@theartofmadeline
Love Begins
Not today Justin
🪼
Discoholic 🪩
Jimmy Eat World
hello vonnie
No title available
cherry valley forever
Claire Keane
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
No title available
Product Placement
untitled
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year
Fai_Ryy
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH
Sade Olutola
Game Changer & Make Some Noise
ojovivo
seen from Brazil
seen from Türkiye
seen from Thailand
seen from Malaysia
seen from Bahrain
seen from Brazil
seen from Ecuador
seen from Switzerland
seen from India
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from France
seen from China
seen from Bangladesh
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from Denmark
seen from United States
seen from Vietnam
seen from United States
@jonandtai
I wanted to share a few pictures from my wedding with you. These photos are posted on our photographer's blog. In subhead, there is a link to his first blog post. Be sure to check out my "something blue" and Jon's wedding surprise.
You want to take it there?
I do a lot of sales in my job, so I realize when someone is trying to get me to book/buy. Such was the case with my wedding reception venue. There was an employee, who we'll call "Genie" in this blog. He's called Genie because he ran his mouth, as if he had the power to grant us wishes.
Genie knew we were in a sticky situation, so he told us about everything the event company offers. I asked many questions, and his answer was always, "Umm hmm...We can do that." We didn't need catering, but having them set up was enticing. Genie told us they set up tables, chairs, linen, and centerpieces for $350. Since I originally planned for 300 guests, this was an awesome deal.
Two weeks before the wedding, I called the venue to determine the best day to drop things at the venue. I was told my payment only covered the space rental and the setup of tables and chairs. There was NO WAY I paid $350 to have someone set up tables and chairs. I could have hired my own people for less! The manager assured me everything would be done as Genie described. She also told us The setup was actually $375. The difference would be taken from Genie's paycheck, since he gave us the wrong information.
My parents asked a family friend to oversee the reception decor and set the head table. When she arrived, she did everything except putting down the table and chairs. We paid the venue to do that. We had also paid the venue to have a competent person on hand. That didn't happen. Genie was dressed in street clothes and never offered to assist , nor asked if my husband and I needed anything. The only time he spoke to us was during this incident. I honestly think he was trying to con us into giving him the money he lost. It's my wedding day, jerk. Unless you want me to punch you in your jaw, you should leave me alone.
Despite this situation, I had a wonderful wedding. My mom scheduled a meeting with the venue manager, since I was on my honeymoon. The manager required Genie to be present, but he quit. Apparently, this wasn't the first time he almost "caught a beat down" at an event. The day before my wedding, he got into a heated argument with a bartender. While I don't wish to see anyone unemployed, I think it is a blessing for the venue. They don't need any idiots representing their company.
I didn't finish! Here's how it all went down...
I'm pretty sure you've realized I ended the blog five days before the wedding. It was never my intention, but the wedding got in the way. Here are some things that happened leading up to the wedding--and a few wedding mishaps.
-I almost completed my entire (scheduled) work week! On Thursday, I ended up taking off because there were issues with my reception venue, family was arriving, and there were other items to secure in Baltimore (I live in Montgomery County).
-Friday came and I ran around with my grandmother to get a few items. In all of my other planning, I had forgotten to purchase flower girl baskets! We went to Joann's and Michael's looking.
-Since I'm adventist, Saturday/Sabbath was a much needed time for rest. After church, I came back and attempted to rest. However, my cousins were around. My nap never came.
-Saturday evening was the rehearsal! When we practiced with the pre-selected music, Jon and I agreed it should change. After the rehearsal, I stayed up all night making a new CD, and backing it up on my laptop.
-Wedding day! I woke up super early!!! It wasn't because of jitters, but because I over estimated the time it would take me to get ready. I could have used the extra hour of sleep! After everyone was dressed, it was time for me to get dressed. My MOHs and Mom helped me to dive into the dress. Then, it was time to apply my accessories. Since I'm not big on jewelry, I didn't wear any. However, I bought a sparkly comb for my hair. It was nowhere to be found. It's important to note the following: my veil, shoes, garter, undergarments and comb had been laid out in my mother's house since Mother's Day. I was frustrated, to say the least, but no one found it. My mom and I stuck a hairpin through a brooch and made due.
-When I arrived at the wedding with my dad, Groomsman Baron frantically rushed to the car. He needed the password to my laptop, since the CD wasn't working. after 10 minutes passed, I heard the music starting. The ceremony was about to begin!
Wedding Mishaps
Now that it's over, I can laugh at most of these things. They don't overshadow the wonderful act of marrying my husband.
The rings: Groomsman Anwar wasn't able to make the wedding rehearsal, so he didn't know the "exchanging of gifts" meant exchanging of rings. For this reason, I did not receive my wedding band until after the ceremony. I know the Adventist church doesn't promote the wearing of jewelry, but why don't they just say rings? In all of my years, I have never seen anyone exchange something other than rings. Can we just say rings? Lesson learned: Have your pastor say exchange of rings, so there is no mix-up.
The venue employee who was about to catch a right hook: After all the crap I dealt with, a venue employee really decided to test my nerves. This is the same employee who caused the confusion in the first place. As you could imagine, I needed a moment to breathe, I just married someone! My husband of an hour and I headed to the bridal suite--that this employee told us we could use! He came back and said there was no mention of a bridal suite rental on our contract. All of our belongings were in there--including extra table settings. No one else was using the venue. What was the big deal? Besides, this was my first time hearing of a rental fee. I rolled my eyes and got my mother, who promptly told him that the manager said it was okay for us to be in there, which is why our belongings were in the room. There is more to the story, but I'll elaborate in a later post. Needless to say, he is no longer employed. Lesson learned: You may have to get your mom to avoid being arrested in your gown.
The glasses: My very handsome husband decided he wasn't going to wear his glasses on our wedding day. Somehow, he left his hotel room without them. He realized they were missing after our photo session--he wanted the contacts removed ASAP! No one knew where to find his glasses. After calling the hotel and learning they weren't retrieved, we began to fear the worse. As we headed to the hotel to double check, we received a call--the glasses had been found! Lesson learned: Make a checklist of everything you packed and have your BM/MOH gather the items. Between pre-wedding photos and wedding jitters, you cannot remember to grab everything.
I'll enable my ask feature so you all can ask wedding stuff. While I cannot promise his participation, I'll try to get my husband involved!
Day 5-Firsts
Last night, Jon and I talked about a few firsts that come along with getting married: first kiss, first dance, first dinner on our honeymoon etc. After sending the list of must-play songs to our DJ (who is a student at my alma mater and has been my favorite vendor thus far), Jon wants to change our first dance song. It was "Moody's Mood For Love" by James Moody, but He says it's too mellow to really dance. No argument here, I just wish I didn't have to change things with the DJ. After we settled on a new song (which is a secret for now), we danced away for a few moments.
Then we practiced how we would do our first kiss. We didn't come up with a routine, but we needed to work out who's head is going to turn which way. It's okay for things to be awkward during a private kiss, but we don't want to look super weird in front of all of our guests. Whoever said we should have a huge shebang for a wedding, must have forgotten how we both shy away from attention...like this guy.
Last night, we also began mapping out a few things we'd like to do on our honeymoon. I would like to roam aimlessly, doing whatever we stumble upon. Jon wants to make sure we see it all, so he wants structure. We compromised a bit: the day activities will be structured, but the evening will be spontaneous. The only night time activity that has been planned is our last honeymoon dinner (at least the last one on that part of our honeymoon). We'll be having a very fancy dinner at a beautiful restaurant. Although I gasped at the menu prices, I am really excited.
Unrelated to the wedding, this week starts my real work as a local advisor in my sorority. Although I was appointed to the position in April, I have been shadowing the current Senior Advisor. Last night, I held my first "administrative event" without her being there. I am just so used to seeing her. I am happy for all the transitions I am making in my life. However, I'd be lying if I said it was easy.
Day 6-In No Time
With just six days to go, I will be married in no time. I realize I have missed a few posts, but I guarantee it's because I had no time. Lastly, I realized it's become no time in the wedding process. Confused? What I mean is, it's time for me to start telling people no. I know people may think I am Superwoman, but I am not. This week, I am going to be a bit selfish (except for Wednesday, my mom's birthday). If it's not related to the wedding, or someone bleeding/falling ill/dying, then the answer is no. It's not to be rude. I just know that people will continue to ask if I don't stand up for myself. Here I stand.
