When co-workers LaShonda and Steven found that teamwork came easily for them, they had a hunch it was time to take their friendship to the next level. Now they’re happily married and so happy they gave true love a try. See their romantic New Jersey wedding!
Shonda went for a pinned up Hollywood glam look for her hair and makeup, and we love it.
The stunning bride chose a fierce Maggie Sottero gown for her big day. “Initially, it was very hard to find my dress,” she tells us. “My sister was so helpful with her expertise in the industry and she was persistent in helping me find ‘The Dress’ of my dreams. After trying on 25 plus gowns, we finally found it. Without her assistance this would have been almost impossible.”
Shonda was all smiles as she prepared to meet Steve at the altar. We just love her bridal glow.
Picasso calla lilies were the center of attention in Shonda’s gorgeous bridal bouquet. Kudos to Allure Floral Design for helping her bring her dream bouquet to life.
Of course Shonda’s fab dream team of bridesmaids were on hand to help her get into her dress and shoes.
“We were friends for over five years before we began dating,” says Steve. “When I first met her, I knew that she was attractive and smart and I always said that she was someone I could see myself being with longterm. One night we were in a bad accident, and only by the grace of God were we not injured. At this moment I realized that I was more concerned about her well-being over my own. I knew that I could not live without her and I was very upset that I put her in harm’s way.”
“I was first attracted to her beauty and after getting to know Shonda I became attracted to her mentally as well,” says Steve. “She challenged me mentally and had a great sense of humor that made me laugh. We began going to church together and after spending this time together we then developed a spiritual bond. The fact that we had a physical, mental and spiritual bond helped me decide she was the one.”
Shonda and Steve picked a dreamy location to photograph their “first look” moment.
“Shonda was there for me during my break-up before we started dating,” says Steve. “Knowing all that she knew about me, I was not sure if dating would work. I was also afraid of losing our friendship, so I was nervous about beginning a relationship. I chose to pursue the relationship because I knew it would hurt more to see her with someone else.”
Shonda found gorgeous Swarvoski crystal jewelry on Etsy.
Shonda’s bridesmaids wore lovely, flowing lavender gowns that complemented them beautifully.
Oh, and did we mention Shonda’s bridesmaids really worked their dresses? #yassss
This flower girl-bride moment melted our hearts.
“Shonda is nurturing, sensitive, supportive and driven,” says the groom.
Steve and his groomsman showed up dressed to impress.
The guys were dapper from head-to-toe. Well, alright now!
“We visited multiple places and chose Addison Park because of the grounds, elegance of venue and personal treatment from the staff,” the bride tells us of their stunning wedding location. “Also, it was in equal distance in travel for our family and friends.”
“We had a day of wedding coordinator, but both our sisters helped out tremendously throughout the planning process,” Shonda reveals.
“He’s God-fearing, he makes me laugh, and he balances me out,” says Shonda. “I’m a gemini and he’s a Libra. Plus, we were friends for years before we started dating so I felt he knew me.”
Shonda chose to march down the aisle to India.Arie’s romantic hit “Beautiful Surprise.” “My cousin walked me down the aisle because our bond is very strong and I felt that he knew be better than my dad and would be the perfect person to give me away,” she adds.
The couple’s pastor from their home church in Philadelphia was the officiate during their wedding ceremony.
Shonda and Steve sealed the deal properly on their big day. We love a great kiss cam moment at the altar.
Of course Steve and his lovely bride Shonda couldn’t resist jumping the broom.
Love sure looks good on Shonda and Steve. Don’t you just love their matching wedding day glows?
“I wasn’t looking for a relationship when I met him and I viewed Steve as a friend only, so when we started dating I was nervous we would lose our friendship,” Shonda shares. “After several heartaches I didn’t think I’d find true love any time soon.”
“He’s nurturing, sensitive, supportive and driven,” says Shonda of her new husband.
A beautiful bunch! Let’s hear it for chic and sweet bridal parties.
Shonda and Steve’s purple velvet wedding cake made us drool. Isn’t it a beauty?
Shonda chose an elegant grey and purple color palette for their glamorous wedding reception.
For their romantic first dance the happy couple chose a medley of “Couple of Forevers” by Chrisette Michele and “Stairway to Heaven” by The O’Jays.
We’re nuts about this stunning aerial shot of the newlyweds swaying together for their first dance.
Shonda and Steven gave their guests purple, lavender and white Jordan almonds because they represent five wishes — health, wealth, happiness, children and longevity.
An intimate moment with their guests captured beautifully on camera.
The deejay really kept the party going. This bride really enjoyed her moment. Cheers to that!
Join us as we congratulate Steve and Shonda on their bridal bliss. Leave the happy couple a little comment love below. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!
