookmarks,” says Deneisha. “I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, so it was fitting.”

30
Overjoyed

“Keith, our photographer, captured our moments perfectly,” says Deneisha. “It showed all of the joy and love we felt that day!” Leave your well wishes for the happy couple below. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!

Keith Cephus Photography

Read More

News
Mars’ Perserverance Rover Landing Site Named After Octavia...
The Most Anticipated TV Shows for Spring 2021
Celebrity
Poet Amanda Gorman Was Racially Profiled And ‘Tailed’ Du...
Fashion
The Best Dressed Black Creatives On Instagram This Week
Money & Career
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Keonia Rodgers Wants You To Boss Up!
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.

©2021 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