Blog — Dominique Marie Photography

Adesha & Angie ~ 10.29.16

As the wedding season is coming to an end, I am overcome with joy to say that I have added another wedding to my belt. If you've read my first ever blog, you all know that I am NOT a wedding photographer. The very first wedding I photographed made me realize that I MAY venture into weddings in the distant future lol. However...photographing Adesha and Angie's wedding made me realize that; that future is now.

Adesha and I have known each other for almost a decade when we met through a mutual friend, Tina (The Maid of Honor). Angie and I met shortly thereafter during one of the holiday weekends. In the past year, the three of us have become closer as they were preparing for their wedding by committing to a healthier lifestyle (I was their unprofessional personal trainer). Little did I know that I was going to be asked to be their photographer for their engagement shoot and wedding. As long as I have known these two, I never knew how they actually met. It all started because Angie kept "needing" change for a $20 bill, she purposely had to gain Adesha's attention.

After that, it lead us to this day!

Angie and Adesha said "I Do" on one of the most perfect fall days in Ohio. The temperature was in the 70s and there was lots of sun. When the evening arrived, the party began! There was so much laughter and dancing (dance-off, soul train line, and The Perculator) from everyone that attended. One of the things I witnessed within the walls of this venue, was the love that Angie and Adesha had for each other and also the love that their guest had for them. Love was certainly in the atmosphere the entire day, and I'm glad I was able to witness it.

Thank you Angie & Adesha for allowing me to be a part of your journey into matrimony, I wish you two the best!

Tanika & Marcellus ~ 9.8.16

Let's take it back to when I first had the honor and privilege of photographing Tanika and Marcellus. I was my very first engagement session and I was so excited to finally capture all things "engagement". The day arrived and it turned out to be a nice, warm, and sunny Spring day in Columbus, OH. As I began to explain to the couple what we were going to do (the standard flow posing lol), they were already standing close together with smiles on their face. Little did I know that these two were a pro at positioning themselves to show how much they really,truly loved and enjoyed each other.

After the session was over with, I asked if they needed help finding a Wedding Photographer (The Rising Tide Society). They questioned me on why I did shoot weddings and I explained that it was too stressful (I have a bride-phobia lol). After giving my explanation, they told me that they were actually getting married in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Jokingly, I told them that I would totally be their Photographer.

To my surprise, I was contacted by Tanika a few months after their engagement session. She expressed to me that she and her soon-to-be husband wanted me to document their wedding day (I was literally speechless). By this time, I had worked with 2 awesome Photographers (as their second shooter) and had learned all things "weddings". So...I accepted!

Fast forward to Wedding Day...

I met with Tanika in her hotel room to begin taking photos of her as she got ready. She was relaxed, but wore a smile on her face so big. As she got ready, several ladies came up to help her. This was when I learned that some of these ladies had held their friendships with Tanika as far back as elementary school.

Once Tanika was all dressed and ready to say "I Do", I ran down 2 floors to check in on Marcellus. His demeanor matched Tanika's. He was calm and wore a smile just as big as his soon-to-be wife.

Before the clock struck "get in your places", I was now outside on the beach where everything was set. The sun was starting to set, the winds were blowing, and the ocean crashed in the background. The guest were mingling among each other and the men (Groom, Groom's 2 sons, Groom's father, and the bride's 2 sons) were standing in a line waiting to get into position.

The cue was made. The wedding began. They were pronounced man and wife. And a rocket was launched (yes, an actual rocket).

Next stop...ROOF TOP RECEPTION!!!

So many memories were made that evening. So much fun went down on a rooftop. The most memorable and funniest moment for me was when a certain young man threatened his mother's new husband during his toast. And I quote..."you break my mom's heart, I'll break your arm!"

The night continued with lots of dancing and lots of laughter.

To Tanika and Marcellus, you 2 have set the standard now. I have said thank you so many times already (lol), but I want to thank you again for believing in me and allowing me to be apart of your special day!

The night continued with lots of dancing and lots of laughter.