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Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin

Tai and Gavin met their freshman year at Hampton University during step team practice and instantly became the best of friends. They didn’t know it then, but they were destined to become husband and wife. Totally smitten, Gavin popped the question on a Jumbotron at Disney World after they completed a marathon together. See their stunning “I dos” and share their love!
By Charli Penn · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Meant to Be

“When you search for love in all the wrong places, there is a point when you just feel what is right,” says the bride. “Gavin and I had always been friends. We never had to impress each other. I always felt comfortable around him, and it just felt right.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
02
A Sure Thing

“I knew Gavin was the one I was supposed to marry because at no point did I ever feel like I wanted to walk away or give up on him,” says Tai.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
03
That Sparkle In Your Eye

Tai chose a pop of color for her feet with these dazzling heels from Boutique9. She borrowed earrings from her sorority sister and found her chapel length veil from Etsy.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
04
A Love So True

“I love Gavin to the deepest part of his soul,” says Tai.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
05
My Heart In Your Hands

“Being a bride felt amazing,” says Tai, who carried a lovely bouquet of calla lillies to complement her modern mermaid gown.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
06
You Make Me Better

“Gavin has helped me grow into myself and into our relationship,” says Tai. “He makes me laugh constantly and he’s compassionate and really cares for others. He really supports me and challenges me to be better.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
07
All Little Ones Welcome

Ten of Tai and Gavin’s combined 12 nieces and nephews were involved in their wedding. The three flowers girls looked absolutely adorable in their all white gowns to match the bride.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
08
Here She Comes

Gavin just couldn’t wipe the grin off his face as he waited patiently to get his “first look” at his beaming bride Tai.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
09
Love Realized

The couple’s first look was very emotional for them. “I love having my best friend around me all the time,” says Gavin. “I love that I finally know what love really is.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
10
Lost Without You

“I thought I would never fall in love,” Gavin confesses. “I thought I was broken from previous so-called relationships. I was trying to be a bachelor and live a lifestyle I wasn’t capable of maintaining.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
11
Hey Guys!

Gavin picked out the groosmen’s style for the day. He found these dapper digs as part of the Black by Vera Wang Collection at Men’s Warehouse.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
12
Looking the Part

“We wanted something clean-cut and modern for the groomsmen attire,” Tai explains. “This style was so sleek that we knew all of the men would look great.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
13
Something For Everyone

All the bridesmaids glowed in their floor-length Bari-Jay evening gowns. “The eggplant color was just the right look for the wedding,” Tai adds. It was very elegant. I wanted to choose a dress that flattered all of their shapes and sizes.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
14
Standing Tall

The happy couple strikes a pose with the smallest members of the bridal party. This is instant picture magic.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
15
Falling For You

“i planned my wedding myself,” says Tai, who says she doesn’t regret skipping hiring a wedding planner.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
16
The Perfect Place

“Our personalities are fun, unexpected and over-the-top,” explains Tai. “We wanted venues that spoke to the both of us. The Abbey in Orlando, Florida  is a chic boutique theater with a bar in the back and The Mezz, where we held our reception, was a modern event space directly around the corner from the ceremony location.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
17
Here Comes the Groom

“The decor at the Abbey was great,” says Tai. “There was no need to add much. The ceremony took place on a stage and we loved that element.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
18
Cute Overload

The ring bearers followed Gavin down the aisle. Could these two guys have been any cuter?

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
19
Will You Marry Me?

Tai’s father escorted her down the aisle to the sound of the acoustic version of  “Marry Me” by Train. Her cathedral veil adds just the right amount of drama to match their unique theater venue.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
20
Love Is In the Air

When we saw the proud and joyous look on Gavin’s face as he watched Tai come down the aisle, our hearts just melted. You can really see the love between them in every single photo taken on that day.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
21
That Special Touch

“I wanted all elements of our wedding to have a special meaning,” explains Tai. “Our ceremony was performed by Reverend Michael Wortham. He went to school with us at Hampton and he was one of my little brothers. Being married by a family friend was very special for us. Everyone knew him.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
22
From My Heart to Yours

Tai and Gavin’s nieces read scriptures before the couple exchanged traditional vows. “We wanted to say the traditional vows and add our own words to them to make it more intimate.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
23
I’ve Got Your Back

“I felt an overwhelming sense of emotion at the altar with Tai,” Gavin shares. “It was an almost out of body experience that came over me. I am not an emotional guy whatsoever, but it made me realize how lucky and blessed I am to have found my life partner in a world so big.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
24
My King

Tai’s king wore a fitting crown on his way down the aisle with his queen, and the new Mr. and Mrs. McEachin were all smiles as they reflected on how far they’d come together.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
25
Right This Way

Immediately following the ceremony, Tai an Gavin’s guests enjoyed a fancy cocktail hour on site after which they were then escorted around the corner to the reception location, The Mezz.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
26
Celebrate Good Times

Assorted vases filled with floating cymbidiums were placed atop luxe linens to create a purple and green fairytale venue for the couple and their guests to celebrate in.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
27
How Swee It Is to Be Loved By You

“Our wedding cake was delicious,” says Tai of their stunning, four-tier confection made with strawberry swirl, apple cinnamon and amaretto with buttercream frosting.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
28
Less Is More

“Anyone can tell you that I’m not crazy about flowers,” says Tai. “I kept our flowers to a minimum for the décor and bouquets.” Florist Flowers By Lesley created the florals for the big day and the bride admits she fell in love with them.” Wait, is that sweet tea we see? Yum!

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
29
We’ve Come So Far

The newlyweds made a surprise entrance into their reception, complete with video props, to Drake’s smash hit “Started From the Bottom.”

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
30
Fast and Slow

The new Mr. and Mrs. took to the dance floor to share their first dance as husband and wife to a fun mix of “You Are So Beautiful” by Nicholas David and “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock. Fun times!

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
31
It’s Time to Party

Florida DJ, Mobile DJS spun hits all night to keep the couple’s guests on their feet.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
32
Sisterly Love

Tai’s Delta Sigma Theta Inc. sorority sisters surrounded her with lots of sisterly love with a special tribute.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
33
A Slice of Joy

The happy couple stops for a photo opp as they cut their gorgeous wedding cake.

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
34
Happily Ever After

Did you enjoy Tai and Gavin’s big day? Leave the happy couple a little comment love below. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!

Bridal Bliss: Tai and Gavin
ArtPhotoSoul Photography
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