We are thrilled to share with you that DeShana and Darryl’s Elegant and Classic Texas Wedding has been featured on The Black Bride (click here to see the full feature). DeShana and Darryl met in 2007, which was the summer before their freshman year of college. They both attended an engineering summer bridge program at the University of Oklahoma. Darryl loves to tell people that DeShana was the first girl he laid eyes on and he knew from that moment on that she’d be the one. The pair dated for most of their college years, but took a break here and there after graduating. However, their love rekindled once they both lived in Houston. They always maintained their friendship no matter what. In 2017, they took the next step in their friendship as husband and wife with an elegant and classic Texas wedding. Take a journey back in time to see DeShana and Darryl’s special day, captured by us, Pharris Photos.
Bride’s full name, age, and occupation: DeShana Blackburn, 29, Computer Engineer – Information Technology
Groom’s full name, age, and occupation: Darryl Blackburn, 28, Petroleum Engineer
Place of residence: Houston, Texas
Wedding date: November 11, 2017
Wedding location: The Bowden Events & Weddings, Keller, Texas
Wedding theme: Elegant & Classic
Honeymoon Destination: St. Lucia at the Ladera Resort and Sandals Grande St. Lucian. We stayed in the new over-water bungalows and it was amazing!
Engagement story:
It was my birthday, Dec. 28, 2016. I always celebrate my birthday, but this birthday was special because it was my “golden birthday” where I turned 28 on the twenty-eighth! Darryl planned to take me out to dinner for my birthday which wasn’t really a surprise because that’s how we celebrated most years. I came home after work and started getting dressed. He got dressed before me and was acting a little anxious, but I just figured it was his way of rushing me so we wouldn’t be late, so I picked up my pace.
I walked out into the living room and he told me to go over to the Christmas tree to open my birthday present before we went to dinner. I still had no idea, because this was also a gesture that wasn’t out of the ordinary. It was a medium-sized box, so I assumed it was shoes. As I started opening it, there was another smaller box inside. Then the next box also had a smaller box in it. I started getting the hint at this point but still wasn’t sure. After opening at least five boxes, I finally got to a tiny red box. By this time, he started playing the song that I always told him would be our wedding song, “Amazed” by Boyz II Men. He took the tiny red box out of my hand and got down on one knee and proposed! Of course, I said yes! He then walked over to his phone and showed me that he’d recorded the whole thing from the kitchen so he could send the video to my parents and sister! It was such a perfect moment shared just between the two of us, which is exactly how I would’ve planned it.
After dinner, we headed back home and as we pulled in the driveway I see a huge sign on the garage door that said “Congratulations!” I was so confused and thought, “There’s more?” I walk into the house and to my surprise, my closest friends and family were there to celebrate our engagement. It was such a special night and I’ll never forget the love and joy I felt! It was a great birthday surprise and a wonderful way to end 2016.
Photographer: Pharris Photos
Venue: The Bowden Events & Weddings
Bridal gown: Ines di Santo
Bridal party attire: David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux: Festari for Men
Cake: Creme de la Creme Cake Company
Caterer: FnG Catering
Favors: 9 oz. monogrammed stemless wine glasses
Wedding planners: Jane Deux Event Management
Coordinator: Crystal Sowah
Music: DJ View
Hair: Miesha McDade
Makeup: Double Dutch Inc
Flowers: Root + Bloom Floral Design
Stationery: Minted
