The person of your dreams may be closer than you could ever imagine. In fact, he or she could already be an acquaintance, fellow church-goer, or a friend of a friend. Years can pass without knowing that your future spouse has been in your midst, until one day God taps you on the shoulder, causing you to recognize your destiny. This is Our Story.
Joe and I knew of each other for almost two years, before we knew what God had in store for us. I became of aware of Joe in passing, during the time we were employed by the same company. We had participated in several church events sponsored by our churches. We also had a mutual friend. During these brief encounters, we saw glimpses of one another’s interests and personalities. I noticed that he was extremely talented, an active member of his church, as well as good conversationalist. Joe was familiar with my poetry, knew that I was in the church choir, and noted my outgoing nature. Beyond these observations, nothing else had surfaced until one day God tapped me on my shoulder and led me to take another look.
Coincidentally, prior to our getting to know each other we determined that we would allow for God to plan our future. Several months after the “tap on the shoulder” incident, I made a few inquiries with a mutual friend of ours. I knew that she and Joe were close and would have some insight into the type of person he was. She confirmed that he was an awesome person, who was in search for a wife, but was extremely particular. God was in complete control of the situation from that point forward. God provided several instances for us to initiate conversation, the first centered around my career. I became keenly aware of his intelligence, smile and intense stare. He learned of my aspirations and commitment to my son. As time went on, we began talking on the phone. We now laugh about the number of hours we spent “getting to know each other”. Joe knows that I love to talk and he prefers to listen. We both share a love of music, poetry and cooking. We are both givers and have a strong loyalty to family and friends. Most importantly, we share a love for God. We also have our differences. Joe’s a planner and I’m very last minute. He’s a realist and I’m a dreamer. The amazing thing is that we balance each other out.
We share an understanding that is like none other. We have found in each other a spirit of caring for one another that has gone unfulfilled in the past. I prayed specifically for a spiritual man who would accept my son from a previous marriage, and myself, as his own. Joe prayed for a spiritual woman, who could love unconditionally. God heard our prayers, because we have allowed him to write, “Our Story”.
We have decided to have our Wedding at Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace where the Pastor Earl B. Mason is the Senior Pastor (8718 N 46th Street, Tampa, FL 33617). The colors for the wedding are a beautiful shade of Sage accented with Gold. Since Joe is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. His groomsmen will be in a Black and Gold and my ladies will grace down the aisle in gorgeous dresses that accentuates their best features.
The Reception will be held at The Dr. Blaise F. Alfano Conference and Banquet Center located at 11606 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612. Only minutes from Busch Gardens and immediately across the street from the Embassy Suites where most of our out-of-town guest will be staying.
All of our out-of- town guest are encouraged to use www.preciousdestinations.com for their travel needs. This would include air and car. We have made special accommodations with The Embassy Suites. All our guest will need to do is call 1-800-EMBASSY. Since there are three Embassy Suites in Tampa it would be important to let the reservationists know that you will be staying at the USF/Busch Gardens location (3705 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612). We were able to negotiate great rates at only $134 a night. This rate also includes a full breakfast and complementary cocktails in the afternoon.
However, should you decide on staying in another Hotel within the city, you are free to use www.preciousdestinations.com for other hotel accommodations.
We have registered at Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, as well as, Macy's.
