Inspiration

A Tailor-Made DIY Virginia Beach Wedding

Antoinette and Tyrone met in 2010 when they were both attending the same college. Their run-in happened to be in the hallways of ECPI University, where Antoinette was afraid to approach Tyrone first, so she had a girlfriend hurry over to let him know she was interested. Eventually, the pair exchanged numbers, chatted a few times over the phone and then lost touch. A couple of months later, Tyrone reached back out to Antoinette for a date at their local amusement park, Busch Gardens. They hit it off from there and have been together for over eight years. To celebrate this milestone in their relationship, Antoinette and Tyrone got married with a stylish, customized wedding in Virginia Beach. Check out how they pulled it all off, along with their cool wedding photos, captured by Marshall Arts Studio.

Bride’s full name, age, and occupation: Antoinette Janelle Tinsley, 26, Licensed Practical Nurse

Groom’s full name, age, and occupation: Tyrone Tinsley Junior., 38, Driver for Ft. Eustis Military Base

Place of residence: Newport News, Virginia

Wedding date: May 6, 2018

Wedding location: In the backyard of my sister’s home in the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach, Virginia

Wedding theme: Tropical, clean and simple

Honeymoon Destination: Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and Grand Turk via Carnival Magic cruise line

Engagement story: 

I had just returned from a cruise with my girlfriend and mother, which was around my birthday. Tyrone had initially planned to propose to me on my birthday, but couldn’t wait. He ended up proposing 13 days earlier than planned. I was in the bedroom on the phone, when Tyrone came in bawling. I was afraid that something bad happened and asked what was going on. When Tyrone got down on one knee and proposed, he stated, ” I couldn’t wait anymore.”

From the Bride:

I felt so many different emotions on my wedding day! I had a DIY backyard wedding, so no planners and no coordinators. I had myself, my wonderful sister, my mother, and my sister’s gracious neighbors. We woke up early that morning to set up the tables and added some finishing touches that we could not put together the night prior due to rain. I woke up that morning and the rain was pouring down! I instantly became overwhelmed as I knew guests were scheduled to arrive in less than seven hours. But I kept it pushing with the help of my team and made it happen. It was amazing because it seems that once I finally got ready, and took my father’s arm and headed outside down the aisle, the rain had finally stopped and the sun actually made an appearance during the ceremony. I became filled with joy to see my husband along with all the support of our friends and family.

From the Groom: 

I felt excited and scared at the same time. The wedding experience itself was awesome. I got to meet my wife’s father for the first time, he lives in California so we weren’t able to meet prior. I also had family present that I recently rekindled relationships with from Arizona. But, the best part of it all, I got to marry my best friend who has pushed me to be a better person.

What makes your love special?

Our love is special because we have a 12-year age difference between us, yet we continue to love, learn, and grow from one another every day. We truly believe that both of us having an open mind is the glue that keeps us going. Our biggest challenge at the beginning of our relationship, our families and friends didn’t understand how we could make our relationship work with so many years between us. We both always felt that it wasn’t for others to understand as long as we both were happy.

Your most memorable moment:

For our first dance, we were both nervous to slow dance in front of everyone and be the center of attention. However we took one another’s hand and laughed the entire time and just had fun.

Wedding song:

Avant’s “My First Love” featuring Keke Wyatt. We both love this song! The instrumental with the violins in the intro was perfect for my entrance! The DJ ended up only playing about half of the song as the aisle wasn’t that long, but it all fell into place.

Favorite wedding detail:

Our bar! Tyrone built the bar from scratch, which took about 5 days. He specifically built the bar for our wedding.

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

A lifelong journey with each other’s love, friendship, and support. 

Advice for a Bride and Groom on their wedding day:

The main thing we would say is that the wedding day is about the two of you. Your family and friends are there to support you no matter how much money you spend (or don’t spend). So don’t get caught up in feeling as though you have to spend astronomical amounts on the wedding itself. On the other hand, enjoy your day! The wedding goes so fast. All the planning and hard work you’ve both put into this will be worth it in the end! Best wishes from The Tinsleys!


Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish you many years of wedded bliss!

Sources

Marshall Arts Studio|David’s Bridal|Michael Kors from Men’s Wearhouse|Scratch Bakery|Central Meats|Wedding Favor Cups|DJ Grizzly|Noelle Cahoon of Blush 757|Deniece Zink of Versus Salon|Trader Joe’s|Distinctive Event Rentals|Bos Enterprises Inc.

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