Berkley and Tiffany's fusion wedding that I photographed on Sea Island is featured in the current issue of JEZEBEL Magazine. For more than 14 years, JEZEBEL has served as the go-to publication for Atlanta’s most sophisticated and successful residents. Pick up a copy today. The cover story is on actress Lucy Liu. If you missed my original blog post on this wedding click here.
I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the photographer for Robert and Tia's wedding and engagement session last year. I knew they were special when I first heard their story during our wedding consultation. Here is the story behind the images...
A DIVINE LOVE STORY
Words by Naseya Minor of Total Prosperity Blog
Understanding the importance of covenant relationships is a critical part of fulfilling the will of God for our lives. Covenant relationships are those relationships that God has divinely placed in our lives. Over the past 4 years I’ve witnessed an amazing covenant relationship between two young believers and I felt compelled to share their story with my readers.
After a surprise wedding proposal on Cornado Island surrounded by close friends and family, Robert (Tre') and Tia were 1 of 3 finalist to win a wedding giveaway from CBS Atlanta. They didn’t win the wedding giveaway but they were blessed to land Tia’s dream wedding photographer Ross Oscar Knight.
Leading up until the actual wedding ceremony God gave Tre’ a vision for his relationship step-by-step from the timing of the proposal, ceremony date, location, and most importantly who was supposed to be apart of their covenant. For anyone considering marriage, Tre notes the vision starts in the heart of a man. God is a God of order. The concept of “headship” was an important principle he learned throughout his process of becoming one with his wife. He advises couples to ensure they are properly aligned and committed to doing it Gods way. He says: “the relationship aspect of marriage is a perfect thing. Don’t let the world define marriage or corrupt it. Approach marriage from God’s point of view and in his divine timing because like everything there is a season for marriage.”
It took 6 months for God to reveal to him the actual wedding date of September 25th. The 25th represents the power of agreement (2), grace (5), and completion (2+5=7). It is also the date of Tia’s late grandmother’s birthday. Instead of becoming absorbed in the wedding planning process, this couple wanted a strong support system leading up to the ceremony and throughout their marriage. They desired to create an atmosphere where each person could develop a stronger relationship with God, and experience personal growth along with other wedding party members. One foundational scripture throughout this process was Amos 3:3. It was of the utmost importance for the entire wedding party to be in complete agreement during a time where there is such an evil attack on relationships and marriages. The soon-to-be bride and groom knew radical measures in the spirit realm were necessary to see God’s vision come into fruition. This vision would come to pass by prayer and fasting.
Starting February 25th all of the bridesmaids and groomsman were asked to collectively fast on the 25th of every month for the next 7 months. Even though I wanted to share the fast with others, I was reminded of this scripture on fasting:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
No one outside of the wedding party was aware of this fast. The wedding party fast was one of the many ministering tools and examples of what God can do in the lives of young marriages when you acknowledge him first. I wouldn’t be honest if I portrayed this story as picture perfect. Unbeknown to Tre, his unemployed, law student fiance became slightly overwhelmed with the costs of her dream wedding and secretly borrowed a $10,000 loan to contribute to wedding expenses. Once she told her husband-to-be they agreed to immediately return the funds and stand in faith that God would supply all of their needs and give them the desires of their heart. Moving forward every aspect of the ceremony from the wedding colors, location of the white courthouse, reception details, and vendors was done in faith. God is not a man that he should lie so everything they desired down to the napkin fold was granted to them completely DEBT FREE!
This couple purposely laid aside their feelings of it being their “BIG DAY” to it being a day to show forth God’s glory. I’m already an emotional person as it is but the overflow of emotions at the ceremony was a beautiful thing. You had to be completely heartless not to shed at least one tear during the ceremony. The spirit of God was definitely in that place!
Like most weddings, unforeseen circumstances arise which caused the wedding reception to start later than anticipated. Instead of getting stressed and flustered this couple made certain not to let anything or anyone steal their joy by refocusing their energy away from time delays. Tia later explained to me, “it felt as if God slowed down time for us to fully indulge and interact with all of our guest.” Some newlyweds look back on their special day and feel like it was a blur. I’ve heard brides say the day went by too fast or they didn’t even taste their reception menu dishes. Not the case for the Patterson’s. They ate, drank, and entertained wedding guest with the flyest wedding dance to Usher’s OMG and then Tia taught Tre’ how to do “Tha Dougie”.
After returning from a paradise honeymoon in Hawaii the Patterson’s explained how their wedding ceremony exceeded their expectations. Lives were changed that day! A co-worker that attended the ceremony recently accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior, several friends re-dedicated their lives back to living for God, and family members have restored broken marriages. Now as one, they are passionate about their ministry to restore families and marriages. They are patiently awaiting future testimonies and miracles that will manifest for years to come in future generations.
- KNIGHT
I really look forward to this event with The Four Seasons Hotel every year. Yvonne and I will be there to talk to brides getting married this year. Come by and enjoy great food and giveaways.
Over a year after the earthquake, there is still a need to help the people of Haiti. When I visited the country last August it was an eye-opening experience. I was surprised to see some people still with uplifted spirits despite their circumstances. One afternoon, a group of us from the mission went to deliver meals to the elderly. We prayed for this woman after she told us her needs and then she rejoiced!
