• Celebrity
    • Daniel Kaluuya – Digital Cover
    • Cardi B and Offset Cover
    • Method Man – Digital Cover
    • Zazie Beetz – Digital Cover
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Fashion House 2021
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Black Beauty Awards 2022
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO® Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • MAYBELLINE: FIT ME MATTE + PORELESS
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Prudential – Dream & Plan with Confidence
    • Black History Month
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Holiday Gift Guide
    • Lifestyle News
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Festival
  • Events
    • Road to Festival
    • 2022 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2022 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • Entrepreneur Summit 2021
    • Wellness House
    • VAX & VIBES Louisiana
    • Girls United Summit 2021
    • She Got Now
    • Fashion House 2021
    • GU Back To School
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • Power Tools
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Essence Studios
  • Girls United
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters

WHERE BLACK WOMEN COME FIRST

Every day we're serving Black women deeply. Come get a plate of goodness! Sign up for daily content and exclusive offers you'll love!

Your email is required.
Your email is in invalid format.
Confirm email is required.
Email did not match.
By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and that you have read our Privacy Policy
Skip to content
SUBSCRIBE
  • MAGAZINE
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Celebrity
    • Daniel Kaluuya – Digital Cover
    • Cardi B and Offset – Print Cover
    • Method Man – Digital Cover
    • Zazie Beetz – Digital Cover
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Fashion House 2021
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Black Beauty Awards 2022
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO® Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty News
    • MAYBELLINE: FIT ME MATTE + PORELESS
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Prudential – Dream & Plan with Confidence
    • Black History Month
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Holiday Gift Guide
    • Lifestyle News
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Festival
    • Sponsors
    • Fest Videos
  • Events
    • Road to Festival
    • 2022 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2022 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • Entrepreneur Summit 2021
    • Wellness House
    • VAX & VIBES Louisiana
    • Girls United Summit 2021
    • She Got Now
    • Fashion House 2021
    • GU Back To School
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • Power Tools
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Studios
  • Girls United
Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne's Mississippi Wedding Photos

Melanie moved to a new town to start a new life and on her second day of work, customer Dwayne walked into the bank and made his move. After dating for only a few weeks, he told her she would be his wife. Guess what? He was right! See their southern wedding style and share their love!

By Charli Penn · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Listen To Your Heart

“When we met, this man was very consistent in trying to make me a happy woman,” says Melanie. “He was a total stranger who became my best friend. I allowed him into my life and into my heart and I was able to share things with him that I had never told anyone, and he never judged me.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
02
Like A Dream

Melanie searched online for months before she found the perfect dress, this gorgeous Vera Wang selection that fit her like a dream.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
03
Pretty In Pink

“For my accessories I wore pearls, no bling, and my shoes were ivory lace with pink satin outlining,’ says the stylish bride. “I wore a birdcage veil and a lace garter with a pink and ivory rose.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
04
On Cloud Nine

“When I first put the dress on, I immediately felt like I was standing on clouds,” says Melanie.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
05
Follow Me

Melanie’s fierce tiered train almost took our breath away. We love a bride who knows her style.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
06
You Give Me Butterflies

“It felt like a dream while I was getting ready,” Melanie shares. “I was very excited, never nervous and my stomach was full of butterflies too.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
07
Pinky Swear

“My bridesmaids all had fans instead of bouquets and a pink rose,” says Melanie.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
08
You Make Me So Happy

“Dwayne is not your typical man,” says Melanie. “I love this man’s happy spirit.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
09
Turn To Me

“The man I married is what I call a Mr. Fix-It,” says Melanie. “He wants everyone to be smiling and happy. He is a very dedicated and committed man. I know that if I ever need words of wisdom or some firm advice, he is the one I can turn to.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
10
You Are My World

“This woman is my world, and I would not change that for anything,” says proud groom Dwayne.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
11
Count On Us

“My bridesmaids were friends of mine and my sister,” says Melanie. “My honorary bridesmaids were my husband’s cousins, and my junior bride was my now stepdaughter. My matron of honor was my good friend and she was there from the start of my wedding weekend to the end.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
12
One Of A Kind

When it came time to choose a wedding undo, Melanie had a master plan. “I wanted a style that you don’t see many brides with, but at the same time, something that would flow in the wind and not sweat out,” she shares.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
13
The Perfect Fit

“We got married at the Castle Hill Pavilion in Florence, Mississippi,” says Melanie. “We’d looked at other venues and decided on a different one before finding out about this one. When we did find out about it and went to look at it, it was like nothing we’d ever imagined. The place fit us just right.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
14
Jot It Down

