Husband: Cory Thomas, 35, Commercial Lending Analyst- PNC Bank
Wife: Tamika M. Thomas, 29, Brokerage Services- PNC Investments
Place of residence: University Heights, OH
Wedding date: 4/27/13
Honeymoon Destination: Atlantis-Paradise Island, Bahamas
"Love is not something you go out and look for. Love finds you and when it does, ready or not, it'll be the best thing to ever happen to you."- Unknown.
An unexpected meeting:
We met at a Financial Management Association open house at Cleveland State University. We became great friends after being in the same classes for a year. We have been together for 7 years. And we have been married for a year and 6 months.
Meeting "The One":
After we dated for two years I knew I could spend the rest of my life with her.
A true friendship:
We have a true friendship and we both understand that and no matter what we are friends first.
The proposal:
I made reservations at Mallorca a Spanish and Portuguese restaurant in downtown Cleveland. I waited to tell family members until the day of my proposal. I told her we were going to eat somewhere we have never been before. I had my parents, my sister and her husband and their kids, my wife’s mom and two brothers meet us down there after we ate dinner. I ordered dessert and left the table so I could give the waiter the ring. Next the family started to walk by and she spotted them through the window and she started smiling and giggling. Then as the waiter was bringing the dessert the family was right behind him. And he placed the decorated plate with the ring box open on top of whip cream right in front of her. And the cheese cake in front of me. And I started telling her how I felt and she said is there something you want to ask me. And I proposed and the restaurant clapped for us.
Why They Make the Perfect Pair:
Husband: She is kind and thoughtful with a drive like no other. And I love her focus in life coupled with her motherly love.
Wife: He is ambitious and caring. He always working towards the next big thing and he has so much love in is heart.
“A great marriage doesn’t happen because of the love you had in the beginning, but how well you continue building love until the end.”- Unknown.
From the Mrs.:
After all the meetings and planning our big day was finally here. I was calm and relaxed. I wasn’t worried about anything. I became nervous only when I was standing in front of him after walking down the aisle and that’s when I cried. I knew he was heaven sent and we were meant to be.
From the Mr.:
On my wedding day I felt great. I had some nerves standing up there waiting for her to walk down the aisle. And when she reached me I felt a calm come over me and I knew this was meant to be. After I said I do I felt like her husband. That was a day I will remember forever.
A mother's love:
My most memorable moment was Tamika’s mom giving her speech at the reception. It was so heart felt and a tear-jerker.
First Dance:
The song that we chose was "Golden," by Chrisette Michelle. The lyrics talk about unconditional love, respect, and commitment that our parents and grandparents had when we were growing up. And keeping tradition alive in our marriage.
Favorite wedding detail:
Our favorite wedding detail was the wedding ceremony and the décor. Our décor was simple and elegant. When you walked into the reception space you could see the attention to detail. The combination of ivory, gold, stone and a soft pink made the room romantic. The ceremony was unique because of the way our pastor explained the three kinds of love.
Agape Love:
Our pastor spoke about the three kinds of love you can have Eros, Agape, and Philia. And that the greater of these is Agape.
The best part about marriage:
Having someone to be there as your back bone. And being able to grow with each other and share experiences that are special.
Best Advice:
Love your wife like Christ loved the church. And I keep that in my heart always.
"Yes, having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit." -Bill Cosby
Most important lesson learned:
Working together is key. We have to be a team at all times.
A little lady on the way:
We’re most excited about meeting her. Raising a healthy beautiful unique child and watching how our influence shapes her life. We can’t wait to see her features and personality.
Baby prep and changes:
We will have to make time for us and hanging out with friends will diminish some, and it will be all about our family.
Becoming a parent:
Ava Marie was born June 8, 2014. She has changed our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Our baby girl is the joy of our lives. She is so full of joy and we would not trade it for the world.
Advice for couples and parents:
Never lose sight of the relationship you have with your spouse. Always pay attention to one another. And keep God in your circle.
Vendors:
Photographer: Omari Souza, Jazzymae Photography
Ceremony location: Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
www.oibc.org/
Reception location: LaMalfa
http://www.lamalfa.com/
Bridal gown: David’s Bridal
Bridal party attire : Eden Bridals, Brides by Demetrios
Groom’s tux: American Commodore Tuxedo
Decor: Dee Jackson, UDesign Events
www.udesignevents.com
Wedding planners : Covesa McPherson-Gragg
Personal Touch by Covesa, www.personaltouchbycovesa.com
Music: Daron Henderson, LoKey Entertainment
www.lokeyent.com/
Hair and makeup: Michelle Hardnick, MaryKay Cosmetics
Flowers: Creations by Lynn, www.creationsbylynn.com/
Videographer: Lewis Burrell, WakeUpCall Media
Congratulations to Tamika and Cory! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss and even more blessings for your beautiful family! We hope you enjoyed our 2nd installment of the Real Love + Life Series.
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. Email me at [email protected] to be featured in the Real Love + Life Series!
