Tiffany & Billy
When Tiffany Archie and Billy Jenkins met in Miami on a date arranged by her best friend, they knew they were destined to spend their lives together. After two years of dating, Billy whisked Tiffany to a much-needed vacation on at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Nigel in California. It was at the spa, while being pampered, that Billy decided to propose. During dinner, the waiter laid down a plate with the dessert and a beautiful four-carat diamond and platinum ring, while Billy was on one knee asking Tiffany to marry him. Billy, a Strong Safety, who was part of the St. Louis Rams when they won the Superbowl in 2000, said, "Tiffany saying yes to my proposal was even better than winning the Superbowl!"
The couple knew that planning a wedding in Houston while residing in Denver would be difficult, so they took the advice of their photographer and hired wedding planner Deborah Elias, CSEP of Elias Events.
The wedding date was set for May 15, 2004 at five o'clock in the evening at the Hotel Derek in Houston. The unifying theme throughout the wedding from the invitation to bridesmaid's dresses to the table coverings was the color Platinum. Tiffany wore an exclusive strapless gown designed by Elizabeth Filmore. Her jewelry set consisting of bracelet, earrings and necklace designed by Kenny Lee of Supreme Gem from Los Angeles was a surprise wedding present from Billy. Her bridesmaids and flower girls looked wonderful in their platinum dresses designed by Jenny Yoo.
As Tiffany and her father walked down the aisle lined with tall column candles, singer Yvonne Washington accompanied by The Dave Zeger Strings, sang " Looking Through the Eyes of Love" by Hamlisch. Once down the aisle, Tiffany's father switched roles from proud parent to the couple's officiant. Family, friends and their attendants, including Eric Brown of the Houston Texans as best man and Billy's son Khalil as the ring bearer, looked on as the couple exchanged vows under a flower and fabric canopy and lit a unity candle to signify their uniting love.
After the ceremony, guests were escorted outside the room to enjoy a cocktail reception complete with martini bar, chocolate fountain provided by Fountains of Chocolate and a wonderful fresh fruit tree display. Inside the hotel ballroom, a transformation took place as the room was turned from ceremony into a beautiful reception. The tasty rolled fondant white and silver bride's cake and chocolate with strawberries groom's cakes by Susie's Cakes were placed under the canopy. The bride's bouquet of white and ivory roses was placed next to the cake and the couple's unique champagne toasting goblets.
In addition to the ceremony décor, Decorator and Florist Jason Polito of JP Floral Designs and his crew also helped transform the ballroom into an elegant and intimate reception. Each table had one of three different centerpieces; an Iron Chain stand with greenery and flowers, a crystal bowl with a bridesmaid's bouquet or a cluster of tabletop column candles. All the tables were adorned with silver tablecloths with a silver diamond sash overlay and chairs had a fitted white cover with a diamond organza sash all from The Linen House. To create an intimate setting for the bride and groom, a sweetheart table was placed in the center of the room at which the couple dined. The guests were treated to a wonderful plated meal consisting of house salad, lobster and black-angus beef filet with a potato pave and fresh vegetables.
The Yvonne Washington Band kept everyone on the dance floor grooving to the smooth sounds of Motown, R&B, Pop and the Blues. The event was photographed by the Laurel and David Lund of Wedding Stories.
Their photojournalistic style really captured the whole essence of the event. Scott Coneby of Coastal Productions captured the event on video. David Gugino with the Hotel Derek made sure that all the couple's wishes were not only met but also highly exceeded.
Each guests was given a tea light candle monogrammed with the couples wedding date as their favor. The couple retreated to their suite under a flurry of rose petals.
When asked to remember the wedding, the couple agreed it was
the best day of their lives.
the best day of their lives.