Day 10-How'd She Get in My Head?
While searching for a great 10-day picture for Facebook, I found this blog. Wow. It feels as if she and I are one (minus the fight with her fiance).
I thought ten days away would feel different, but all I feel is butterflies and stress. I fall asleep thinking of things I need to do the next day. I have weird dreams. Last night, I had a dream that my wedding went horribly wrong. The photographer didn't show up, we barely made our own reception, and Jon didn't pack his bag for the honeymoon.
On top of all the wedding stuff, my apartment won't stay clean. It's impossible. Everytime I clean, I have to complete some craft. Vellum, kraft paper and adhesive rollers have all become a part of my couch, coffee table and floor. Stacks of supplies/projects are everywhere.Then there's Phobe the destroyer. My dog shreds everything we give her. Thank God she does no harm to my furniture--only her stuff. How the heck does a little hound mix shred a $40.00 KONG crate mat? It's flippin KONG (They make really durable/nearly indestructible dog products)!
The bright side is that it's all becoming real for me. My grandmother (Nana) will be arriving this Friday. I think seeing her this weekend will really seal the deal. Until then, I'll try to do what the picture says.
Days 12 and 11-Centerpieces!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we've bought the last items for our centerpieces, but we're waiting for the floating candles. UPS has made the whole online shopping process a living hell. They deliver when I'm not home--even if I ask them to deliver later in the day. They charge you to change the delivery address (if I wanted them to ship it to my job). When the floating candles arrive, our centerpieces will be complete. I know I usually post a picture with my posts, but I would like to keep them a surprise.
Day 13-Betcha didn't know
We came up with some trivia for our wedding centerpieces. Since I am blogging these last few days, I decided to share with my readers!
About Jon and Tai:
-Jon and Tai are both pet owners of three year-old girl dogs. Jon adopted Layilah in2010 and Tai adopted Phoebe in February of this year.
-Jon and Tai both attended HBCU’s for undergrad. They attended Hampton University and Bowie State University, respectively. They both received Masters Degrees from Full Sail University.
-Both Jon and Tai joined Greek-lettered organizations during college. Jon is a member of Iota Phi Theta and Tai is a member of Alpha Nu Omega. Both organizations were founded on the campus of Morgan state University.
- In college, Jon played the tuba in Hampton University’s band. While in college, Tai was an editor for the school's news paper.
-Tai has a fear of composite sketches. Jon doesn't like bugs. They both dislike being lost.
-Tai knows the words to most songs by the Beach Boys and Temptations. Jon tends to retain lyrics to TV shows for some reason.
-Jon’s favorite dessert food is lemon squares. Tai will eat almost anything that is covered in chocolate--not cicadas.
- Jon collected GI Joes as a kid. Tai enjoyed melting crayons on the radiator as a child.
-Jon loves discovering new TV shows on Hulu and Netflix. Tai enjoys watching Dormtainment videos on Youtube.
-Jon coaches soccer for the Clinton Jets. Tai serves as a graduate advisor for her sorority.
-Tai usually picks the movies. Jon often picks the television shows.
-Tai LOVES breakfast foods like pancakes, grits and porridge. Jon hates breakfast foods—including pancakes, grits, and porridge. They both dislike eggs.
-For their first date, Jon and Tai went to Fridays, followed by a game of bowling. Tai has never beat Jon in a game of bowling.
-Jon and Tai are only two years apart. Their combined age is 51.
-Jon’s “pickup” line was “Nice smile!” Tai responded with, “Thanks!”
-Jon graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 2004. Tai graduated from Owings Mills High School in 2006.
-Jon and Tai plan to have 2-3 children, but not until 2015.
-The first movie Jon and Tai watched together was almost “Wedding Crashers,” but it wasn’t. There’s a funny story about that, actually.
-In the course of their relationship, there have been a total of five birthdays, three graduations, one new dog and a sprained ankle.
-Jon and Tai enjoy attending the Washington Wizards’ home games.
-Jon cannot leave the supermarket without popcorn. Tai cannot leave without string cheese.
-Jon and Tai got engaged in New York, New York on the GE building’s observation deck.
-Tai likes referring to Jon as her Jonster. She will likely take the name “Mrs. Jonster” once they're married.
