Thanks to our weekly Bridal Bliss column, weddings at ESSENCE are always a mood. Although 2020 was a year like no other due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these couples found creative ways to say “I’m doing” their way.

From socially distant ceremonies to gorgeous garden vow renewals, we absolutely loved the Bridal Bliss 2020 which shared their special day with us.

Check out our favorite Bridal Bliss moments from 2020.

Would you like to see your wedding in Bridal Bliss? Send your story and a link to your wedding photos for review to [email protected].

Photographer: Stanlo Photography


02

Most stylish bride: Dorian

The only thing more fabulous than Dorian and Oludotun’s chic wedding on the golf course was the bride’s bespoke two-piece wedding dress.

03

Best bride glam: Shalwah

The Brooklyn bride gave us a headwrap moment that we will never forget.

Credit: Devon Watson Photography


04

Best wedding location: Kris and Talisa

Kris and Talisa had the woody wedding of their lives surrounded by love, trees, and memories that will last forever. Her rustic Roxbury, NY venue added charm to her reception.


Chuy Photography

06

Best cake: Lucile and Dorson

The couple’s three-tier wedding cake was a masterpiece, refined with buttercream and decorated with seasonal white flowers.


Credit: Reem Photography


07

Best reception look: Barbara and Edmund

Barbara and Edmund’s wedding reception was full of style. The bride’s reception look was created by Winnie Couture, and we haven’t stopped thinking about this lace dress since then.


Photographer: Gregoire Jules

09

Best socially distant ceremony: Warren and Lauren

Love was great, and Lauren and Warren’s socially distant wedding ceremony in Washington DC Friends and family drove by with posters and gifts to celebrate the couple. Too sweet!

Photographer: Terri Baskin


10

Best party: Madeliene and Jasson

There was no seat occupied when Madeliene and Jasson’s wedding reception in Miami opened completely.


Photography: Munoz Photography


11

Best dressed groomsmen: Maya and André

André and his groomsmen decided not to wear the traditional tuxedo and we loved it!


Credit: Tory Bass Photography


12th

Best dressed bridesmaids: Joscelyn and Josue

Joscelyn’s bridesmaids wore these beautiful green and gold ombré sequin dresses that stopped us on our tracks.

13th

Best ceremony on the roof: Sharisse and Thurman

This intimate ceremony on the roof of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City stole our hearts.

Photographer: Amy Anaiz


14th

Best altar moment: Edmond and Mercy

When Edmond and Mercy met at the altar of their heavenly wedding in Houston, sparks flew again.

15th

Best bridal shower portrait: Mills and Johanne

The couple were planning an intimate vow renewal ceremony for their 10 year wedding anniversary, and we couldn’t take our eyes off this portrait with their three beautiful children.


Photography: Amy Anaiz

SUBJECTS: Black Love Black Wedding Bridal Bliss Pandemic Wedding

By Simply Frank

Francisco Perez has been a Professional Wedding DJ in the Houston Area Since 1999 which has allowed him to grow into a leader in the community. Now he is sharing his wisdom with informative posts about the industry. Weddings are his passion because they are centered around LOVE and commitment that two people make to each other for the rest of their lives. The name Simply Frank describes his style perfectly, Simple and Frank or Simply Frank

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