“I wasn’t expecting Torik to propose,” Stephanie admits. “I thought he was going to do it around the holidays, but instead, he created a moment that was totally organic. When he presented me with the ring, I was so stunned I couldn’t say anything. I finally came to when he asked the second time. The moment was so memorable.”
DIY bride Stephanie styled her own pretty locks for her wedding day and then called on makeup artist Dana Edwards to help with her beauty look for the day. “I didn’t have a ‘something old’ or ‘borrowed,’ but my ‘something new’ was my jewelry and my ‘something blue’ was my garter.”
Stephanie’s wedding dress search began in Philadelphia and ended in Richmond, Virginia. “It was a long process,” she admits. “I think I tried on close to 100 dresses. The dress I had in mind wasn’t the dress I went with at all. I wanted all lace but ended up with an organza gown. I added a beautiful vintage sash made of tiny beads and pearls that sparkled beautifully.” Stephanie wound up choosing a gown called Yardleigh by Wtoo.
“I wore a veil made by my friend and previous co-worker, Robinette Johnson,” says Stephanie. “My jewelry was simple – I wore dainty rhinestone earrings that my mother picked out.”
Stephanie chose pretty shoes with pretty pearls to complement her wedding gown in just the right way.
“The two flowers that I absolutely wanted in my bouquet were peonies and ranunculus,” says Stephanie. “They are such beautiful flowers. I found a photo online of the perfect bouquet, so I was really inspired by that.”
Torik and his groomsman enjoyed a game of pool on the morning of the wedding as they waited for the ceremony to begin.
“Evelyn Bagala designed and created the bridesmaids’ dresses,” says Stephanie. “I couldn’t find anything in the color I wanted, so I felt it best to the have the dresses made and the outcome was gorgeous.”
Florist Al Brockwell from FloraCulture created these inspired bouquets for Stephanie’s bridesmaids and maid of honor. The combination of pastel colors and pretty blooms is absolutely lovely!
His best man, four groomsmen and the ring bearer joined Torik for portraits. “Both Torik and I picked the attire for the guys,” Stephanie tells us. “We wanted to go with a color that would complement the soft colors that the girls wore.”
Since Stephanie’s bridesmaids’ gowns were custom made, each lovely lady was able to look and feel her best in the gown because it was made just for her. The bride wanted her girls to look great too, and it shows.
Stephanie and Torik’s ring bearer and flower girl got along quite nicely. Those cheeks and outfits are just picture-perfect.
“Honestly, I knew Stephanie was ‘The One’ after our first date,” says Torik. “I felt a strong connection with her. I felt I could be myself, and not just a representative of myself. She felt so comfortable around me that she started eating off my plate by the end of the meal. Afterwards, we enjoyed coffee and engaged in a pleasant conversation that never seemed to end.”
“I knew Torik had all of the qualities I wanted in a husband,” says Stephanie.
The bride’s older brother had the pleasure of escorting her down the aisle. “He is near and dear to my heart, and he’s watched me grow up into the person I’ve become,” she tells us.
The bride marched down the aisle to popular pick “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner.
“Our wedding officiant was the pastor of the church, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” says the bride. “I felt a sense of relief and peace at the altar. I was ready to make our love offficial and begin a long journey of happiness together,” the groom adds.
The happy couple exchanged traditional vows at the altar.
“We knew we wanted to get married in Richmond, Virginia since that’s where we both lived,” says Stephanie. “I’ve always loved the pastor at St. Peter’s Baptist Church as well as the interior of the church.”
“I am a very patient man,” says Torik. “I knew that if I continued to pray for the right woman for me that she would bless me with her presence.”
“My first experience with the Hippodrome Theater was at a Halloween party for my husband’s job,” Stephanie shares about their hip reception venue. “During that time, I was still living in Philadelphia, and we had only been engaged for one day, but as soon as I laid eyes on the venue, I felt like I could have my wedding there.”
“The theme of our wedding was rustic elegance in hues of peach and mocha,” says the bride. “As much as I love bold, bright colors, I knew I wanted my wedding colors to be soft and muted.”
There was no shortage of fabulous shoes on display at Stephanie and Torik’s wedding celebration.
“I don’t think I was expecting to find true love when I did,” says Stephanie. “Although, I knew I would one day find it.”
“The man I married is the complete opposite of me,” says Stephanie. “But as they say, opposites attract. He has great qualities. He’s trustworthy, he provides, he’s hardworking and genuine.”
“I love her eyes and brilliant smile,” Torik admits.
“I chose Stephanie as my wife because she is beautiful, modest and intelligent,” says Torik. “Also, because of her heart. She is one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met. She is a beautiful person inside and out. She is my balance and everything that I am not.”
“Being a groom was everything I thought it would be and more,” says Torik. “I was surprisingly at peace even though it seemed everything went by so fast. I wish I could have slowed the day down a bit.”
One hundred and seventy guests came to help Stephanie and Torik celebrate their love.
The Hippodrome has now become one of our new reception venue favorites. We love the booths and the overall cozy, yet elegant, vibe.
“Our reception décor was a combination of rustic elegance and vintage style,” says Stephanie. “Pearls are just so timeless.”
The newlyweds chose “I Believe” by Whitney Houston for their first dance song.
Stephanie and Torik’s four-tier wedding cake featured pearl accents too. Isn’t it just dreamy?
We’ve totally fallen for Stephanie and Torik’s vintage centerpieces. They’re so pretty, and romantic too!
“It felt wonderful to be a bride,” says Stephanie. “I felt like a princess, and it was all I’d ever dreamed it would be, but the day went by so fast. I wish I could go back and relive it all again.”
“I absolutely loved the entertainment, DJ Prolific,” Stephanie boasts. “The first time that I heard him deejay, I knew that I wanted him for our wedding day.”
When it came to saving for her big day, Stephanie got pretty crafty. “I moved back home with my mother to save money for the wedding,” she admits. “She was happy to have me, but towards the end, she was ready for me to leave.”
Do you love Stephanie and Torik’s vintage inspired wedding as much as we do? Leave the happy couple a little comment love below, then check out more photos from their celebration over at The Bride’s Cafe. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!
