We love it when love finds a way. Hollis took one look at Roderick’s online dating profile and she couldn’t resist reaching out. “The rest is history,” says the happy newlywed, whose Long Island City “I dos” were equal parts fun and romantic. See their fantastic photos and share their love!
“While we dated, we really enjoyed the time we spent together,” says Roderick. “After a year, Hollis moved to Jersey with me and even then, there was no drama. I realized we were simply a good fit for one another. We were happy and even after the move, surprisingly well adjusted.”
Hollis completed her bridal style with Jimmy Choo shoes, vintage drop earrings, a cuff, a veil for the ceremony, and a crystal head band for the reception.
“I realized after the friends and family introductions that they were genuinely as interested in her as I was,” says Roderick. “They saw similar qualities in her that I saw as well and that helped me decide it was time to fully commit myself.”
Holiis’ bridesmaids wore these one-shoulder, tulle, navy gowns from Monique Lhuillier. “The gown looked best on all of the girls’ body types,” she tells us. “They looked beautiful!”
Hollis had plenty of adjectives on hand to describe the man of her dreams: “He is comforting, loving, ambitious, family-loving, God-fearing, funny, thoughtful and passionate.”
“Rod picked his and his groomsman’s attire,” says Hollis. “Their charcoal grey tuxes are from Vera Wang.”
We love a good selfie shot. The couple’s photographer didn’t miss a moment.
There was no shortage of pretty portraits of the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready on the big day.
“I can’t say that I recall the exact moment when I knew Rod was ‘The One’ but I will tell you that there is a moment in love that you simply look at your partner and smile,” says Hollis. “He hasn’t done anything in particular, but at that moment, everything that he represents is what you want in your life, forever. That’s love… That’s a love that I had never felt before. He was The One.”
“As clichè as it sounds, you just know and it was almost immediate for me,” says Roderick. “For example, the time we shared, was more valued than it was with past dates. My introductions to others were planned and conscious; I cared what my friends/family opinions were of her; she didn’t get on my nerves. At the end of the day, I had no worries about ‘missing out’. Whatever ‘missing out’ may have been – parties, friends, past women – it didn’t matter. I was happier than I’d been and it was all due to her.”
This group shot is absolutely perfect. Enough said.
Here comes the bride. (Werking it for her photo shoot!)
Roderick and his equally dapper groomsman sure know how to command the camera. (Hey fellas!)
“I was hopeful, but still cynical about finding love says Roderick. “I joined an online site because I was tired of the NYC dating scene, but I was still going on traditional dates when I joined, and I didn’t expect much different. In fact, I invested more time into filling out the questionnaire than I did pursuing anyone on the site. That is, until Hollis reached out to me.”
“My wife makes me feel like superman,” boasts Roderick. “She encourages all aspects of my life and is a constant cheerleader of mine. And her gorgeous smile is a close second.”
“If I could give my advice to any bride, I would say, ‘speak your mind,’” says Hollis. “It’s your day and it must be perfect!”
Hollis and Roderick’s feel-good photos make us wish we were there.
“I always prayed for true love and new it would find me,” says Hollis. “Some of my best advice given was to ‘live’…live my life, accomplish my dreams and once I am in a position where personal meets professional happiness, love would come. That’s what I did and that is what I have found.”
“I love his smile,” Hollis tells us. “I live for it! He is so passionate about work and family that I take it as my personal mission to make sure he is happy, loved and secure when at home.”
“After racking our brain on the perfect venue to have our ‘South In The City’ inspired wedding, we came across The Foundry in Long Island City, Queens, and fell in love,” Hollis shares. “It was the perfect mixture of rustic old New York City life and sophisticated glamour. We rented every room to offer a different experience for our guests.”
“My Uncle, Leroy Larkins, walked me down the aisle,” Hollis tells us. “He lost his only daughter to cancer and my father offered this moment to him over 20 years ago.”
Hollis chose to walk down the aisle to the sounds of “I Found Love (Cindy’s Song)” by BeBe Winans — a fitting choice.
One of Rod’s oldest and dearest friend, Kristy Hinds, officiated the couple’s wedding ceremony.
“Rod and I wrote our own vows,” says Hollis. “Once I locked eyes with him, it was just he and I. At that moment, I was his wife. This was our moment. This was our day!”
The happy couple chose to be surrounded by their loved ones for their romantic and heartfelt ceremony.
“I’ve never felt more nervous than I did on my wedding day, lining up to walk in,” says Roderick. “The minute we locked eyes, it immediately calmed me down and made me forget the guests in attendance. At that moment, it was just she and I.”
“We were not looking to have a traditional wedding,” says the bride. “Our mothers were our flower girls; my father was our ring bearer. We did not have a best man or a maid of honor. Rod’s best girlfriend was our officiant and my uncle walked me down the aisle. Outside of this, we wanted a full blown party: We had a live band, food stations, passed bites and a cigar lounge for all to enjoy.”
“My wedding day was absolutely amazing!” gushes Hollis. “I was surrounded by people that wanted to make sure I was happy at all times. Planning a wedding is hard though. I was adamant not to become a ‘bridezilla,’ so I found myself tip-toeing around certain people and certain situations that may or may not have been appropriate. Lesson learned!”
Hollis and Rod’s romantic details were absolutely unforgettable.
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