Page 22 - Real Weddings

What began as teasing for seventh graders De’Andrea and Brandon eventually led to something special. As the two grew older, the playful, childhood kidding turned into an attraction that le them seeking every opportunity possible to be near one another. Whether it was grading each other’s homework in grade school or cramming for nals during their freshman year in college, De’Andrea and Bryan had become inseparable. On New Year’s Eve of 2016, the two were attending a service at De’Andrea’s church. “It was an all-white event so the setting was very appropriate,” she said. De’Andrea detected no di erence in the way Brandon was acting — he was his usual sweet and attentive self. A er leaving the service, the couple went for a walk in downtown Little Rock and as they walked, Brandon began sharing how much he valued their relationship. “By this time we had made it to the top of the Junction Bridge, and this is where he got down on one knee and proposed!” she said.
THE EVENT
De’Andrea originally wanted to bring the forest indoors for her wedding ceremony, but she realized that was a challenge. Instead, she enlisted the help of wedding consultant Emily Wade to transform Little Rock’s Lo 1023 into a beautiful garden oasis. Her vision of
a nice rustic wedding came to life with a beautiful sheer arch, lots
of owers, lanterns, burlap and about 150 friends and family. e couple was married by Pastor Lawrence O’Neal, the bride’s uncle.
THE ATTIRE
Torn between a “huge princess ball gown to ll the aisle” and a mermaid-style dress, De’Andrea tried on a few dresses at David’s Bridal. Eventually, she realized that the t-and- are form of the mermaid style was perfect for her, but found herself being particular about the ru ed organza. “When I was able to nd a dress that could achieve the look of both styles, I knew I had found the dress — and it was beautiful,” she said. De’Andrea’s bridesmaids wore dresses in shades of rose, also from David’s Bridal, while Brandon and his groomsmen were out tted with tuxedos from Men’s Wearhouse.
22 • real weddings in arkansas | 2018
DE’ANDREA DEVINE
OCTOBER 28, 2017 SKY TOUCH_E_PHOTOS
BRANDON BRYANT