Twanna's charismatic high school classmate James turned out to be the man of her dreams. The modern couple threw a lavish, riverside wedding to remember and now they're enjoying blended family bliss.
On her big day, beautiful bride Twanna was surrounded by her squad, which included her big sister Temeka, her little sister, Tyrelle, her cousin Xiomara, and her childhood best friend. Before helping to guide her down the aisle, they prayed together and celebrated the joy of the moment.
Adam Leffel Productions created spectacular and romantic blush and ivory bouquets for the ladies, which they personally delivered to the hotel.
"James is a standup guy with a great personality and a wonderful sense of humor," says Twanna. "Our souls joined the moment we first fell in love. He keeps me happy and helps hold it down for our family. What more could a girl ask for?"
James helps their son, Liam, 5, get dressed on the morning of the wedding.
The bride wore dazzling Jimmy Choos down the aisle.
Twanna ordered custom vow holders for them to have at the altar and for years to come.
The bride spared no expense when it came to creating custom details for her big day. This uniquely designed keepsake box held her something old, new, borrowed, and of course, blue.
A selfie break for the groom and his best guys.
For her special day, the bride chose a romantic color palette of blush, ivory and silver, with a side of bling.
Twanna carefully selected custom details for every moment of her big day.
"Twanna's love and support is endless, and it only makes me love her more," says proud groom James. "She's beautiful both inside and out. I'm a lucky guy." Her fab hair and makeup was done by the team at Luxe Bar.
James' mom showered him with love and support as he prepared to meet his bride at the altar.
The bride's biggest fans were her twin daughters, who couldn't stop smiling at their mommy in her pretty, pretty dress.
For their bridal party portraits, the bride and her bridesmaids released giant blush balloons into the air.
James patiently awaits the arrival of his beautiful bride.
The couple and their bridal party arrived to the wedding venue in style, riding in a classic trolley car around the city.
Bling-loving bride Twanna draped herself in pretty diamonds and lots of sparkle on her wedding day.
The fellas chose to wow in designer grey suits. Check out the groom's blush tie. Can somebody say dapper?
Twanna found her gorgeous ballgown with a little help from the "dream team" at popular NYC dress boutique Bridal Reflections.
"James completes me," says Twanna."Together we have built the perfect blended family and learned to truly unite as a team. I'm so thankful for the love that we have."
Twanna and James chose the picturesque New York City skyline as the ultimate accessory for their wedding weekend.
“Wanting to be happy was a long term goal for me,” says James. “By putting God first, I've become a father and aspiring husband.”
Three years ago, Twanna and James were blessed with the birth of twin daughters, Lily and Laila. On their wedding day, the daddy's girls practically stole the show.
“My life is complete,” says James. “That white picket fence and dog I dreamed about has become modernized into a vibrant and blended family, words can't describe how blessed I am.”
“I am a dedicated mother, daughter and sister and now I’m also James’ wife,” says proud bride Twanna. She’s been dreaming about her wedding day since she was a little girl.
The bride's mom and dad couldn't contain their joy on their special day.
"When we kiss, it's like magic," says the beaming bride.
With the Hudson River and the spectacular New York City skyline photo bombing the ladies, what's not to love about their portrait session? Kudos to photographer Joshua Dwain for capturing their sisterhood perfectly.
The bride made sure her girls had a pop of bling as they walked down the aisle to stand by her side.
Twanna's dream team stayed right by her side for every single moment of her wedding day.
A bestie moment to remember. The bride and her matron of honor have been best friends since the 5th grade.
“We met in high school during his senior year,” says Twanna. “He was so charismatic, he immediately caught my attention, but it wasn’t until years later when we reconnected that our relationship turned from friendship to romance.”
Daddy's girl Twanna gets a smooch from her proud papa on the big day.
The bridesmaids donned gorgeous tulle gowns from Amsale. (A perfect pick for a romantic, evening wedding on the water.)
James was all smiles on his way down the aisle. "I couldn't wait to marry my Queen," he tells us.
The couple's son helped to welcome his mom down the aisle.
Twanna's father had the pleasure of walking her down the aisle. A singer was on hand to serenade them as they made their way to the altar.
Twanna was overwhelmed with joy as she met James at the altar on that breathtaking evening just before sunset. As she arrived, he tenderly wiped the tears of joy from her cheeks. Aww!
"Looking into his eyes, I knew that we were both sure that this was the best decision of our lives," says Twanna.
This aerial shot is absolute perfection.
"It was the happiest day of my life," says James. "For me as well," adds Twanna. Yes, we can see the love! The bride's uncle officiated their Christian ceremony.
The couple's twin daughters stood by their parents' side at the altar. Too precious for words.
During their ceremony, the couple participated in a wine pouring ceremony.
“We know a happy and long-lasting marriage includes three people,” says Twanna. “God, the husband and the wife.”
Mr. and Mrs. Matos' first kiss as husband and wife was one to remember.
For a special keepsake, the couple asked their guests to circle scriptures inside their Bible to uplift and inspire them throughout their marriage.
"Each day gets better," says Twanna of life with her groom.
The couple's romantic and classically elegant tablescapes were spectacular by day and by night.
A menu to remember.
After carefully planning every single detail, Twanna hired the team at Details Made Simple to bring her big day to life, so she wouldn't have to lift a finger.
The suspended cake that their guests couldn't stop talking about and photographing was designed by Adam Leffel Productions, to complement their yummy cake from Palermo Bakery. So chic! So lovely!
Mr. and Mrs. Matos have arrived!
The newlyweds danced under the spotlight for the first time to Chrisette Michele's romantic hit "A Couple Of Forevers."
This picture says it all. #teamlove
Midway through the evening, Twanna transformed her look by swapping into a second, vintage-inspired (and dance-friendly) gown.
When we say Twanna and James' guests partied the night away, we really mean it. These photos tell the tale! A deejay from Fusion Social Events kept the tunes spinning while guests rotated between the dance floor and the photo booth.
At the reception, Samba dancers from Casa Brazilia surprised guests with an unforgettable performance then posed for fun photos with all who wanted to join in the fun.
Twanna and James partied the night away. "I wish we could have stayed all night," says the bride. "It was the best party ever!"
A cake as fabulous as this couple.
Cheers to the bride and groom. (And, would you look at that sweetheart table!?)
The couple was so sure their guests would party the night away, they gave out "hangover kits" with headache meds and water as wedding favors for guests.
The couple were (literally) jumping for joy as guests cheered them off with sparklers during their grand exit
In addition to having a late-night bubbly bar, for a sweet, late-night surprise, Twanna and James brought in popular NYC dessert truck Wafles & Dinges. Yum-my!
Join us as we congratulate the happy bride and groom. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now.
