Bridal Bliss: Tapona And Angelia's North Carolina Traditional Wedding Was Simply Sweet

Bride: Angelia Denise Harris, 44, Project Specialist
Groom: Tapona Kijafa Champion, 39, Foster Care Director/Radio Host at 101.5 FM
The Big Day: 4/29/2017
Location: Angier, North Carolina
Style/Theme: Traditional
Wedding Planner: Sheree Amour Weddings & Event Planning

“It is an amazing feeling being a bride,” said Angelia. “It was more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

What does the bride love most about her groom? “His smile, it will light up a room.”

“I was being selective about my dress,” the bride shared. “Initially, I wanted anything but satin material. I tried on dresses at a boutique in Maryland but went back to North Carolina, tried on a few dresses and nothing appealed to me. Finally, I traveled back to Maryland and found the dress at the first boutique and it was satin.”

“I was nervous but once I realized I was marrying my best friend it was the best feeling in the world,” said Tapona of being a groom.

We love the brides shoe of choice!

“The night of my graduation, Tapona and my best friend contacted the restaurant located in Baltimore MD, requested a private room,” the bride recalled. “After dinner was served, the waiter brought over a desert box and placed it on the table. My response was ‘I’m stuffed no desert for me.’ My friend insisted that I open the desert box and in there was a diamond ring. Tapona stood up and spoke these exact words, ‘Its fun being around Angie, I love her to death. I can see my future with her, but one thing is I can’t see my future without her.’ Tapona then got on one knee and stated ‘I have a question I would like to ask you, will you marry me?’ I was completely overwhelmed with excitement; my friends, family and I were all in tears. My answer was ‘Yes!'”

Tapona’s favorite color is red so it was important that it be incorporated into the wedding color scheme, right down to his socks!

“She’s positive, giving and loves sports just as much as I do,” said the groom of his bride.

The bride and groom stuck with a traditional theme and even jumped the broom on their wedding day.

Angelia’s father walked her down the aisle and she wouldn’t have it any other way!

The flowers used for the bouquet were roses, calla lily and hydrangeas.  Roses are the bride’s favorite and calla lilys were the groom’s favorite.

Neither the bride or groom cried on their wedding day, they were too excited to shed tears!

“No, I didn’t think I’d ever find true love,” said the bride. “My focus was advancing my career.”

“He is the most thoughtful and caring person I know,” said Angelia of Tapona. “He pays attention to what I need and want.”

“Over time, I began to see how she became an intricate part in helping me to become a better man,” said the groom of knowing his bride was the one. “We had so many things in common, such as sports, traveling and shopping. Our friendship developed into a strong everlasting love.”

The bride had nothing but love surrounding her on her wedding day. She and her bridal party enjoyed her bachelorette weekend in Montego Bay, Jamaica. How fun!

The bride and groom had a candy table for their 102 guests to enjoy and that’s always a good idea!

Tapona and his groomsmen are a good looking group of gentlemen!

“I chose to make Angie my wife because she motivates me to become a better man,” said the groom.

“Our cake was a three tier black and ivory cake. The décor was simple with flowers and ribbons; the topping was a custom cake topper that said ‘Mr. & Mrs. Champion’ The flavors were lemon, marble,” the bride shared. Yum!

“I’ll never forget the day I knew Tapona was the one for me,” Angelia shared. “One day during work hours, I stepped away from my desk and God spoke to me and said Tapona is going to be my husband, he will treat you exactly like a woman should be treated. My thoughts were, ‘oh no that man matches his towels and wash cloths; he is very picky about way to many things for me.’ I didn’t think anything of it, but as time progressed I realized how thoughtful and caring he was.  Every day he would call me to see how my day was going, on Friday’s, he would bring me a cupcake to my job and most importantly he always made me laugh.”

We love the traditional and elegant elements of the bride and groom’s wedding decor!

“No, I never thought I would find true love when I did,” said the groom. “I didn’t even have a desire to get married but meeting Angelia changed everything.”