Inspiration

Real Weddings {Wisconsin}: Joy & Brandon! – Blackbride.com

Joy and Brandon met in 2010 at the House of Blues, in New Orleans. "We were both there to watch the New Orleans Saints win the Superbowl for the first time," recalls Joy. The two football fans got more than just a victory for their favorite teams, they found a friendship that soon turned into love. Joy and Brandon  began dating in January of 2012 and have been together ever since. Check out their elegant New Orleans inspired wedding in Milwaukee, WI, captured by Shagari Jackson of Mosaic By Mg – Life Photography!

Bride: Joy Davis Speed, 30, Logistics Administrator

Groom: Brandon Eric Lamont Speed, 41, Assistant Construction Manager

Place of residence: New Orleans, LA

Wedding date: 9/20/14

Wedding location: Milwaukee, WI

Honeymoon Destination: Jamaica, Silver Sands Villas

Engagement story:

I had just begun a new job and was a little stressed. Brandon told me that he was taking me to dinner on a Friday night and I could pick whatever restaurant I wanted. I chose Houston’s because I love their chicken strips! He tried to talk me into something a bit more upscale, but I insisted. At the end of dinner he snuck off and came back with a gift bag. It was a fall red handbag that I’d been dying for. Inside of it was the ring! He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes before even looking at the ring!

The couple's best/most memorable moment:

My most special moment was walking into the church with my Daddy. I was so nervous and anxious and on the verge of freaking out. But, when I saw Brandon standing there smiling and waiting for me, all was right in the world. He’s my rock, and he proved it in that moment.

From the Bride:

My wedding day was awesome. I began the day with a massage; a gift to my bridesmaids, and that set the tone for the day. I was more relaxed than expected. Everything was beautiful and tasteful and that’s what mattered most to me. It was a dream.

From the Groom:

We created a budget that Joy controlled with one of her many excel sheets. We blew that. We planned every detail with a wedding planner from hell. Most of those details didn’t go as intended. Our Family and friends showed up and showed out. But, my bride was more beautiful than I ever dreamed, and it was the best day of my life since the day I met Joy. So, I feel a special way inside when I hear Joy referred to as my wife. The one hope I have is that this feeling never goes away.

Wedding song, explain choice for song:

Our wedding song was “All of Me” by John Legend. The first time I heard it I connected with it. I played it for Brandon and we both agreed it had to be our song. The lyrics are just so beautiful.

What makes your love special?

We are best friends. We’re both like-minded, forward thinking, Aquarian souls. We understand each other on a very intrinsic level.

Favorite wedding detail :

Our favors were red Mardi Gras beads, embroidered second-line handkerchiefs, and traditional New Orleans pralines. Our cake was a black and white damask print, trickled with red roses. Inside it was red velvet cake. We chose soul food for our menu since my family is Southern, and much of Brandon’s family migrated from the South. The highlight of the reception was the Second Line dance. It is a traditional part of every New Orleans wedding, funeral, and celebration in general. We played second-line music, and danced together; complete with decorated umbrellas, handkerchiefs, and dancing feet! It was amazing to see all my beloved Louisianans who traveled, young and old, on the dance floor having a ball!

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

We are looking forward to building a legacy as a unit and living life to the fullest.

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

To all brides, eat right before your wedding! You will not eat at the reception and will be exhausted and starving. I’m so glad I did!

From the groom: Allow your family and friends to treat you special on your big day, but don’t demand it! Enjoy, the moment it goes by fast.

 

Congratulations to newlyweds Joy and Brandon! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!

 Vendors:

Photographer:  Shagari Michelle Gerard Jackson

Mosaic By Mg – Life Photography

Ceremony location: St. Marcus Lutheran Church 

http://www.stmarcus.org

Reception location: Celebrations Banquet Hall

Bridal gown: Olivier Couture Bridal Boutique

http://www.oliviercouture.com/

Bridal party attire: Pearl’s Place

http://www.pearlsplace.com/

Groom’s tux: Men’s Warehouse

http://www.menswearhouse.com/

Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of  Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *