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Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik

When a close friend tells you they know someone that's “perfect for you,” believe them. That’s exactly how Torik met his wife, Stephanie, and they've lived happily ever after ever since.

By Charli Penn · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Unforgettable Moments

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
02
Beauty Made Easy

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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
03
Search Mission

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.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
04
Simply Beautiful

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
05
Pretty Pearls

Stephanie chose pretty shoes with pretty pearls to complement her wedding gown in just the right way.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
06
Love In Bloom

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
07
Game On

Torik and his groomsman enjoyed a game of pool on the morning of the wedding as they waited for the ceremony to begin.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
08
Custom Elegance

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
09
Inspired Blooms

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!

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
10
Portrait Time

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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
11
Pretty In Pink

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.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
12
Little Ones

Stephanie and Torik’s ring bearer and flower girl got along quite nicely. Those cheeks and outfits are just picture-perfect.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
13
The Only One For Me

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
14
My Kind of Man

“I knew Torik had all of the qualities I wanted in a husband,” says Stephanie.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
15
Brotherly Love

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.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
16
March With Me

The bride marched down the aisle to popular pick “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
17
Peace and Love

“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.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
18
Traditional Bride

The happy couple exchanged traditional vows at the altar.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
19
Our Kind of Place

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
20
Oh So Blessed

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
21
First Impressions

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
22
XOXO, The Ladies

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
23
Step Right This Way

There was no shortage of fabulous shoes on display at Stephanie and Torik’s wedding celebration.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
24
I Found You

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
25
Marriage Material

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
26
Smile For Me

“I love her eyes and brilliant smile,” Torik admits.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
27
I Choose You

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
28
Best Day Ever

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
29
Celebrate Our Love

One hundred and seventy guests came to help Stephanie and Torik celebrate their love.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
30
Cozy Elegance

The Hippodrome has now become one of our new reception venue favorites. We love the booths and the overall cozy, yet elegant, vibe.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
31
Vintage Meets Classic

“Our reception décor was a combination of rustic elegance and vintage style,” says Stephanie. “Pearls are just so timeless.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
32
Hold Me Close

The newlyweds chose “I Believe” by Whitney Houston for their first dance song.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
33
Like a Dream

Stephanie and Torik’s four-tier wedding cake featured pearl accents too. Isn’t it just dreamy?

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
34
Take a Seat

We’ve totally fallen for Stephanie and Torik’s vintage centerpieces. They’re so pretty, and romantic too!

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
35
Let’s Do It Again!

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
36
I Want You

“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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
37
Whatever It Takes

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.”

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography
38
New Beginnings

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!

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie and Torik
Kacie Lynch Photography

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