01
The Happy Couple
Bride: Melissa Duchene, 34, Professor
Groom: Garfield Kelly, 42, Police Officer
The Big Day: 8/6/16
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Style/Theme: Romantic Elegance
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Ladies Only
By her side, Melissa had a great group of love on her wedding day!
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Yes Dress
Melissa scored an amazing deal on her wedding dress and she just couldn’t pass it up! As soon as she put it on, she knew it was the one for her.
04
Love is You
“Melissa is affectionate, intelligent, and kind hearted,” said Garfield of his bride.
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You’re My Everything
“I love his giving nature, patience, and ability to get along with others from various cultures, education levels, and social status,” shared Melissa as she described Garfield.
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Happy Feelings
“I absolutely loved being a bride! I thought that I would be nervous with all eyes on me, but to the contrary. It was a great feeling that so many came to celebrate our love,” Melissa shared!
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You’ve Got Me
“Garfield or (Kelz) as I like to call him is an extremely giving individual who often will put others before himself,” said the bride. “He’s patient, kind, respectful, and has an old school mentality which I adore.”
08
Simp
“Melissa has a big heart and loves taking care of others,” said Garfield. “I know that she will undoubtedly be an amazing wife and mother.”
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Crowning Glory
Melissa styled her knee-length dreadlocks in a regal way and with her veil, she looked absolutely radiant!
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Selfie Time
Everybody say “cheese!”
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Wait For Love
“I loved knowing that I was going to marry this woman that I loved endlessly,”said Garfield of how he felt on he and Melissa’s big day!
12
Cutest Kids
Melissa’s niece and cousin were just the cutest little additions to her bridal party!
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Mommy and Me
“One of my favorite memories was having my mother cry when I presented her with a gift while getting dressed,” said the bride. “My mother doesn’t show much emotions and this was a very sweet shared moment.”
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Beautiful Bride
Melissa and her bridesmaids are gorgeous!
15
Proud Papa
Melissa and her father–who she reunited with 7 years before she tied the knot–shared a sweet moment before she walked down the aisle.
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Pride of the Parents
“My mother raised me and I reunited with my father about seven years prior to my wedding date,” said Melissa. “I knew it was important to both parents to be able to share that special moment with me.”
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Happiest of Tears
Melissa didn’t cry during her wedding day but Garfield did shed a few tears as she walked down the aisle. Aww!
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Feeling of Love
Garfield’s smile definitely indicates that he is one happy man!
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We Found Love
“I was hoping to find my true love but I didn’t know when or where,” said Garfield of finding love. “I was open to falling in love.”
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With You
“I felt a sense of peace looking and my soon-to-be husband,” said the bride of how she felt looking at the groom while at the altar. “I knew that he would protect and provide.”
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Answered Prayers
“I felt like the Father (God) had it right!” said the groom of how he felt standing at the altar with his bride!
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With This Ring
With the pastor of her brother marrying she and Garfield, Melissa and her groom were in the right hands!
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Light of Love
“We had unity candles,” shared the groom. “Our parents lit the end candles at the beginning of the ceremony and my husband and I used the lit candles to light the big unity candle in the middle.”
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Here We Are
Both the bride and the groom look so happy!
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Sealed With The Kiss
They did it!
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The Mr. and Mrs.
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Kelly!
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Then I Found You
“I don’t believe that God intended for us to be alone so I knew that my husband was somewhere out there,” shared the bride. “Unfortunately, I had to kiss a lot of toads before finding my Prince Charming.”
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Wonderful Woman
“She captured my heart and I love her,” said Garfield of why he chose to make Melissa his wife. “I felt like we could build a great life together.”
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All Smiles
This is what love and happiness looks like!
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The Easiest Answer
“I said yes because he balances me out, he’s a very laid back man, he’s God-fearing and selfless,” said Melissa of marrying Garfield.
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Lucky In Love
“I was extremely grateful that God sent this amazing man to me and that honored that Garfield wanted to spend the rest of his life loving me,” said Melissa of how she felt when Garfield proposed. A year and a half later, on the day they became man and wife, she felt the same!
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Surprise of a Lifetime
On Christmas Day, Garfield asked Melissa for her hand in marriage. She thought he would propose on a different day and was so disappointed when he didn’t. When he got down on one knee in front of their family and friends when she least expected it, her answer was of course, yes!
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Dance Fever
When these two love birds entered their wedding reception, “Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge played. Now that’s how you make an entrance!
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Festive Favors
“Sticking with my romantic elegance theme, I choose wine bottles as favors,” shared Melissa of the gift she and Garfield gave to their 130 guests. “I attached a gold and white paper straw and a sign that had the Philadelphia ‘Love’ block on each bottle.”
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The One
“I knew he was “The One” when we had our first argument or “discussion” as we like to call it,” said the bride. “At times, I can get frustrated easily and he has the ability to calm me down in a loving manner even when that anger is directed towards him.”
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Special Moments
The sweet dance that the bride shared with her parents is one she will never forget!
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Something About You
“I knew that she was ‘The One’ a couple of weeks after meeting her,” shared Garfield. “Small things like writing notes on post it cards had me hooked.”
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Crazy about Cake
“We had a three layer cake,” shared the couple. “The bottom two layers were red velvet and the top layer was rum cake.” Yum!
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Fun Times
Way to have some fun!
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This is Love
Congratulations to the happy bride and groom!
