Ah, college. The first time in a young adult’s life when they can finally step out on their own and face the demands and challenges of the world. Most go to college with dreams and ambitions of getting their degree and starting the career of their dreams. Some walk away with much more than that.
Dez and Melvin met in college as they were both taking the same class. Thanks to Dez being late for class the second morning of the semester, she took the last remaining seat – right next to a man who would prove to be far more than just a classmate. Though their friendship started slowly, it wasn’t long before it was evident to Dez that they were going to be much more than friends.
By April 2016 Melvin, too, was certain of whom he wanted to spend his life with, and on one sunny afternoon following a morning of heavy rain, he surprised the love of his life with a ring. Surprised and elated, Dez said yes, and the anticipation for the big day began to build.
We at Judah Avenue caught up with this beautiful couple in Baltimore, Maryland, where Dez was getting ready for her big moment. Surrounded by her closest friends and family, she looked like a goddess as she had her makeup applied and her hair dressed for the part. We snapped a photo of her surrounded by her bridesmaids – then another of the two little princesses who were her flower girls.
In another room, Melvin, too, got ready for the big event. His groomsmen surrounded and aided him in getting ready as much as Dez’s bridesmaids did for her. It is clear that this couple is dearly loved by their friends.
Out in the hall, we photographers had the wonderful opportunity of snapping the first photos of this couple seeing each other dressed for their wedding. The raw emotion on both of their faces was enough to make everyone’s heart flutter with anticipation and happiness for the couple – they look like they were made for each other.
Of course, we couldn’t leave out the parties of either one, and we managed to get a few dashing photos of the groomsmen as well as the bridesmaids – even the little flower girls got in on the action!
Then, it was off to the Carter Memorial Church. The beautiful sanctuary had been delicately decorated for the ceremony, and friends and family members were already pouring in through the doors. Within minutes the entire room was packed with supporters of all ages. The flower girls did their part while the friends of the couple took almost as many photos as we photographers did.
The ceremony was beautiful, filled with raw emotion that brought tears to the eyes of many in the crowd. The couple exchanged rings, and even the bride herself was teary eyed as the pastor pronounced them man and wife. The crowd rose to their feet as Dez and Melvin walked down the aisle as newlyweds, and we couldn’t help but snap a photo of the perfect moment between them.
They held a wonderful reception at The Accelerator Space, also in Baltimore, kicking off the beginning of a wonderful life together. Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day, we at Judah Avenue wish you our congratulations as well!
Judah Avenue is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Silver Spring, Maryland, please visit our Instagram page @judahavenue to see current updates and to connect with us if you are looking for a creative wedding and engagement photographer in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia area to capture your wedding at the Bellevue Event and Conference Center. Our studio address is 718 Cloverly Street, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Telephone (240) 643-4708, or you can email info@judahavenue.com.
- Planner: Alexis Wilkins Events
- Reception Venue: The Accelerator Space
- Florist: Les Fleurs By Jes Wilson
- Hair: Charle Barnes
- Makeup: Desiree Dampier
- DJ: DJ Nutty
- Catering: Mission BBQ
- Linen Rental: Party Plus Tents and Events