Willisa Turner Burkley Story
Do you believe in soulmates? Just two people who were brought together when they least expected it. An instant connection and a little bit of fate made an everlasting relationship that has strengthened over time! You know what they say, good things happen when you least expect it! And that is why we’re so stoked to highlight Willisa and Edward today! Get ready to catch a bad case of the warm and fuzzies.
We first met Willisa at the Denton Bridal Show! “I believe it was fate that lead me to Ava’s. They were the first vendor I met at the Denton Bridal Show, and wouldn’t you know it, they were just what the doctor ordered. I wanted a shop that would make me feel like I was at a friend’s house getting clothes, and not just some faceless client. I won a VIP appointment and from the very beginning of booking I never felt faceless. Sue was so helpful, kind and patient. We became so close on texts that I knew when her children started back to school. When my appointment time came the feeling of home continued. “
Our Love Story:
Willisa met Edward in a place where she would have never thought she would meet her future husband! Can you guess where that was? Her family reunion in San Antonio! Willisa’s aunt invited Edward to meet Willisa. The two had great conversation and exchanged numbers. After the reunion, Willisa went back to Dallas and there was some time before Edward reached out to her. They began to text daily as just friends.
At this time, Willisa was not interested in a long-distance relationship. Eventually daily texts turned into daily phone conversations. After months of talking on the phone, Edward came up to Dallas to visit. During Edward’s visit, he let Willisa know he wanted to be more than friends but Willisa was worried about their distance, so she did not take the next step even though knew she had feelings for him that was more than friendship. Fast forward to Valentine’s Day, Willisa took the next step and slipped a note in his pocket as he was leaving saying she was ready to make it OFFICIAL!!! From that point on, they made their long-distance work by going back and forth at least once a month.
The Moment She Said Yes:
Two years into the relationship, Willisa and Edward took a Thanksgiving cruise with their families. During karaoke, Edward sung John Legends – Ordinary People and at the end of the song he proposed. Even though this was the biggest shock of her life, Willisa of course said yes. Willisa and Edward decided to get married on May 26, 2019! This date symbolizes joining the two because it was halfway between each of their birthdays. Their dream was to have a wedding full of love and that was so easy to achieve when the love came from not only their family and friends, but also their vendors! If this was just the beginning, they were excited to see what’s ahead for them!
Finding THE dress:
Willisa knew exactly what she wanted when she came in to shop for her wedding dress but soon realized that her idea dress might not be the one! “Sydney was the best! After trying on what I wanted, Sydney got me in a dress that I thought I wouldn’t like. I really liked this dress but couldn’t say yes right then and there, and I wasn’t pressured to either.” After some time, “I came back in for a second appointment to try on the dress I liked again. Sydney pulled some more styles, similar to what I originally thought I wanted and also some similar to the one I really liked from the first visit. The only thing was that none of these dresses were hitting me. Sydney again with the magic touch brought out a gown that was completely opposite of what I wanted. IT WAS PERFECT!!! I said yes.”
Willisa said yes to a beautiful Morilee beaded bodice ball gown that had an illusion beaded neckline and back, and a tulle skirt. She looked like a QUEEN!!! Like seriously, we are blushing over how beautiful Willisa is!
We love that Willisa just opened up to the wedding dress shopping process and followed her heart! Finding THE dress can be stressful and scary, but when you allow yourself to be open to trying on wild cards and let your feelings lead you, you will find YOUR dress! Like they always say, you NEVER know, unless you try and that’s exactly what Willisa did! Good things come when you least expect them.
Here is the exclusive list of vendors that made Willisa and Edward wedding a day to remember!
Vendors:
Venue: Slate at II Creeks (@slatevenues) http://slatevenues.com/, https://www.facebook.com/SlateAtIICreeks/
Florals and event Design: Nicole Smedley Event Designs (@nicolesmedleyevents)* http://www.nseventdesigns.com/, https://www.facebook.com/NicoleSmedleyEventDesigns/
Catering: Chef Kevin Johnson (@chefkevinjohnson)* https://www.facebook.com/chefkevinjohnsondfw/
*Note: Florals and Catering are husband and wife
Coordinator: Marvel Events and Marketing https://www.marvelmktg.com/
Makeup: Jamie Dionne (@jamiedionne) https://www.jamiedionne.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByJamieDionne/
Bride’s Hair: Ashley Prince (@ashleyprince_hairstylist)
Bridesmaids’ Hair: Morgan Davis (@radiant_haircare)
Groom’s Tuxedo: Image Avenue Clothiers (@ImageAveCloth and @image_ave) http://www.imageaveclothiers.com/
Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: The Black Tux (@theblacktux) https://theblacktux.com/
Pictures and videography: Video Expressions and Images https://videoexpressionsimages.zenfolio.com/