-Tai and Jon met right before Christmas 2010. They exchanged their first gifts to each other at the Barrett’s Christmas party.
-Jon proposed to Tai two days before her 24th birthday, November 28.
-The first meal Jon cooked for Tai was chicken noodle soup.
-The first meal thing Tai cooked/baked for Jon was a batch of lemon squares.
-Tai’s favorite food topping is grilled onions. Jon likes jalapeno peppers.
-Jon and Tai began dating on Best Man Anwar’s birthday.
-Tai is obsessed with Twizzlers. Jon buys peppermint bark after Christmas and stores it to eat throughout the year.
- Superman is Jon’s favorite superhero. Tai’s favorite doll was a “My Style Kenya” doll.
-Jon and Tai both love the Black Alley band.
Day 14-Birthday
Today was Cinco De Mayo. It's important to us because this is Jon's birthday. It was also our original wedding date.
To think that we would be married...yikes. I'm totally ready to be married. I could have gotten married yesterday. However, I am not ready for this wedding. With two weeks left, there is still so much to do! Thank God and our original reception venue for making us change the date. Another bright side to the date change: I have a couple of weeks between buying a birthday and anniversary gift (not to mention Mother's Day and my mom's birthday are wedged in between)!
Day 15-Yo!! I Can't Wait for the Wedding
Up until now, I hadn't paid much attention to everyone else's excitement for our wedding. Over the weekend, we ran into a few of Jon's fraternity brothers/my Iota friends from BSU. In addition, we've been getting rsvp cards, guestbook posts on our website and random facebook messages. In each of these situations, everyone is excited for the wedding. They're excited for our marriage!
While it brings me joy to have other people celebrate with us, it also brings a bit of pressure. I want to make a memorable experience for all of our attendees. It needs to be fun enough for the young people, but classy enough for the elders. It needs to be Jamaican enough for my family and American enough for Jon's family. We need to cater to what our family has suggested/requested, but making sure our needs/desires are met. That's a lot to pack into a 45 minute ceremony and 4 hour reception, but it's a fun challenge to face.
Now that it's grind time, every "I" needs to be dotted and every "T" needs to be crossed. No time for slacking...
Day 16-Cool as a Cucumber
Everyone keeps asking me how I feel, so here goes:
I am fine.
I'm not too nervous about marrying Jon.
I am not worrying about things being perfect.
I am not worried about anything. I just want the day to come.
I want to get dressed up.
I want to take pictures.
I want to see family and friends.
i want to leave the DMV.
I want to fly over the Grand Canyon.
I want to have an awesome honeymoon and an awesome life with Jonathan.
Marriage License Revelations
Me: *Looks at license* Oh, they put the age you'll be once the license is active? (his birthday is 5/5, certificate is valid as of 5/6)
Jon: No, I will be 28 after Sunday.
Me: Nuh uh! When did you turn 27?
Jon: May 5th
Me: Duh
My Mom: (who was on the phone) At least it's not like your dad and me.
Me: What happened?
Mom: When we got our marriage license, he realized he'd been celebrating his birthday on the wrong day--for his entire life. The clerk thought he was lying about his birthday to hide another marriage.
Me: (days later) I did the math. You're only turning 27.
Jon: Oh, well that takes the pressure away.
Day 17-Dem Babies
Img: Monroe and Moroccan Cannon, aka Dem Babies
I think every young, engaged/newlywed couple receives the same advice about children: enjoy each other for a year or two before having children. Jon and I already chose to do that. However, that hasn't stopped us from thinking about it. Even though we won't be preparing for a baby, we are still making choices that will affect us when we'll have children.
One of those important choices was choosing a contraceptive method that worked for us. For this choice, I talked to Jon, my mom, Sharay (my matron of honor) and my doctor. I already dislike going to the doctor's office because I hate needles. She gave me some news (I don't know if it was good or bad): I shouldn't use hormone-based birth control methods. That took things like the pill and nuva ring off of my list. There are still many things that we can use to prevent pregnancy until we're ready, so all hope is not lost. I could possibly ask to borrow my soror Crystal's BCG's lol.
In addition to the contraceptive talk, we've been chatting a lot about our future family. Jon and I actually had a conversation about at-home birthing and doulas. In my head, I did a lot of laughing. All of his hypothetical situations were hilarious to me. However, we won't be trying for any babies until 2015.
