The Venue at Waddell Place

Anisha & Stephen

The Venue at Waddell Place Collage

Their Story

Anisha & Stephen met nearly 10 years ago at Chapel Hill Baptist Church. At that time they were only friends and he was closer to her brother. They maintained a relationship as friends throughout the years, but over the last 3 years started spending nearly every summer weekend at the river with their families. It was during this time that they became closer. The weekend of July 4, 2017 something changed. A spark happened. She was nervous to see where it could go because if it didn’t work then it could make our summers awkward. But it worked. They both gained a best friend, partner, companion, and soul mate.

The Proposal

March 17, 2018, Stephen and Anisha had planned to spend the day together. They planned a “fancy” date as they like to call them, meaning getting dressed up and going out. Their morning with breakfast then returned to his apartment to get ready for the day. They then went to the Botanical Gardens in Memphis. They took a tour through the museum just laughing and having the best time and proceeded to walk through the gardens.

Closer to the end of the gardens was a bed of tulips and a giant piece of art. He asked her to read what the art said. She attempted but without her glasses was not having much luck. When she turned around he was getting on one knee and asking her to spend the rest of her life with him. Their families were there to be a part of it as well as a photographer to capture the moment. It was the absolute happiest moment of Anisha’s life.

Also, the tulips held a special meaning. All that Stephen knew was that she really liked tulips and that she had her grandmother paint a picture of them to hang in her room. What he did not know is that they were her mothers and maternal grandmothers favorite flower. She never got the chance to meet her maternal grandmother due to her passing when her mother was only a child. Tulips not only have a special meaning to Anisha but very much to her mother.

The Wedding

It was a cool and cloudy day at The Venue at Waddell Place on the day of their wedding. It was a nice relief from the hot and humidity the weekend before. The venue was decorated gorgeously and all of Anisha & Stephens friends and family were there enjoying the day with them. They had a beautiful ceremony on the dock under the gazebo. They even had the unique addition of a peanut butter and jelly unity ceremony.

There was a light sprinkle on and off during the ceremony but the real rain held off until we got inside to the reception. Inside everyone enjoyed each other with dinner and some dancing. Anisha & Stephen were carried off at the end of the night in a horse and carriage. It was a beautiful fairy tale of a wedding. I’m so excited for these two.