About Kendra and Terrence
Occupations: U.S. Government Contractor, Pharmacist and U.S. Public Health Service Officer
How Kendra and Terrence met:  Florida A&M University Homecoming Football Game
What attracted Terrence to Kendra: Sense of adventure, Loving heart, Intelligence, Gorgeous smile
What attracted Kendra to Terrence: Humility, God-loving spirit, Intelligence, Sense of humor, Easy going nature, Good looks
What was the best advice you received as a couple? From the bride: make it a priority to nourish my husband’s spirit and to be that soft and loving space for him. Also, take time for just the two of you if you can immediately after the ceremony before you get pulled for photos and meeting and greeting your guests. From the groom: Be open and quick to listen and maintain a forgiving heart.
Engagement story: Terrence picked me up from my job and he spontaneously suggested we grab an early dinner. We went to La Tavola, an Italian restaurant in Baltimore, MD. During dinner, Terrence got up several times, which I thought was to the restroom. Unbeknownst to be, he was behind the scenes speaking with the owner and wait staff informing them that he was going to propose and working out details of them being prepared to take photos. As we were finishing dinner, Terrence looked sad and disappointed as told me things were not going quite as planned, and while reminding me of his intent to marry me in the future, it was going to take a little longer to get engaged.  I nodded my head in acceptance and listened intently.  Little did I know he had the ring box sitting on the chair across from me.  He acted as if he was getting up to go to the restroom again, but then turned to walk around the table towards me. At the same time, the owner and wait staff came in and started taking photos. He then got on one knee and said “Kendra you mean the world to me and I love you dearly; would you do me the honor of being my wife?” My jaw was dropped as he did all this. Before he could finish speaking, I jumped up into his arms in a hug and said yes!  Because I was in such shock and I didn’t hear anything he said the first time, I asked him to repeat it so I could remember the loving words he said. There was only one other couple in the dining room at the time he proposed; lighting was dim it was quiet, romantic, and perfect!

The Wedding Day
Wedding date: January 11, 2014
Number of guests: 41
Wedding colours: Purple, raspberry pink, coral
Kendra’s most memorable moment: Reciting our vows
Terrence’s most memorable moment: Seeing my bride in her gorgeous dress at the top of the stairs; removal of the garter
Kendra and Terrence’s advice to others: No matter how hard you plan, things happen. At the end of the day, it’s about the two of you. Relax and enjoy the day because it goes fast!
Favourite wedding details: The altar at our wedding, which included a wooden cross made from remnant wood from the Oklahoma tornado. The ocean view from 1,000 ft high was perfect! We also had our guests use the eversnapapp.com photo sharing app so they could send us their photos.
Most unexpected moment: When Terrence pulled out his gold boots, characteristic of his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Incorporated, and did a solo step performance during removal of the garter.
Most romantic moment: Our first dance, which we performed as soon as we were introduced. It was choreographed to Michael Jackson’s Whatever Happens.
Did you include any traditions in your wedding? Our stepfathers read biblical scriptures during the ceremony. In addition, we did a sand ceremony and jumped the broom, which was created by Terrence’s Mother.
Honeymoon: Nayara Arenal, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The day in three words: Magical, Elegant, Breathtaking

Wedding Details
Ceremony location: Pool Terrace, Zephyr Palace, Costa Rica
Reception location: Zephyr Palace, Costa Rica
Why did you choose this location for your wedding? The scenery and the view fit the characteristics, taste, and imagery we desired for our wedding.
Kendra’s gown: Casablanca iridescent organza over satin with beadwork and embroidery in Champagne/Ivory/Silver
Kendra’s shoes: Enzo Angiolini
Terrence’s outfit: Custom ivory linen suit from studiojeans.com; shoes: Genuine snakeskin Georgio Brutini sandals in cream; paisley ivory tie and ivory silk pocket square from ebay.com
Type of rings: Custom, Masica Diamonds, Rockville, MD
Jewellery: earrings & bracelet, Nadri, Lord & Taylor
Bridesmaids dresses: Custom chiffon, DHGate.com; own shoes. Custom earrings and bracelets designed by Debra Goren, debragorendesigns.com
Groomsmen attire: Custom linen in tropical dark beige, studiojeans.com. Purple paisley ties, Countess Mara, Macys. Silk purple pocket squares, Men’s Warehouse. Own shoes
Wedding song: Jamie Foxx feat Beyonce: “That’s my Dream”, sung a cappella by one of Terrence’s groomsmen, Herron Gaston.
Favours: Andes after dinner mints
Music: Felipe Solís, Costa Rica
Photographer: Christina Craft, FunkytownPhotography.com
Hair: Shamika Pratt-Jackson, passionateabouthair@gmail.com
Makeup: Deborah Williams, lifeandbeautyrehab@gmail.com
Stationery/Invitations: Weddingpaperdivas.com
Catering: Villa Caletas/Zephyr Palace

Fun Stuff
Astrological signs (Kendra) and (Terrence): Sagittarius, Virgo
What was old? My lace handkerchief, which was given to me by my best friend and maid of honor at her wedding 13 years prior.
What was new? My dress!
What was borrowed? A rhinestone hair pin from my mother
What was blue? My lace undies, which said “I do” in rhinestone. From Nordstrom
What did you put in gift bags? Artisan wine stopper, silk hand fans, massage lotion entitled “Unexpected Touch” custom blended by the couple, Wedding weekend survival kit with medicines and toiletries, facial tissue, trail mix, personalized coasters, eversnap photo instruction card, welcome letter, wedding weekend itinerary
Is there anything else that helps tell the story of the day? View our wedding overview video at vimeo.com/85654180; completed by Nikki Whitmire, vimeo.com/nikkiv
Tell us about your experience working with LUXE: Alexandra, our wedding coordinator from Luxe, was great to work with and very engaged and responsive during the entire wedding planning process! We enjoyed working with her!