Tahnee and Norman

January 15, 2011
Heaven Event Center, Orlando
Photographs by Jennifer Werneth

Tahnee Leclerc and Norman Wilder caught each other’s eye as they crossed paths on the UCF campus, but they weren’t formally introduced until a Greek social in December 2007. They hit it off, and friendship quickly turned into love. Two years later, Norman planned a week of romantic events representing something significant in their relationship. One night Tahnee came home to find a room full of lit candles, a bottle of her favorite wine on the table and Norman toasting his ever-lasting love for her, but no proposal. “Every night he led me to believe he was going to propose, but he never did,” she says. “So by the fifth night, I just thought he was being romantic.” But on day seven, Norman hosted a New Year’s Eve party with family and friends, during which he proposed to her. Tahnee, 25, a speech therapist, and Norman, 26, a pharmaceutical company manager, incorporated their African-American, Filipino and Haitian backgrounds into every aspect of their wedding day. “From the ceremony to the reception rituals and favors, our wedding was a true reflection of who we are as a couple.”

DETAILS
Theme: Clean and chic
Wedding Planner: Kerline Docteur, Joie de Vie Weddings & Events Inc., Windermere
On Their Choice of Reception: “We felt like we could really personalize the space and the staff was so accommodating.”
Most Memorable Moment: “I was very resistant to experience the ‘First Look,’ when couples see each other before the wedding, usually to take pictures. But thanks to my planner, it actually ended up being my favorite moment of the day because we had time to pray together before the day got so hectic.”
Bridal Gown: Trumpet-style Maggie Sotero gown, Kleinfeld, New York
Stylists: Your Wedding Makeup, Orlando
Photographer: Jennifer Werneth Photography, Orlando
Reception Technology: PhotoMingle, Orlando
Caterer: Two Three Catering, Orlando
Cake: Heather at It’s Tasty Too!, Orlando
Florist: Lee Forrest Design, Orlando
Stationer: Kerline Docteur, Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc., Windermere
Music/Entertainment: Johnny Thompson, family friend
Lighting/Special Effects: Lighting, Tagas Event & Production Services, Orlando
Tents/Party Rentals: Tables, Orlando Party Rentals; chairs, Suzanne Nichols Design Group, Sanford
Officiant: Pastor Brian Taylor, Orlando World Outreach Center
Father & Daughter Dance: “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
First Dance Song: “Point of It All” by Anthony Hamilton
Honeymoon:  Seven-day Western Caribbean cruise