It’s beautiful when a couple shares their journey and their love story when we meet for engagement photos!  Jerrod and Tinita did just that.  You may recall their Summer Brookside Gardens engagement session or their Winter college rivalry engagement session– yes, two different engagement sessions in which images from both were incorporated into their wedding day by being enlarged and framed in the ceremony and reception space!

We revisit them on a warm and early May afternoon on the beautiful grounds of The Bolger Center for their wedding day. This property was gorgeous from start to finish and a perfect complement to a lovely couple. I had the pleasure of working with wedding planner- Shanique Coleman Weddings on this event and she was the consummate professional! Both Tinita and Jerrod had family from parts of Arizona and North Carolina travel to Potomac, MD to witness this union. Some of their wedding highlights are below!

Tinita kept a mustard seed that her grandmother had given her when she was younger and attached it to her bouquet.  When one of her bridesmaids asked her what was the meaning behind it Tinita responded that it was a scriptural reference from Matthew 17:20 “…Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

It was so cute to see Tinita and her mom make the same gesture with their hand while they were laughing.  Like mother, like daughter!  I also loved this moment of Tinita’s mother and soon-to-be mother-in-law helping her with her final preparation details.

Tinita and Jerrod opted not to do a First Look, but instead everyone was dressed in plenty of time to take portraits prior to the wedding, which saves time after the ceremony while allowing the couple to have additional portraits of their closest friends.

Jerrod and Tinita paid homage to their alma maters through their reception decor.  The Stained Glass hall was do gorgeous as it beamed with hues of purple and old black and white photos of students that attended each university.

There was so much creative detail that went into this wedding, which is a photographer’s dream.  Jerrod and Tinita kept it upbeat for their first dance because as Tinita put it “We didn’t want a sappy slow song”! They danced to Lauren Hill’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”.  And the lyrics were so fitting to what they displayed on their wedding day:

You’re just too good to be true.
Can’t take my eyes off of you.
You’d be like heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived.
And I thank God I’m alive.
You’re just too good to be true.
Can’t take my eyes off of you.

I’m reminded of the toast that the mother of the groom gave during the reception – “Jerrod and Tinita, you two were married on the 8th day of the 5th month.  Scripture says that the number five represents God’s grace and the number eight represents new beginnings, so on your wedding day- May 8th, we wish you God’s grace and new beginnings in your marriage.” Wow!  Her words were so powerful and so meaningful and definitely touch the couple as they actively listened to each words that left Mrs. Kearney’s mouth.

Jerrod and Tinita’s Creative Team:
Photographer: Terri Baskin Photography
Second Photographer: Nick Tettey
Wedding Planner: Shanique Coleman Weddings
Florist: Nubia Fasil- Convention Floral
Music: DJ Casanova
Wedding Gown: Venus Bridal, Justin Alexander
Make-Up: Monique, The Makeup Bstro
Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse
Wedding Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Bride’s Hair: Master Bey
Videographer: Ian Atkins
Photo Booth: Barbara Anyan
Invitations: Lepenn Designs LLC