California couple Denise Reed and Tarik Assagai said “I do” before 100 guests on May 16, 2009, at The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, California. The rustic winery just minutes from Sacramento served as a beautiful backdrop for the duo on their big day.
By: Bridgette Bartlett
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Denise and Tarik wed before 100 guests four years after their first date.
“It was the most beautiful day of our lives,” exclaims Denise.
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This darling duo has known each other since the seventh grade. Still, they weren’t immediately a pair. In fact, they were initially opposites.
“Tarik was popular and outgoing and I was a quiet, shy girl who kept to herself. I had a huge crush on him but I never expressed it, but years later I would find out the crush was mutual,” explains Denise.
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A model and part-time fashion instructor, Denise is a style maven to say the least. But she’s also frugal. The bride purchased both her strapless, sophisticated wedding gown and her halter, sexy reception dress from affordable retailer David’s Bridal. Her reception dress was on sale for a mere $99!
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The savvy bride opted to do all her own makeup and hair on her wedding day.
“People seem to have a hard time matching my complexion,” says a mocha-skinned Denise. She further explains, “Plus, I’m simple and don’t like a lot of fuss.”
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Denise gives herself a final glance in the mirror before heading off to the ceremony to become Mrs. Tarik Assagai.
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The groomsmen help Tarik get dapper for his big grand entrance.
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Just moments before he joins his bride and all their loved ones at the wedding ceremony, Tarik looks over a special message to read to Denise during the wedding.
“We both love each other more than anything!” reveals the groom.
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Tarik lines up for the main event with his closet pals by his side. Just months before he began dating Denise, Tarik lost his mother. He was supported by close friends, family and, of course, his sweetie, Denise.
“I believe Denise came into my life just months after my mother passed away to fill the hole in my heart. My mother was taken away from me and was replaced by an angel and the love of my life,” shares Tarik.
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“Tarik is very caring, thoughtful, extremely supportive, loving and very funny. He has opened my eyes to so many new experiences and I appreciate every moment we share together,” Denise says.
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“The most memorable part of the wedding ceremony was watching my bride walk towards me with a huge smile on her face,” says Tarik.
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Tarik is a handsome groom in his black tuxedo with green accents. Ever the thoughtful partner, he proposed to Denise during a romantic getaway.
“My original plan was to go to Hawaii and propose to her on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Unfortunately, I had project deadlines and was unable to take off for that trip. Vegas was only a three-hour drive and Denise had never stayed for more than a day. I had no idea how I was going to propose (Helicopter ride? Grand Canyon?), but after some thought and planning my proposal worked out perfectly!” shares Tarik.
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The lovebirds steal a smooch away from their guests between the outdoor ceremony and the indoor reception.
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The couple decided on the off-beat Old Sugar Mill for both the wedding ceremony and reception because of the unconventional appeal of the venue.
“I loved the loft feel…the exposed brick and the concrete floors,” raves Denise.
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Since the bride’s favorite color is green, she chose it as the main dress hue for her bridal party. Close friends (one that she’s known since the 5th grade!) and aunts rounded out Denise’s bridal party.
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The couple have truly grown together over the years.
“Tarik is into extreme sports and likes to do things like jet-ski and ride dirt bikes. He has introduced me to these things and now we enjoy them together,” says Denise.
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Denise and Tarik smile as they gaze into each others eyes on the happiest day of their lives. Denise admits that Tarik even made her laugh while they were students together in high school.
“He is a natural at making people laugh,” explains Denise.
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Denise and Tarik have been inseparable since their first date back in May 2005. Tarik even moved to Los Angeles for a year and a half while Denise was in college there. Tarik has owned his own company ACS Digital since he was 19 so it was easy for him to move to L.A. for his honey. The couple eventually moved back to their hometown Sacramento to further pursue their careers in the fashion and Web/graphic design industries, respectively.
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The decorated tables set the mood for Denise and Tarik’s wedding reception. The couple opted for a buffet-style meal to save money. It also forced guests to be more social.
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All the single ladies at the wedding reception hurry to the dance floor for an opportunity to catch Denise’s bouquet.
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“We had no idea what we were doing while we cut the cake. Apparently neither one of us paid attention at weddings we have been to in the past. We basically had to talk each other through it. ‘Do I feed you or do you feed me? Don’t we feed ourselves and wrap our arms? Do we need a fork?’” remembers Tarik.
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Sunflowers offer a refreshing and unique touch as centerpieces for the reception tables. They’re classy yet fun and typically less expensive than roses or lilies.
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The newlyweds enjoy speeches and well wishes from loved ones during their reception. To make the evening complete, a DJ also provided music from the 1980’s and 1990’s.
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The single men look at the tossed garter belt on the dance floor. These fellas are in no rush to jump the broom!
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“She is obviously beautiful and has a beautiful smile just like my mother did. A couple of my aunts have said the same thing,” shares Tarik. The couple also honored Tarik’s mom during the wedding ceremony.
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