Thigpen-Parks Wedding
Our story is a simple one but an everlasting lovely one for sure. Once I graduated from college, I had no desire to get married. Several of my close friends married immediately after college; however, I wanted to pursue my career and travel the world. God heard me and answered my prayers. As I continued to mature, my heart changed, and I wanted to share my life with someone. In 2016, Emma Duncan, one of my church members and friends, said she wanted me to meet someone. She was a personal friend of his sister, Schlandra Waller. I trusted my friend, so I said, "Okay. Who is it?"
She said, "Jewel Parks." I thought, "I know him because I met him several years ago at a church function."
She shared my phone number with his sister the same night he called. We talked for over three hours that night. From that day forward, we talked every night for six years. We found that we came from families who are very similar, and most of all, we love to serve the Lord. We were both very active in our churches and love to serve people. We had talked about marriage before, but now we were discussing more of a commitment to each other. We both had prayed for direction from God and wanted to make sure the next steps were orchestrated by Him. Marriage is a big step, and neither of us wanted to make a mistake and not listen for direction.
In April 2022, Jewel proposed and gave me a beautiful, glistening ring. There was no doubt in my mind that this is the man God had chosen for me. He needed to make sure it was clear to him. I said yes to the ring and the commitment to a life-long journey. I waited until June to share the news because the ring needed to be sized. This allowed us to share the news with the ring on my beautiful brown finger with everyone closest to our hearts: our families and friends. I told my sister, Sunny, first, and she was excited for me because my family really loves Jewel. I call him Dewayne, which is his middle name because everyone else calls him Jewel. I shared the news with my best friend, Odester Taylor, and she was over the moon happy for us. My Texarkana family and friends were excited for us, as well. His family was overwhelmingly excited to hear the news because they had come to love me, too. My sorority, pink and green, AKA sisters, and Divine 9 family also were excited for us. Texarkana wrapped their arms around us as we prepared for our wedding.
Saturday, November 26, was the day chosen for our special day. One of my favorite wedding scenes is from the Tyler Perry movie Madea’s Family Reunion. If anyone has not seen this movie, it is worth seeing. I mentioned that in a conversation with the venue director, Joyce Wilson, and she made it happen. That is where I got the inspiration for the decorations for our wedding. I prayed and hoped the day would be beautiful. It was and more. I mean, everything was stellar! I told her everything looked beautiful, but the only missing things were the angels overhead. She replied, "You are the ANGEL!" I almost lost it right there. I was surrounded by loved ones and friends, and the only regret is that we could not invite everyone we wanted to come. There just was not enough room for Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi. We have our hearts set on a scenic cruise to Alaska for our honeymoon.
What I have learned is you cannot hurry God; you must wait until He shows you a man like David. A man after God’s own heart, my Prince Dewayne! God Is Faithful! See, I believe in the promises of God. He sent me my husband, the sunshine of my life. I knew this man, my prince, would be my forever because God had revealed him to me. I dance for Him and him that night! Thank you, Lord I said yes to the ring, yes to Dewayne, yes to the dress, and yes to the Lord. I waited upon the Lord!
Vendors used:
Bride’s Dress—Fandra Walker “LéBells Formal & Bridal”
Bride’s Hair—Rebecca Brown
Bride’s Reception Attire—Juanita Roberson “Nita’s Fashion Barn”
DJ—DJ Hollygrove on DA TRACK
Floral Creations for Wedding Party—Pastor Barbara Stoker
Make-up Artist—Kristy Glascock “Flawless Faces”
Photography & Videography—John Mullens Back 2 Back Promotions
Rehearsal Fellowship and Food—Larry Davis
Venue Design & Decorations—Joyce Wilson, Lead and Melva Flowers
Flowers—LaDoris Smith
Venue & Caterer—Northridge Country Club
Vocalists—Robert & Valerie Webb, Beverly Webb
Wedding Coordinator—Novella Medlock
Wedding Invitations—Veronnica Fulce
Wedding Cake—Shelly Vetor, Cake Boutique Bakery
