January 20, 2013 Claudine and Eden joined Villa Siena to celebrate a traditional African wedding ceremony, which also honored the groom’s military background. The couple that met through mutual friends seemed perfectly suited to one another. Both the bride and groom glowed when they were together.
As Eden waited for his bride in full military uniform his best men, also in military uniform, stood beside him. To announce the start of the ceremony a young boy and girl held hands as they carried wedding rings down the aisle followed by the flower girl. The bridesmaids wore mustard yellow floor-length gowns with a soft flow to them, while the maid of honor wore the same style dress only in beige. Just before Claudine walked down the aisle two young boys carried sings saying Uncle Eden, here comes your bride. Claudine held everyone’s attention as she joined her groom in a strapless gown with silver beaded detailing. The style was fitted with ruffled mermaid flair. A cathedral length veil and diamond hair accent brought tradition to the look while a bouquet of bright yellow, white and purple flowers brought in the season.
During the ceremony the scripture Genesis 2:18-24 was read as well as Ecclesiastes 1.4:9-12. The couple also lit a unity candle. After Claudine and Eden exchanged their first kiss as husband and wife, they returned down the aisle under a sword arch held by Eden’s fellow military members.
The wedding was no surprise to anyone. The moment the bride’s sister met Eden she knew he was the one for Claudine. In fact she had the bridesmaid’s speech written two years ago when the couple first met.
During the reception the bride changed dresses, but not before the couple shared their first dance to Stand By You by John Legend. Eden brought his mother to the dance floor for Sweet Mother then Claudine danced with her mother.
The couple had personalized champagne glasses with silver stems and their names and date of marriage etched in the crystal. The cake was three pin-tucked quilted layers with a middle layer decorated with a fondant heart. Each layer was wrapped in a band of crystals and topped with fresh flowers. The middle layer was wrapped with blue and gold ribbon.
Congratulations Claudine and Eden. May your love forever run as deeply and truly as the day you were married.
Photography by: Lasting Images Photography