Naila and Royce met at Nalia's apartment complex, where they literally bumped into each other. "We bumped into each other at my apartment complex while he was visiting one of his fraternity brothers. We never exchanged numbers just shared a quick hello. Two years later on October 21, 2011 we ran into one another again at a local lounge. We remembered meeting prior to that evening and talked the whole night. Once we exchanged numbers the rest was history," said Nalia. The two have talked every day since their second meeting and have been together for three years. Naila and Royce celebrated their union with a "Classic Elegance in Nature," themed ceremony at the Niagara Falls, captured by photographer Dawn Biery!
Bride: Naila Hanan Ansari, 25, President of Depth Performance, LLC
Groom: Royce Lee Woods, 30, Vice President at First Citizens Bank
Place of residence: Atlanta, GA
Wedding date: 10/10/14
Wedding location: Niagara Falls, New York
Honeymoon Destination: Mamanuca and the Yasawa Islands in Fiji
Engagement story:
On December 21, 2013 we went to Orlando, Florida for my father’s college basketball team’s tournament to support the Buffalo State Bengals. Right before the tournament started Royce asked me to go to Disney World. We went and got engaged right in front of Cinderella’s Palace. Although our engagement seems straight forward, our engagement has a funny element to it. I was carrying my own engagement ring the whole time! Royce had given his ring to his father to ensure he didn’t lose it on the way to Orlando. Before I left his father asked me to come over and bring Royce a phone charger because he forgotten his in Atlanta. I said absolutely with no questions. His father gave me the charger in an iphone box and taped it shut. I put the box in my backpack and traveled without ever looking in the box. He asked me for his “charger” before we got engaged. And there you have it I ended up carrying my own engagement ring thinking it was a charger!
From the Groom:
The wedding day was a blessing and I was surprisingly calm as the day approached. I was really focused and excited to begin the next phase of my life with the woman of my dreams.
From the Bride:
I felt beautiful and happy to have an amazing amount of support and love for our union. No other words can explain the feeling of marrying the man of your dreams but perfect.
The couple's best/most memorable moment:
Taking a walk around the falls together and celebrating our love for one another.
What makes your love special?
Our love is special because we push each other to be our best. We bring love into every aspect of our relationship and we always keep an open mind for learning. Family is our strength and we bond on putting our love of God first. We pride ourselves in always looking to share a new adventure together.
Wedding song:
We danced to “You and I” by John Legend. It was the perfect song for us because we shared an oath to make one another a priority.
Favorite wedding detail:
There was not just one favorite wedding detail everything from the music to the food was perfect.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
We are looking forward to discovering new journeys, growing, and god willing raising a beautiful healthy, loving, giving, and compassionate family.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. The day goes by faster than you can ever imagine. Find a special moment to pray together for your blessings and union.
Congrats to newlyweds Naila and Royce! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!
Vendors:
Photographer: Dawn Biery
Ceremony location: Bridal Chapel of Niagara Falls
http://www.chapelofniagara.com/
Reception location: Brierwood Country Club
Bridal gown: Vera Wang Couture Gown
Carlisle’s Bridal Salon
Bridal party attire: Bill Levkoff Designer
Bella’s Bridesmaid Boutique
http://www.bellabridesmaids.com/locations/pittsburgh/
Groom’s tux: Kenneth Cole
Tuxedo Junction
http://www.tuxedojunction.com/Store/tuxedo-rental-amherst
Cake: Cake Rental http://www.cakerental.com/
Favors: Elizabeth Lynn Designs
http://elizabethlynndesigns.com/
Music: Nate Mitchell
https://twitter.com/DjNateDaBarber
Hair and makeup: Hair by Erica Mathis
http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-stylish-creation-by-erica-buffalo
Make-up by Genna Styles Mac Make-up Artist
Flowers: Poinsetta Cureton
Stationery: Missy Martz at Occasion Creation
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
