After meeting for the fourth time in five years, Chandra Brown and Leonard Stewart finally saw each other at a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31, 2007. From that moment forward, fireworks flew. Leonard made the New Year’s Eve of 2009 momentous by proposing to Chandra on a gondola ride at the Venetian in Las Vegas. The couple saw it only fitting to solidify their nuptials with a grand celebration on Dec. 31, 2010.
Father Peter Cunningham officiated the afternoon ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Claire Langan and Joy Washington coordinated the day. Given in marriage by her parents, John Spears and Charlean Brown, the bride wore a San Patrick strapless, satin gown with a ruched bodice, cathedral train and lace floor-length veil from I Do Bridal & Formal. The bride chose her close friends and groom’s sisters as her attendants: Charlena Watson Berry, matron of honor; Andrea Dennis; Gloria Wilson; Latoya Stewart; Lakeisha Stewart; and Lindsey Stewart. The flower girl was Mariah Brothers, the bride’s cousin.
After the groom’s father escorted his mother, Artie Stewart, down the aisle, Leonard Stewart Sr. stood as the groom’s best man. His other attendants included Claude Bumpers, Joseph Dennis, Steve McDonald, Travis Martin, Jason Marshall, Cleveland Patterson and Ricardo Woods. The ring bearer was Allen Stewart, the nephew of the groom.
Following the ceremony, family and friends joined the couple at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza for the wedding reception. Zimlich the Florist designed the beautiful, bright red flowers and decorations. The silver doubloon cake was created by Pollman’s Bake Shop along with the groom’s chocolate dobosh cake. Guests enjoyed the photo booth from Snaps Photo Rental and music from Urban Soul. Each amazing moment was captured by Storytellers, Jeff and Katie Barker.
After a quick nap and wardrobe change, the couple brought in the New Year as husband and wife surrounded by loved ones. The couple resides in Mobile, Ala.
