Real Weddings: Iman & Anthony

Iman, who was born and raised in southern Indiana, was preparing to go off to Purdue University for her undergraduate study when she was introduced to Anthony, also from the same town, via mutual friends. He was preparing to enter Indiana State University for undergrad. They started up a friendship and yet went their separate ways. However there was always a spark between the pair and because both attended college in state, they were still able to date. Next thing they knew, nearly ten years had passed. Iman graduated to become a senior account executive, while Anthony got a graduate degree at Alabama A&M University and is now a licensed mental health therapist. He knew he had something with Iman that many merely search for. “Her ability to love me unconditionally and allow me to be my authentic self means the world to me,” Anthony explained of Iman. “These things are not easy to find in life, so I knew she was the one for me.” For their romance-themed wedding, Iman secured a custom strappy lace fitted wedding gown that bared her beautiful shoulders and arms and she accessorized with a sparkling head piece atop her natural curls. Anthony rocked an of-the-moment mauve tuxedo — which was one of their colors — and pulled it off without a doubt. The couple patiently waited out the pandemic to be wed in the Spring of 2021, in front of over 60 guests. Iman’s father tearfully led her down the aisle to unite with her beau and begin their forever.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Carmel, IN

TIME OF YEAR: Spring

WEDDING STYLE: intimate, romantic, classic

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: BASH

MENU: Passed hors d’oeuvres included sweet corn fritters with peppercorn buttermilk ranch dipping sauce, mini BLT sandwiches on toasted sourdough bread with signature bacon aioli, vine ripe tomato and fresh parsley, bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with queso fresco and slow smoked, mini chicken taco bites, and tomato soup shooters with grilled gruyere toast triangles. Next was the soup starter of a potato leek cream soup topped with bacon and fresh chives and then a plated wilted spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette, roasted red peppers, chopped eggs, radish, parmesan and spring onions. The entrée was a plated dinner choice of either a grilled filet of beef tenderloin with fresh herb and garlic butter, or an herb and cheese-stuffed chicken with lemon herb butter both served with sweet-cream whipped potatoes and asparagus, or the vegetarian option of a tower of roasted Portobello, zucchini, squash, roasted pepper and spinach with grilled asparagus and tomato fondue simmered in sauce, with parmesan crisp on top and served with roasted potatoes. Late night snacks included mini gouda cheeseburger sliders, sweet and savory fried chicken and waffles featuring maple and Sriracha drizzle.

DESSERT: Cake

FIRST DANCE SONG:  “My Word” by Derran Day

INSPIRATION: Their venue inspired the wedding. The bride wanted a blank slate where they could evoke feelings of classic romance using lots of lush greenery, florals and candles.

SPECIAL FEATURES: photo booth, late night snack, a dress code where guests were instructed to wear all black; fully custom wedding gown; a family member created a graphic poster for the guest book which looked exactly like Iman and Anthony in their wedding day attire; carved wood place name cards at each seat

HONEYMOON: Antigua and Dominican Republic

Vendors

• Photographer: Blue Lace Wedding Photography
• Florist: Satin & Stems
• Wedding Planning Services: Arbor & Bloom Events
• Ceremony & Reception Venue: BASH
• Caterer: Sweet & Savory Catering
• Cake Designer: Classic Cakes
• Lighting & Rentals: Atmospheres Indy
• Music: DJ Godzillest
• Make Up Artist: Faces by Isis
• Hair/Salon: De’Driona Quarles at Gripped by Rio
• Bridal Gown: Alexandra’s Boutique