Dominique & Alphonso | The Waterfall
Claymont, DE
A gown made for a queen, men dressed in Pink, a ceremony in a golden sun-lit garden, sparklers and a cloud for their first dance, a show stopping wardrobe change…..and a FOB (Father of the Bride) rap performance! Whew! Dom and AJ certainly spent a lot of time and energy to plan their wedding day, and it paid off tenfold. Philly Mag thought so also when they asked to feature this beautiful, romantic wedding in their blog. Keep scrolling down and you’ll see why!
When I first met with them to talk about their big day, I felt such good energy between them. They so clearly adore one another, and when they talked about when they will finally become husband and wife their eyes and smiles lit up the room. I was so honored to be asked to be their photographer and document their day. I was especially humbled because AJ is a wedding videographer and I felt privileged to have my work favored by another professional in the wedding industry. I can recall AJ saying how he loved seeing how hard I along with James, my second photographer worked at a previous client’s wedding that we worked together. We all soon met again with Dom and everyone clicked!
Both Dominique and AJ along with their bridal party spent the morning of the wedding day getting ready at The Westin. As usual, there was excitement and hairspray in the air in the bridal suite! All of Dominique’s details showed me her love for glamorous pieces. Her gown was put on a mannequin to be photographed (another detail well thought out from Dom’s loving groom) and I could have taken photographs of that beauty all day.
At their venue, The Waterfall Dom and AJ wanted to meet with one another before the ceremony without seeing each other. This was the first time I captured a “First Touch” – an alternate idea to the First Look. Just having a moment together to feel one another’s presence was enough to calm some nerves and look forward to their vows even more!
Once Dominique made that walk towards AJ during their romantic ceremony, he took a deep breath and was all smiles! After the “I do”s it was time to photograph the new Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and their big bridal party!
Everyone was filled with anticipation to welcome the newlyweds into the reception. They shared a first dance literally on Cloud 9 to “Love of My Life” by Brian McKnight. Family and friends all joined in the celebration of this long-awaited union all night long! Dominique made a statement with her runway strutting skills in her chic reception outfit while her father followed up with his version of an LL Cool J performance! The couple danced their hearts out and were very much ready for their happily ever after!
Venue : The Waterfall
Video: HAK Weddings
Florist: Flowers by Krystyna
Flower Wall: Backdroppers
Cake: The Master’s Baker
Bride’s Gown: Stephen Yearick from La Belle Mariée Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen attire: Eaden Myles Design
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lucretia Russell
Hair Dresser: Amira Spivey
Make up Artist: Tyler Hill and Deja Samone
Entertainment: DJ Caution
Special Effects: DJ Tiki
