REAL WEDDING February 2009
Deidra Perry & Tyrone Lloyd
August 16, 2008
Ceremony: Metropolitan AME Zion Church
Reception: Rosewood Hall at SoHo Square
The Back Story
Blind dates actually work!
We were set up by my co-worker and Tyrone’s friends. I had just started my first semester of graduate school while working full-time in media, and wanted to focus on that. My co-worker wouldn't stop bugging me about meeting him, so I just gave in. It was a first blind date for both of us, and I had very little faith it would work. Our first date was in August, 2004 on Friday the thirteenth. A disaster in the making, I thought! Fortunately, Tyrone believes everything happens for a reason, so he was optimistic about our meeting and ready to pour on his charm. He showed up for dinner with a single, long-stemmed red rose ... and we've been together ever since.
The Proposal
On the third anniversary of our first date, Tyrone sent me a dozen red roses and a beautiful card. That evening, we went to dinner at Carrabba’s; afterwards, he suggested we stop by Vulcan Park. Once we got to a point overlooking the city, he got down on one knee and asked me to take his hand in marriage. Tyrone says that I am involved in everything in Birmingham, so he figured picking a spot overlooking the city was perfect for a proposal.
The Planning
I’ve planned social and non-profit events for years, but my own wedding was quite a task! In anticipation of more than 500 guests from ten states, I decided that a one year engagement would allow me to plan the wedding of my dreams – and it was! Event planner Jamika Kirk also ensured that the day was perfect. A custom monogram designed by Jeff Roe was featured throughout the wedding, ice sculpture, lighting, and incorporated into the wedding program and my wedding cake design. The Details
Gown: Deidra wore an Alfred Angelo gown in white satin with embroidered lace crystal beading, a satin bolero and semi-cathedral train.
Bridesmaids: Wore rich apple red gowns with shawls.
Tuxedos: Tyrone and the groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos.
Favorite Things: Oh my gosh---there are several! When we entered our reception and saw the ice sculpture, we were blown away. Customized with our monogram, we received so many compliments on it from guests. We also had a frozen beverage station as a special treat for kids. We decided to hire both a live band and a DJ. Everyone cheered when we entered the reception to Erykah Badu’s “Call Tyrone” played by the band. Of everything, my mother and I searched high and low for months to find a stationer who could print the programs with raised ink on both sides and ribbons with the monogram raised as well. Several vendors told us it couldn’t be done. It took months, but we finally found it thanks to a company in Washington, DC. Favorite Moment: While the audience and I thought it was funny, the groom has no comment on this one! As I recited my vows, the officiant told me to say “for richer, for poorer” and I say “for richer…for richer” instead. My pastor froze; I then turned and smiled at the audience and everyone in the church cracked up!
Honeymoon: We spent a fabulous week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Deidra and Tyrone’s Bromberg’s Wedding Registry included:
Formal China: Waterford Bassano
Formal Crystal: Lenox Phoenix
Flatware: Waterford Powerscourt
Thank you Deidra and Tyrone! Our very best wishes for a lifetime of happiness and love.
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