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Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa's Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance

Melissa once saw Garfield and knew he was the one. It wasn't until years later, when their paths eventually crossed that the feeling was mutual. Their love story is the cutest and their wedding was even better. See the photos from their picture perfect wedding day!
By Lauren Porter · Updated October 26, 2020
01
The Happy Couple
Bride: Melissa Duchene, 34, Professor Groom: Garfield Kelly, 42, Police Officer The Big Day: 8/6/16 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Style/Theme: Romantic Elegance
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
02
Ladies Only
By her side, Melissa had a great group of love on her wedding day!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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03
Yes Dress
Melissa scored an amazing deal on her wedding dress and she just couldn’t pass it up! As soon as she put it on, she knew it was the one for her.
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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04
Love is You
“Melissa is affectionate, intelligent, and kind hearted,” said Garfield of his bride.
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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05
You’re My Everything
“I love his giving nature, patience, and ability to get along with others from various cultures, education levels, and social status,” shared Melissa as she described Garfield.
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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06
Happy Feelings
“I absolutely loved being a bride! I thought that I would be nervous with all eyes on me, but to the contrary. It was a great feeling that so many came to celebrate our love,” Melissa shared!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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07
You’ve Got Me
“Garfield or (Kelz) as I like to call him is an extremely giving individual who often will put others before himself,” said the bride. “He’s patient, kind, respectful, and has an old school mentality which I adore.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
08
Simp
“Melissa has a big heart and loves taking care of others,” said Garfield. “I know that she will undoubtedly be an amazing wife and mother.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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09
Crowning Glory
Melissa styled her knee-length dreadlocks in a regal way and with her veil, she looked absolutely radiant!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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10
Selfie Time
Everybody say “cheese!”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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11
Wait For Love
“I loved knowing that I was going to marry this woman that I loved endlessly,”said Garfield of how he felt on he and Melissa’s big day!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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12
Cutest Kids
Melissa’s niece and cousin were just the cutest little additions to her bridal party!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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13
Mommy and Me
“One of my favorite memories was having my mother cry when I presented her with a gift while getting dressed,” said the bride. “My mother doesn’t show much emotions and this was a very sweet shared moment.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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14
Beautiful Bride
Melissa and her bridesmaids are gorgeous!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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15
Proud Papa
Melissa and her father–who she reunited with 7 years before she tied the knot–shared a sweet moment before she walked down the aisle.
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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16
Pride of the Parents
“My mother raised me and I reunited with my father about seven years prior to my wedding date,” said Melissa. “I knew it was important to both parents to be able to share that special moment with me.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
17
Happiest of Tears
Melissa didn’t cry during her wedding day but Garfield did shed a few tears as she walked down the aisle. Aww!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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18
Feeling of Love
Garfield’s smile definitely indicates that he is one happy man!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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19
We Found Love
“I was hoping to find my true love but I didn’t know when or where,” said Garfield of finding love. “I was open to falling in love.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
20
With You
“I felt a sense of peace looking and my soon-to-be husband,” said the bride of how she felt looking at the groom while at the altar. “I knew that he would protect and provide.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
21
Answered Prayers
“I felt like the Father (God) had it right!” said the groom of how he felt standing at the altar with his bride!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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22
With This Ring
With the pastor of her brother marrying she and Garfield, Melissa and her groom were in the right hands!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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23
Light of Love
“We had unity candles,” shared the groom. “Our parents lit the end candles at the beginning of the ceremony and my husband and I used the lit candles to light the big unity candle in the middle.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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24
Here We Are
Both the bride and the groom look so happy!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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25
Sealed With The Kiss
They did it!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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26
The Mr. and Mrs.
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Kelly!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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27
Then I Found You
“I don’t believe that God intended for us to be alone so I knew that my husband was somewhere out there,” shared the bride. “Unfortunately, I had to kiss a lot of toads before finding my Prince Charming.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
28
Wonderful Woman
“She captured my heart and I love her,” said Garfield of why he chose to make Melissa his wife. “I felt like we could build a great life together.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
29
All Smiles
This is what love and happiness looks like!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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30
The Easiest Answer
“I said yes because he balances me out, he’s a very laid back man, he’s God-fearing and selfless,” said Melissa of marrying Garfield.
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
31
Lucky In Love
“I was extremely grateful that God sent this amazing man to me and that honored that Garfield wanted to spend the rest of his life loving me,” said Melissa of how she felt when Garfield proposed. A year and a half later, on the day they became man and wife, she felt the same!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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32
Surprise of a Lifetime
On Christmas Day, Garfield asked Melissa for her hand in marriage. She thought he would propose on a different day and was so disappointed when he didn’t. When he got down on one knee in front of their family and friends when she least expected it, her answer was of course, yes!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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33
Dance Fever
When these two love birds entered their wedding reception, “Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge played. Now that’s how you make an entrance!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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34
Festive Favors
“Sticking with my romantic elegance theme, I choose wine bottles as favors,” shared Melissa of the gift she and Garfield gave to their 130 guests. “I attached a gold and white paper straw and a sign that had the Philadelphia ‘Love’ block on each bottle.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
35
The One
“I knew he was “The One” when we had our first argument or “discussion” as we like to call it,” said the bride. “At times, I can get frustrated easily and he has the ability to calm me down in a loving manner even when that anger is directed towards him.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
36
Special Moments
The sweet dance that the bride shared with her parents is one she will never forget!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
37
Something About You
“I knew that she was ‘The One’ a couple of weeks after meeting her,” shared Garfield. “Small things like writing notes on post it cards had me hooked.”
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
38
Crazy about Cake
“We had a three layer cake,” shared the couple. “The bottom two layers were red velvet and the top layer was rum cake.” Yum!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
39
Fun Times
Way to have some fun!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
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40
This is Love
Congratulations to the happy bride and groom!
Bridal Bliss: Garfield and Melissa’s Wedding Was Full Of Romance And Elegance
Leo
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