On Nov. 5, 2005, at 3:05 p.m. family and friends witnessed a spiritual ceremony of love for Semeiko and De’Juan Gambrell in the City of Suffolk. The ceremony was enlightened with a candle lighting moment by the bride and her father to remember the bride’s mother, &uot;Tonya Yvette Baker&uot; who departed this life on November 11, 2002.

Upon the start of this most memorable wedding day, a Memorial Tribute greeted guest as they entered the church recognizing the grooms grandmother, Margaret Gambrell, brides grandfather Theodore Hunter, grooms uncle Eugene Gambrell, and the groom’s great aunt C. Faye Tillery and other family members.

An hour-long ceremony filled with the brides family and close friends serving as attendants.

The beautiful ladies dressed in the unique colors of

purple and lavender filled the altar with smiles of joy as their friend and cousin Semeiko committed her new life to De’Juan. They included Shavonda, Shawn, Denise, Triville, Karen, Jonte, China, Janice, Shira, and Jerea. The gentlemen of the evening were the grooms family and close friends who were dressed exclusively in

black tuxs accessorized with the darker colors of the purple and lavender family to harmonize with the colors of the ladies. They were: Andrew, Antonio (Richmond), Patrick, Darryl (Germany), Kelvin (Richmond), Lindell, Antoine, Quinton, and Derrick.

The hostesses and ushers, Shawndel, Letreca, Michael, Vincent, Alvin, and Derrantae served with a humble spirit making the day a dreams come true.

The younger attendants filled the congregation with gleam as they entered the ceremony adorning the colors of the afternoon. They included: Darius, Demonte, Bria, Raquan, Quinton, Jr., Jaylah, Jazzmine, Shanyya, Bradford, and Jordan.

The bride and groom shared their love and admiration for their special supporters on their wedding day and they were the brides maternal Grandmother, Alma Hunter, the brides paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Baker, the brides Godmother, Beverly Holland, the brides Honored Guest, Deborah Ralph, the grooms Godmother, Rose Harris, and the grooms Honored Guest, Irene Tillery Jordan, all dressed in evening attire to fit the occasion.

The church was cascaded with the beautiful flowers designed specifically for the couple and blending the 3 silver, 14 tier candelabra’s accenting the altar with the entrance of the beautiful sunshine.

The compositions of music included songs from gospel artist Kurt Carr and a rendition of &uot;For Always&uot; by the bride herself adding a bountiful touch of love to the afternoon. The double ring ceremony was officiated by the bride’s Pastor Elder Gerald Goodman with his passionate words of commitment to a Christian Marriage for a lifetime of happiness at the New Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ of Whaleyville, Virginia.

Mr. Wayne Baker gracefully presented his daughter to her new husband. The grooms mother Faye Mitchell joined her son in a special unity candle ceremony committing the families as one.

The reception of over 352 people was held in the converted Suffolk-Armory National Guard.

The room was adorned in lavender and white with elegant flowers and an atmosphere of love and fun.

Each table was covered in fresh rose pedals and a program to explain the occasion. A traditional African-American culture dinner sumptuously captured the approval of the guest as it was served on white china to fit the occasion. The seven tier white and silver cake added an astonishing expression to the decorated room.

The toast offered to Semeiko and De’Juan was genuine and amusing and added a great level of admiration to all who witnessed.

The bride and groom celebrated with joy as they each danced with their parents. Each guest left with a personalized wine glass to commemorate the couple in grandeur for years to come. The vendors provided excellent service as they traveled from the areas of North Carolina, Maryland and the city of Norfolk, Virginia. The bride and groom enjoyed their weeklong honeymoon on the property of The Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. An Elegant Wedding to remember by all who attended.

What God has joined together let no man attempt to separate.