Latoya and Mark were married in Cancun, Mexico at the Hard Rock Hotel this past April. 110 of their friends and family joined them for 3 days of adventures. The festivities started out with a welcome cocktail party, leading up to their sunset ceremony and reception followed by a day after brunch.
Guests were greeted with welcome bags filled with Mexican snacks, a wedding weekend itinerary, and personalized cups to enjoy their poolside drinks all weekend. To take home a little taste of Mexico, the couple had personalized maracas made for each guest to find their seats and take them home. Such a cute and personal destination wedding “escort card” idea.
Their Love Story
She Said
After dating people off and on with no real connection, I decided to try a different avenue to find love. I had heard positive feedback from friends and family regarding online dating, so I decided to take the plunge and try it. Folks, I’m so happy I did. After reviewing his page and seeing pictures of him at the Krystal hotel in Cancun, I decided to DM him. We started communicating and realized we had been on the same trips and attended the same parties but had never seen each other–crazy. We discovered that we had a lot in common and were looking for the same things in a relationship. A week later we went on our first date, and I was presently caught off guard by his bald head, beautiful chocolate skin, white teeth, tall handsome self. He would quickly become my “Chocolate Drop.” While we met at a less than ideal time in his life, I truly believe that God orchestrated the entire thing at the right time. With time, patience, perseverance and God intertwined, we have been able to overcome losses, grow as a couple, partners, helpmates and husband and wife!
He Said
We met in an unconventional way via an online dating site back in January 2012. I’d heard horror stories of bad dates and crazy folks, lol, so I created a profile and figured let me give it a shot! Within a couple of days, I noticed this chocolate brown sister in a hot gold dress, and I was instantly smitten! We inboxed each other and had so many things in common, like traveling in the same circles for years and not crossing paths and especially our love for God. We finally went on our first date on January 7th, 2012 at Grand Luxe Café in Long Island, NY. At this time, I was in a really dark place in my life with me laying my Mother to rest who passed away suddenly just a few weeks prior to me meeting Toya. At first, I didn’t let her know what happened because I didn’t want her to feel sorry for me and treat me differently, but once I told her and she didn’t run for the hills I knew “she was the one.” It took a lot for me to deal with the death of my mother, but she handled me well and I began to see she could be a keeper. Fast forward three years to my 40th birthday where she planned the best birthday dinner a man could ever ask for, I told her at the table in front of all my friends “I’m gonna make an honest woman out of you” and everyone cheered hysterically, lol. On February 18th, 2017 making her an honest woman became a reality when I asked her to do me the honor of being my wife as we were surrounded by loved ones (and strangers) at the restaurant where it all began. Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her!
Congratulations Latoya and Mark and special thanks to the couple’s wedding planner Deniesha Joseph of Fun Fete Fabulous for submitting this gorgeous wedding and love story.
Vendor Collaboration
Planning & Design – Fun Fete Fabulous Event Planning & Design || Photography – Reem Photography || Video – The Bricks Group || Venue – The Hard Rock Hotel, Cancun || Flowers – Tulipania || Rentals – Zuniga, Mexico || DJ – DJ Dubz & DJS1 Events || Stationery – Lepenn Designs || Linens – The Finishing Touch
