Nod and Michelle's Wedding in West Palm Beach, Florida

In our arrival at the church, far from the distance, we could hear soft music playing. We all went to the dressing room of the church for a final checkup and some girl chat. Then we lined up for the procession ceremony. When all wedding party was by the altar, the music stopped. All heads turned to face the far end of the hall in the church. Then the song for the bridal to make her entrance down the aisle started to play. As the door open, I felt like an angel flowing on the sky with my white strapless wedding gown, my two-tier veil with a matching crystal head-piece and my rose silk bouquet on my hand. My dad was next to me, holding me by my left arm. He gave me a gentle look and smiled at me as we reached the bottom step by the altar. Awaiting for us there was the pastor and my handsome husband-to-be. Nod was standing there staring at me in his white stunning single-breasted, satin tuxedo with a white-wing collar shirt. When our eyes met, we smiled at each other. This was marvelous.

The next event was the wedding ceremony. When the music came to a stop, the clergyman stepped up to the microphone, with his Bible in hand. He stood with a smiled in front of the assembly. He began by welcoming everyone by saying "Dearly beloved family members and honored guests, I would like to thank each of you for coming out today to join Nod and Michelle in the union of marriage." The sound carried well from the small speakers to either side of the podium. The pastor opened the ceremony with these words "Let us begin by thanking the Lord for this wonderful day." We all bowed our heads and he prayed.

After the prayer was over, the preacher asked who is giving that beautiful bride’s hand in marriage. My dad responded, “I do.” Then he placed my hand gently on my husband-to-be hand and whispered “Good luck Michelle.” Everyone laughed. The Pasteur continued with the ceremony by leading us through the vows and the exchange of rings. My ring bearer was adorable. He looked like a mirror image of the husband-to-be with his white tuxedo. He walked up and handed Nod the rings. Nod slipped it on my finger. The pastor turned to me and handed a ring. Then I took it and put it on Nod’s finger very delicately. After that, the pastor turned to the whole segregation and said: "By the power vested unto me, I now proclaim you husband and wife." "You may now kiss your bride." Nod did so, placing his hands on my shoulders. The pastor held up his hands, bringing the crowd to their feet.

After the wedding ceremony, our guests were escorted to the cocktail area. It was a relaxing and enjoyable moment for the guests and family. There were many hugs and kisses that were exchanged between friends and family. Nod and I, on the other hand, were whisked away to take photos. After our pictures, we were escorted to the cocktail room. As we entered the room, everyone waved at us and congratulated us. We were like celebrities. Everyone came to take pictures with us. It was unbelievably beautiful and magical.

While everyone was having fun, the aroma of the food spread into the atmosphere. The tables at the reception room were decorated with royal purple linens, white napkins in which had the inscription Nod and Michelle, nice lighted candled with beautiful flowers. The sweetheart table was amazingly gorgeous. All you could hear from all guests entering the reception room was “Wow! It is so beautiful.”

We had a buffet style dinner. After my husband and I got our plate of food, our guests went by table to get theirs. When everyone was seated and enjoyed their food, we made the toast. Everyone did an amazing job, however, my maid of honor, cousin Nadine, killed it. She had everyone jumping with joy by the end of it.

When dinner was over, we all gathered to the dance floor. My husband and I were well prepared for our first dance. We took dance lesson for two months. The instructor was very patient with us. He took his time to prepare us for our special day to make sure that our first dance be memorable. Our first dance song was “Penny Lover,” by Lionel Richie. We were nervous when the time came for our first dance, however, with all our practice, we were confident that we were going to be amazing. The dance was executed so smoothly that the DJ said “This is the best choreographed dance I have ever seen. You nail it gracefully and effortlessly.”

The next event that took place was the father-daughter dance. It was the most touching moment. My dad and I danced to “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. My husband danced with his mother to this song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. An extra dance was added. It was between my husband and my mother. Their dance song was “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole.

Then came the funny moment. We did a garter toss and a bouquet toss. When the time came to do the bouquet toss, it happened so quick that I did not have any recollection how to depict it. One thing for sure everyone was having a good time. It was funny when the garter toss happened. When my husband tossed the garter, all the single men who were on the stage ran away from the garter instead of trying to catch it. Except for the only guy who went after it and he caught it. It was a shock to the DJ. He said in dismay “It happens sometimes with the men. None of them want to catch the garter. They all dispersed away from it. Unfortunately, one usually catches the garter.”

Then the big moment arrived where everyone joined me and my husband on the dance floor. We had the best moment of our life. My husband and I danced to all the songs that the DJ threw at us. We did not miss a beat. We party like a start. We had a blast, thanks to our enthusiastic and entertaining DJ.

After the ceremony and dancing the night away, my husband and I were getting waiting for our honeymoon. We went home, packed our baggage and had a restful night. The next day, we were happily headed to Puerto Rico, San Juan for our Honeymoon. We were excited. Everything was well done. We had a wonderful time. We were thankful to Princess who gave us this precious gift.

After all, this is a moment that we will cherish. All the people we love and who have impacted us the most throughout our lives and our relationship were all present to support us in the celebration of our most memorable day. By the end of the wedding, everyone was like one big happy family and that was so wonderful to see. We were thankful for all of our friends and family who traveled so far to celebrate with us. Those who were not able to make it were truly missed. It was incredibly awesome to see the energy and the love that were shared during our wedding day. The only word I can use to describe our wedding day is UNFORGETTABLE.

Special Dance Songs

Groom and Bride First Dance Song: “Penny Lover” by Lionel Richie

Father -Daughter Dance Song: Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts

Groom and Mom Dance Song: “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

Groom and Mother- in –law Dance Song: “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole

Vendor Information

My wedding consisted of dedicated vendors who worked diligently to help me prepare everything. They went through so much with me during this whole process and I couldn’t be more thankful for them.

I planned my own wedding with my future husband next by side. It took me two years to plan everything. It was not an easy task. First, we created a budget. After that, we researched everything that we needed like venue, photographer, florist, DJ, limo, cake and many more. We made many phone calls and went to visit many vendors. We were well prepared to explain to them what we exactly wanted and how we expected it to be done.

The dress for the wedding party was a collaborated decision made by everyone that was involved. We had several video chats and phone calls with our group where we discussed dress style and color, hairstyle, makeup, shoes and where to purchase their items and even gave them the price for everything. I was definitely the one behind all final decision. I made sure that there was no drama.

Although at the beginning it was stressful, with the determination and dedication that I had, I was able to pull all together wonderfully and nicely. My diligent and arduous work was not done in vain. Everyone was so surprised by the amazing and extraordinary job that I did.

Wedding Planner: Me

Wedding Ceremony: Christ Fellowship

Venue: Bear Lakes Country Club

Florist: A Red Rose the Bridal and Event Florist

Photographer: Deborah Zwick Rosenberg: ELLe Rose Photography and D Jay Entertainment

Wedding Cake: Flashy Wedding Cakes with Fountain

Hair & Makeup: Araceli Bravo Artistry

Wedding Shoes: Michael Angelo High Heels David's Bridal

Bride wedding dress: Strapless Bridal Gowns: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Royal purple one-shoulder dress – David Bridal

DJ: Kenny Mondo Productions

Honeymoon: Puerto Rico, San Juan