After meeting through mutual high school friends, Sydnisha and Johnathan solidified a bond that carried on throughout their 20s. Their favorite couple’s activity is getting dressed up and traveling to take Instagram-worthy photos (don’t you love it when bae hits all the right angles?) It was just a normal day when they got up to do one of their mini photo shoots. Little did Syd know, Johnathan had the surprise of a lifetime
The engagement photos weren’t captured, but they certainly made up for it with the wedding. The couple decided against their original plan of having a destination wedding and instead chose Norfolk, Virginia’s Chrysler Museum of Art. The classic yet regal atmosphere was the perfect backdrop to their big day, and the weather gods cooperated.
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01
Meet The Ricks’s
Theme: Black Tie Affair
Venue: The Chrysler Museum Of Art
Florist: Norfolk Floral Wholesale
Wedding gown: Lauren Elaine
Photography: Dexter Cohen
Catering: Chef By Design
Wedding coordinator: Pari Smith from Astro Entertainment
02
Bridal Party Couture
Sydnisha’s bridesmaids rocked elegant kimonos as they got ready for the ceremony.
03
Love Found Him
“I wasn’t really giving love much thought at the time I met her,” Johnathan says of Sydnisha. “I feel like when I found her, love found me. I think I realized it as something I should nurture and give time to mature and develop.”
04
A Blissful Wedding Day
“I cried sooo many times leading up to my wedding,” Sydnisha said. “I cried during my final fitting, I cried when I saw my final floral arrangements, I cried on the way to the venue. Tears of joy of course but those are the moments it was hitting me. I remember waking up that morning and just praying and thanking God that this was really happening to me.”
05
How It Felt To Be A Groom
“Many people told me all these things I would experience concerning my nerves but I didn’t. My day was perfect for me and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
06
The Way You Love Me
“I knew Jonathan was the one because of how patient and honest he was with me. He was a little older than me and was already on his own, but never rushed me to be where he wanted me to be in the relationship, I literally went at my own pace. I could confide in him without judgment and he just became my best friend.”
07
Mom’s Got Her Back
My mother and my aunt played the biggest role. My aunt did my hair; my mom helped me put on my dressed and shoes. They did everything for me.
08
Can’t Do Without My Boo
“I knew Sydnisha was the one when I realized I didn’t want to continue life without her. That thought is what inspired me to start looking for engagement rings.”
09
How Could You Not Say Yes To THIS Dress?
“I knew I wanted something fitted with a dramatic train. I discovered Lauren Elaine bridal on Instagram and learned that her designs were based in California only. I loved her style of dresses and couldn’t imagine not having that “Say Yes to the dress” moment. So I had no choice but to plan a trip to California. My mom, aunt, maid of honor, and one of my bridesmaids all flew there with me. It was literally the greatest experience. The sample dress fit me PERFECT.
10
Hit Those Angles
“Once my dress was delivered I was so nervous about how it would fit, but it so perfect. I held my stomach the entire ceremony (lol!) I needed to look snatched from all angles.”
11
Down To The Last Detail
As a creative, Sydnisha took pride in planning every single detail of her wedding. “You name it, I planned it,” she says. “I styled my entire wedding party except for my husband. I styled our parents as well. I just had this vision and I knew what I needed to do to make it come to life.”
12
A Walk To Remember
“I walked down with my Dad to ‘This Is Why I Love You’ by Major. It was such a special moment.”
13
Brought To Tears
“I cried and I’m not even an emotional guy,” Johnathan said. “It was more than I ever imagined that day would be for myself. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
14
Pride In His Bride
“What I love most about my wife, besides her physical beauty, is her confidence. I love her confidence when it comes to who she is as a woman. She’s different from anyone else that I’ve come in contact with in my life.”
15
Custom Fit
“I wanted my bridesmaids to wear black gowns to complement the guys. We went to the fashion district and found a gown store with independent designs. All of the dresses were custom made.”
16
Artful Vibes
Our jaws are literally on the floor.
17
Clean and Simple
“The venue provided real china and had silk table clothes with a shimmering effect. The centerpieces were grand baby’s breath which added a classic look. We didn’t have much décor on the tables outside of the utensils and plates because we wanted an elegant feel with not much clutter.”
18
The Switch Up
Sydnisha opted for a silver strapless number for her reception dress.
19
The After Party
The crowd, dressed all in black, had a ball at the reception.
20
The Bride’s Biggest Lesson
“I learned that what is meant will be,” Sydnisha says looking back on her big day. “I think as brides we get hung up on everything being perfect that we don’t always enjoy the moment and let things happen. Just know that this day is solely about you and your spouse. Look into each other’s eyes, laugh, cry, dance, and be in love. Don’t get so caught up in the day itself or the people because they aren’t going home with you.”
21
Her Favorite Wedding Detail
“One major element of my wedding was a flower wall. I initially quit on it because I couldn’t find the flower color that I needed. My aunt traveled to every store in the 7 cities looking for them. One day, I came home and saw it complete. I just cried.”
22
Honeymoon Abroad
Johnathan and Sydnisha’s honeymoon was in Paris a couple of months after the wedding.
