Tina and Reggie would first like to express sincere appreciation to all of our many family members and friends who have helped us to be where we are today and for visiting our wedding website. We have had so much fun and experienced so much thus far on our journey.

We met in Houston, Texas in 1999, while hanging out with the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi and the Sisters of Delta Sigma Theta. Tina doesn't remember the meeting... Reggie does. As he often tells Tina, he knew back then she was the lady of his dreams. He regretted they did not exchange contact information when they first met. It would be four long years before their paths would cross again.

In the Summer of 2003, Reggie and Tina met again in the Washington, D.C. area while hanging out with the Bruhs and Sorors. Tina was teaching in Virginia and living on Capitol Hill in D.C. Reggie was on assignment from Alaska and working in D.C. They were both pursuing Doctoral degrees from HBCUs and working on their dissertations at the same time. This time, they exchanged contact information.

That summer Reggie and Tina talked about studying and writing together and encouraging each other to complete their respective Ph.D. programs, but it was a short summer, they were both busy and they never hooked up. Reggie went back to Alaska determined to return to D.C. as soon as possible. A career opportunity allowed him to move back to D.C. in December 2003.

Eventually, they began to date. Who says education and persistence doesn't pay?

Tina graduated from Howard University and then in September 2006, she accepted a position at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Once again, they were separated only by distance but the love in their hearts sustained the test of times. GOD and Destiny had a different ending to their story. The couple reunited again. That same year, with enormous support from Tina, Reggie completed his dissertation work and graduated from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy at Southern Univeristy-Baton Rouge, LA. in December 2006. Shortly therafter, he proposed and Tina accepted.

The proposal took place after dinner with Tina's mother Ms. Joyce January and Reggie's mother Ms. Amelia Vance. Both mothers blessed the engagement of their baby girl and baby boy. The rest is history.

Please read more about our wedding and reception plans in the following sections of our wedding website.



Reg and Tina

We're venturing off to the MOTHERLAND for our destination wedding...our wedding date has been set for November 2008 in South Africa!!!

Our expedition will begin the first week of November in Johannesburg, South Africa at the Entabeni Game Reserve. This encounter with Africa's wildlife begins as we travel on an open safari vehicle to search for game.

After a morning game drive and breakfast, we depart for a journey to Pretoria. Highlights
include: the Voortrekker Monument, Kruger House, Church Square, City Hall, and State
Theatre/Opera House.

Also, our trip will include a tour to the “Cradle of Humankind” at the Sterkfontein Caves.
From here we go to Maropeng – a Stone Age site. Along the pathway to the Tumulus
building, we stop to have a look at an excavation site. The underground boat ride takes visitors through a sensory immersion of the four elemental forces of nature: earth, fire,
water and ice. After having sailed past icebergs, volcanoes and braved curtains of water,
molten lava, sheets of lightning and fire walls, we land on the other side, billions of years
back, to the very birth of our planet - in time for an expedition of discovery.

In addition, we'll visit MUSEUMAFRICA in Newtown and then continue to Soweto, famous as South Africa’s hotspot during the 70’s. The tour includes travel to homes of Winnie Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. We then stop at the Mandela Museum for a glimpse into the history of Soweto
(South Western Towships) and the Apartheid Museum.

Finally, the HONEYMOON awaits us as we fly to Cape Town, South Africa known as one of the most beautiful spots in the world!!! We'll embrace the infamous Table Mountain while enjoying the gorgeous beaches and romantic sunsets.

We would love everyone to join us as we bless our nuptials with a special ceremony and reception in Louisiana upon our return from South Africa. The reception will be held during Mardi Gras weekend at the Manor in New Iberia, LA located at 1837 Old Spanish Trail on February 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM.

Most of you know how much we love NEW ORLEANS!!! Therefore, the theme of the reception will be none other than MARDI GRAS. Bring your favorite beads, masks, umbrellas, hankies and costumes. Nouvelle Iberie (New Iberia) is known as the hottest, spiciest, saltiest, and sweetest city in Louisiana. The reception will definitely be a special treat for those of you who have not experienced Mardi Gras, the dynamic culture and delicious foods of Louisiana.

So please come enjoy the excellent creole cuisine of gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee and even boudin. We'll start the party with a taste of zydeco, jazz, the CUPID shuffle and swing out flavor. Of course, we'll end the party with all the greatest MARDI GRAS hits.

We promise to have a little lagniappe too for those of you new to the area so remember "Do What Ya Wanna "Sha" and " Laisser les bons temps rouler".

Reg and Tina have launched their own travel agency. Please feel free to utilize our site to book airfare, hotels and rental cars at www.advanceddestinations.com.

The nearest airport is the Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) located in Lafayette, LA. The Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY), located in New Orleans, LA is a two hour drive away. The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) is located approximately fifty (50) miles from New Iberia, Louisiana.

We've reserved a large number of rooms for guests at Comfort Suites located at 2817 Hwy 14 in New Iberia, LA 70560: (Phone) 337-367-0855. Simply ask for the January Vance wedding. Comfort Suites is only 8 miles from the reception site. Ruby Tuesdays, Chili's, The Waffle House and Wendy's are eateries within walking distance from the hotel.

Also, the Cypress Bayou Casino is located less than thirty minutes from the hotel for those of you who enjoy gambling.

Please continue to pray with us as GOD blesses our union. May He continue to shine His light on our lives for eternity. We are extremely elated and happy to share this special day with all of you. Thank you for helping us celebrate our New Beginning.