In other news, Jon got our marriage license yesterday. Here's a funny story about that.
Day 18- Moving Out, Moving on, Moving up
No, I'm not moving anywhere. All of the wedding stuff that has been taking over my living room is going bye-bye! jon is swinging by my place this morning to get all of it and transport everything to my mom's house. While I am happy to get the things out of the house, I realize I will no longer have my little reminders. At least I still have Jon's wedding band.
Moving the items is only one part of Jon's voyage to Baltimore. He also needs to get our marriage license. It has been a hassle trying to get it because we both live so far away. Luckily for us, Baltimore county doesn't require both parties be present for the application. It wouldn't work otherwise: they close at 4:00 pm and I don't leave work until 5:30 pm.
in other news, I am trying to fit a week's worth of outfits, underclothes, bikinis, lingerie, shoes and toiletries into my carry on bag. I am really afraid of checking bags when I have a layover. I also don't feel like walking through the airport for baggage claim. I just want to get out and see the sights. This is typical of me, regardless of where I'm visiting. It'll work out, I am sure. Hopefully, my rolling method works! I'll let you guys know how that works out.
Day 19 (Bonus Blog)-Kokomo
Okay, so maybe that place doesn't exist as described in my favorite Beach Boys song. Maybe my honeymoon isn't to some tropical paradise. Either way, I am ready for my honeymoon. I'm not even worried about the act of "honeymooning" (I'm lying), but I just need a vacation. I can't describe the way I am worried about my health. Those who know me are also a bit worried.
When I was 21, I blacked out in school--the week of finals. It was around the same time that my family adopted my brother, so I was on my way to get a physical. I left class to use the restroom, but I blacked out in the stall. Before my mom arrived to take me to the doctor's I blacked out again. After being seen by the doctor (who was also my next-door neighbor), I blacked out again. At least it happened in a hospital. I never want to relive that moment ever. My mom was so afraid!
After the situation with my venue, I started to feel the same pains I felt then. I knew I needed a pill of the chill variety, so I walked around the office. I still feel the pains, but they aren't getting worse.
Do you see why I could use the vacation? not even work is as stressful as planning a wedding. 20 days until my next vacay (to the place in the picture)!!
Day 19- Things Fall Apart
If I have heard it once, I have heard it a million times. Brides want their day to be perfect. What is perfection? Does it mean everything will go off without any complications? It shouldn't. For a wedding, "perfection" should refer to your happy memories outweighing your bad ones. That is what I want to achieve. However, today isn't making this a realistic outcome.
I think brides will agree that dealing with vendors are some of the most stressful moments in the process. It has been for me, as these dealings quickly became stressors. While there were a few other hiccups, the main PIA (yes, that’s how bad they’ve annoyed me) has been my reception space. I sent them an e-mail just to clarify what was in the contract. As I looked over the contract again, I was still left skeptical about items the day of. No problem, I was asking about minor details. In doing so, I became aware of a major discrepancy between the contract, what I was told during my visit, and the e-mail I had received.
When I visited, the gentleman at the venue told me they set up the whole room for a fee. He told me they would set up tables, chairs, linen and centerpieces. I asked when I could bring my linen and centerpieces, to which I was given an answer! In the e-mail I received, another employee said the fee was only for table and chair setup. I went off! I looked at my contract, but it only shows that I paid for setup. That was my mistake for not having it spelled out in the contract. However, I do have witnesses (my dad and fiancé were with me).
As my dealings with vendors seem to complicate my life, I have come to the realization that the most important part of the day is marrying Jon. Everything else with the wedding day is SNAFU. I’m not going to worry about anything else. If other people want to stress, they can stress. I’m not being rushed to the hospital over the venue’s employees not having a clue. I will not worry about trivial things that I won’t remember 5 years from now. What’s the point? I am going to force myself to only see the good in the day. Whoever needs to hear my mouth will hear it after the honeymoon!
**Update** My mom told me that my dad has a video from the visit. Apparently, he has a clip of the guy explaining the setup fee. I'll update once I confirm and/or speak with the venue.
Day 20-Quote for the Day
I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance, A church filled with family and friends. I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for, He said one that would make me his wife. ~Author Unknown