Who needs wedding programs when you can find out the ceremony order on a fun chalkboard when you enter? Once again, Melanie and Dwayne, we’re impressed.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
15
Special Delivery

Melanie’s nephew had the special job of letting the couple’s guests know it was time to rise for the bride.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
16
With This Ring

Melanie’s son was the ring bearer and he carried a custom ring box designed with the bride and groom in mind.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
17
Uncle Knows Best

“My youngest uncle was the one to walk me down the aisle,” says Melanie. “I chose my uncle because he has always supported me in everything I’ve done in my life. He was the one I could turn to as I was growing up.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
18
Made To Love You

Melanie walked down the aisle to the song Gerald Levert “Made to Love You.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
19
A Love That Overcomes

“The day of our wedding, looking into his eyes I knew he was the one for me,” says Melanie. “It was like all my dreams had come true, and I had overcome all my fears.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
20
To Love and To Cherish

“Our bishop did not allow us to write our own vows,” Melanie shares. “He has special vows that he speaks to everyone at the wedding, which we felt were much needed to be heard. The vows spoke highly of upholding us as a couple and that if you cannot support us, then do not be there to degrade us.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
21
My Angel

“I felt like heaven had come down to earth and I was blessed with and angel,” says Dwayne.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
22
Kisses

The newlyweds lock lips in a romantic kiss to seal the deal.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
23
Stand By Me

“For my bridesmaid dresses I wanted a cool dress,” says the bride. “I thought about the season and the month. The dresses came from David’s Bridal. I chose to do a one strap chiffon pink dress. It was short and flowed well with each girls body type.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
24
I Love You With All My Heart

“I was on cloud 99 the entire day,” says Dwayne. “Just knowing I had this beautiful woman standing here before me and wanting to entrust me with her heart, body and soul was more than enough for me.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
25
Loving You

“What I love most about my wife is that she allows me to be me without any hesitation,” says Dwayne. “She is a communicator and I love that the most about her.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
26
Have A Seat

“For the cocktail hour, I did a country theme,” says the event planner bride. “I had bales of hay and rocking chairs. The rocking chairs were our guest books; each guest signed a rocking chair.” And the award for the coolest guestbook idea ever goes to…well, you know the rest!

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
27
Sign Here

Guests had no problem giving Melanie and Dwayne’s non-traditional guestbook a try.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
28
Chic and Sweet

“For the reception décor, I went for a more chic, Parisian theme,” says the bride. We love it!

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
29
It’s All About the Details

“I had vintage mannequins and briefcases, Eiffel Towers and pearls,” Melanie boasts. “Every table’s centerpiece was different. I even had a candy table that was decorated with a picture runway of our engagement photos leading up to the candy.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
30
Sharing Is Caring

There was no shortage of cutie pies to hug and squeeze at Melanie and Dwayne’s wedding. We love that they included the children to share the love.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
31
A Dance to Remember

Melanie and Dwayne chose K-Ci and Jo Jo’s “All My Life” for their memorable first dance moment.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
32
Keep It Simple

The wedding cake was simple and chic. “I didn’t want many layers and too much décor,” Melanie shares.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
33
Whimsical Romance

Romantic bride Melanie filled her wedding with whimsical details and we adore each and every one of them.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
34
Get On Your Feet

Both a deejay and a live band kept Melanie and Dwayne’s guests on their feet.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
35
Smile!

“Our wedding was one of the happiest weddings I have been to in a while,” says the bride. “Everyone was smiling and laughing.”

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography
36
We Love Love

Join us in congratulating Melanie and Dwayne on their romantic “I dos.” Don’t forget to tell us your favorite part of their story below. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now.

Bridal Bliss: Melanie and Dwayne’s Mississippi Wedding Photos
Carlyn Photography

Read More

On Marcus Garvey’s 135th Birthday, A New Documentary Is Honoring His Life And Legacy
Culture
Inside The Marcus Garvey Documentary Seeking To Clear The Ac...
All The Celeb Couples Came Out For Draymond Green And Hazel Renee’s Wedding
Love & Sex
All The Celeb Couples Came Out For Draymond Green And Hazel ...
Roberta Moradfar Details The Do’s And Don’ts Of Sun Care For Black Skin
Beauty
Advanced Aesthetics Practitioner Roberta Moradfar Details Th...
Ja Rule Talks New NFT Platform And Why It’s Poised To Revolutionize How We Appreciate Art
Money & Career
Ja Rule Talks New NFT Platform And Why It’s Poised To Revo...
Mahisha Dellinger Celebrates CURLS 20th Anniversary With New Collection
Shop
Mahisha Dellinger Celebrates CURLS 20th Anniversary With New...
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.

©2022 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