Brittini and Brian have a hard time trying remember their lives without each other being around, as they have known each other for most of their lives. "Our history goes back to preschool (1989) where we were classmates and again at Schenley High School in Pittsburgh, PA where we found each other again in the 9th grade. We dated briefly in high school but realized after a year of puppy love that we both were still growing up and Brian was going to Kentucky to play football at Morehead State and our best thought was to remain friends for awhile," recalls Brittini. Following their respective graduations from undergrad, they both worked on the retail side of the financial industry and their friendship continued to grow during that time. They eventually rekindled their relationship while vacationing in Miami with friends and have been together ever since. Check out their special day captured by Mecca Gamble Photography!
Bride: Brittini Wright-Burley, 28, Daycare Owner & Entrepreneur
Groom: Brian R. Burley, 28, Healthcare Consultant
Place of Residence: Pittsburgh.PA
Wedding Date: 8.9.2014
Wedding Location: Pittsburgh.PA
Honeymoon Destination: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Engagement Story:
Nearly 100 members of both families came together to celebrate Brian’s graduation from his MBA program at the University of Pittsburgh and unbeknownst to Brittini our engagement as well! To follow the graduation everyone went to Brian’s parents house where a wonderful party took place. At a point late into the party, Brian’s father gathered all of the attendees together, thanked everyone for coming and gave Brian the opportunity to speak. Brian proceeded to thank his parents, family and friends as well, but both he and his father made it clear that this accomplishment wouldn’t have happened without the support of Brittini, to whom a big wrapped box was waiting for in the corner of the room. Brittini began opening the box and noticed that there was an iPad with a note on it in inside under a bed of balloons. The note said “turn me on!” Britt turned on the iPad only to see her sister and her nieces with a video message that they prepared for her.. At the end of hearing their ‘We Love You’s” they all screamed “Now turn around,” as Britt turned around Brian was down on one knee! And minus a slight pause for tears lol, the rest is history.
From The Groom:
Throughout the whole process I never felt nervous, not once. But once that morning hit, the butterflies came, and it wasn’t about the thought of getting married or anything like that. I was more excited to see and hang out with Brittini than anything. Aside from when I travel for work or when I’m out with my friends, we don’t spend a lot of time away from each other, so seeing her put me at ease. Plus she looked amazing too! Before the wedding we did some running around, ate and went to my parents’ house to get dressed. My family was there so it was comfortable, we laughed the whole time and I had to have my dad close to me then. He’s always been a calming force in my life so at that time I needed him close. Once we started to make our way to the church I started to get excited, I also realized that I needed some sort of control during the day so I drove my car to the church. I had a two song playlist where I just repeated International Player’s Anthem and Nas ‘Getting Married’ until we got there and I was good. Once we got there it flew by but we made it a point to take it all in. We literally shut the place down. It’s rare that you get all of the people you love in one place. It was the greatest day of my life, hands down. Enjoy it!
The Couples Best/Most Memorable Moment:
Bride: The most memorable moment I can remember was walking down the aisle and seeing my husband, waiting for me, for us to be married. It was the most amazing feeling in the world.
Groom: Kissing my Mrs. Burley for the first time.
From The Bride:
Our wedding day was incredible. My day began with my closest friends and I at my mother’s house. We spent the morning laughing and enjoying each others company and had a wonderful breakfast that my mom and aunt made. Hair and makeup began early but the morning went very quickly. When we arrived at the church we spent time in our waiting area and I was able to greet my grandparents, father and immediate family I hadn’t seen at my moms house. It was emotional and wonderful at the same time. Once it was time, my mother gave me a hug and kiss and she and the wedding party headed upstairs. My father walking me down the aisle to my lifelong friend singing “You” by Jessie Powell was one of the highlights of my day and once I saw Brian, every anxious and nervous feeling I felt went away. The rest of the ceremony went by fast but the reception was an absolute ball! It was hands down the best party I’ve been to in my life and it was my wedding reception!
What Makes Your Love Special:
We are both fighters. We have realized that we are willing to fight for what we love and figure out a way, together, to navigate our way through life. We loved ourselves first, and now we love each other more. Every day we keep each other first and we highlight communication.
Favorite Wedding Details:
I would say we had three…the first was Brittini’s mother created a champagne bar for us that was absolutely incredible. The detail that went into it was amazing. Second were the glow sticks, glow glasses and wands that Brian's parents surprisingly brought out that were a HIT and really got the party going. The final detail was the sparkler exit leaving the reception hall! It was absolutely beautiful.
Wedding Song:
We’re kind of unconventional so we had two, when we walked out, we’re both big 90’s hip hop fans, so it was only right to come out to Method Man & Mary J. Blige “You’re All I Need.” Once we rapped the whole first verse to each other, then we slowed it down and played Brian McKnight “Love of My Life,” we tried to choose songs where the lyrics really applied to us and who we are to each other and those both represented us pretty well.
What Are You Most Looking Forward To In Being Married:
I know that this girl was made for me, period. She can get me to smile when I am convinced I’m not happy, reevaluate things when I’m stuck on being stubborn and is committed to living our lives in God’s grace, what else could I ask for? I know we can take over the world if we wanted to and having that type of person, who puts that level of confidence in you, can’t be touched. I look forward to us being old together and telling stories about our lives and the adventures we’ve gone on and laughing just as hard then as we did after whatever happened. I couldn’t pick a better person to start this part of my life and a family with.
Advice to a Bride/Groom on their Wedding Day:
RELAX and enjoy it! All the work you’ve done to get to this point is done. Let your people do their jobs and focus on having fun and enjoying yourself! And future grooms, a little UGK “International Player’s Anthem” never hurt anyone.
Congratulations to newlyweds Brittini and Brian! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!
Vendors:
Photography: Mecca Gamble Photography
Dion Burton Photography
Ceremony Location: Victory Baptist Church
Reception Location: Oakmont Greek Orthodox Social Hall
Bridal Gown: Alvina-Valenta
Bridal Party Attire: A by Alicia Akrie
Groom’s Tux: the black tux
Groom’s Cake: Bella Christies Bakery
Cake and Favors : Le Cupcake Shoppe
Caterer: Veltre’s
Wedding Planners: Dr. Lillian Wright,
Jacqueline Thomas and Vernell Ralph
Music: DJ Solo Dolo
Hair/Nails: Aliya Wray’s Salon
Flowers: Whole Food’s Market
Cinematography: Ya Mean Studios
Stationery: ArtistaGraphics
Wedding Entertainment: Travis Malloy
www.youtube.com/user/travismalloytv
Makeup: Bonita Bey: Makeup by Bo
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
