Wedding Magazine: Sybil & Ned

The Parkers HAPPILY EVER AFTER • AUGUST 8, 2015

how he proposed pictures inside

Interview with the bride and groom begins on page 6

#onelove080815 • 1

Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the entire staircase.

Martin Luther King ,Jr. 2 • Mr & Mrs Parker

Sybil

Hodgson

Birthday: January 22 Birthplace: Queens, NY Hometown: Mamaroneck, NY Occupation: Family Medicine Physician Favorite Movie: The Color Purple Favorite Musician: Usher Dream Job: Travel writer Dream Vacation: Fiji

Ned Parker

Birthday: May 16 Birthplace: Jamaica. WI Hometown: Middletown, NY Occupation: Structural Mechanic Favorite Movie: Coming to America Favorite Music: Reggae Dream Job: Professional Soccer Player Dream Vacation: European Tour (including an Arsenal soccer match) #onelove080815 • 3

We would like to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the salvation, daily grace and mercy that He so freely gives.

Without Him, we would have never met; and through Him our love will always endure.

To our parents, we would like to thank you for your unconditional love, encouragement and guidance. We are who we are today because of you. We greatly appreciate and love you.

Our amazing family and friends, we are honored you can share these sacred and joyous moments with us today. Thank you for witnessing our expression of love for each other through the vows that begin our new life together. We are truly blessed to be surrounded with so much love and support.

We would like to send a special acknowledgement to those who have traveled a long distance to be here today. Thank you for making such an effort to share this glorious day with us.

Our bridal party, thank you for standing next to us and being a special part of this day.

As we celebrate our union, we lovingly remember our family members who are with us today in spirit. We carry them in our hearts.

It is our desire that ored, not only in this future days ahead. We head of our home and May

the

Lord

Christ shall be honceremony, but in the want him to be the the Lord of our lives.

continue

With love, Sybil & Ned

4 • Mr & Mrs Parker

to

bless

you.

& Dennis P a s s i ar har

ker

S

Wedding Program order of service Prelude “The Wedding Song” (There is Love) Seating of Family “The Wedding Song” by Kenny G Entrance of the Officiate & The Groom Processional of the Wedding Party “The Blessing” by Will Downing

Ma

tron o

Entrance of the Bride “My Life, My Love, My All” by Kirk Franklin

an M t s e f Honor & B

Period of Meditation Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-12 Mrs. Joyce Mills (Mother of the Groom)

To my Matron of Honor: Sharissa, more than 9 years ago we instantly became friends on our first day of residency.

Thank you for being at my side during this journey and standing with me today. We have always felt like sisters and now we are officially sisters as I marry your brother! I look forward to sharing many more moments and milestones with you.

The Ministerial Charge Sacred Music: “The Prayer” Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin Exchange of Vows Blessing & Gift of Rings Pastoral Meditation

To my Best Man: Dad, thank you for standing next to me today.

You have played a great role in making me the man I am today. You are great father and I cherish our relationship.

Confirmation of Vows Pronouncement of Marriage “The Kiss”

Saijha Davis

Nia Nkomo

uel Mabry Raq

Presentation of the Couple The Benediction Recessional of Bridal Party, Parents & Family “As” by Stevie Wonder

Flower Girl

Flower Girl

Flower Girl

Receiving Line “We're Blessed” by Fred Hammond

#onelove080815 • 5

meet the

newlyweds an exclusive interview with the bride & groom

6 • Mr & Mrs Parker

How did you two meet?

Sybil: Ned's sister, Sharissa, is my best friend. We met while planning Sharissa's wedding. The first time we met was hilarious! Ask Ned the story....

Ned: I just got home from work and my sister was stopping by after spending the day with my son. I was just expecting the two of them. I heard the doorbell ring and I had just gotten out of the shower.

I went to the door to let them in with only a towel wrapped around my waist.

As soon as I opened the door, Sharissa screamed “Ned!” and I noticed someone else was with them. The only thing I could think to do was slam the door and put on some clothes!!! It turns out, Sybil was with Sharissa. So, we always joke that she met me naked!!

What was your first impression?

Sybil: Ned is funny.

Ned: She has an easy-going personality.

Who initiated the first kiss?

Sybil: Hmmm......that still remains in discussion!

What did you do on your first date?

Ned: We did her favorite thing...shopping! I lived near an outlet mall and we met there for our first date. I knew that she would enjoy it and be relaxed.

What is the most interesting or surprising thing you've learned about each other since you've been together?

Sybil: Ned is a skilled craftsman. When I moved into my apartment I was

looking for a shoe rack. Ned built me a customized shoe storage cabinet that fit perfectly in my closet!

Ned: Sybil speaks spanish! We were on the train one day and a passenger had a medical emergency. The conductor asked if there were any doctors or nurses on the train. Sybil went to help and realized the passenger only spoke Spanish. She began speaking spanish to the woman and I couldn't believe it. She really impressed me.

What do you love most about each other?

Sybil: He is very caring and thoughtful.

He can sense when I am down and will do exactly the things that make me smile.

Also, when I am sick he is a great nurse!

Ned: I love that she is always thinking about others. Sybil is very giving.

When did you know you were meant for each other?

Sybil: Our first year of dating, I was in my last year of residency and had a crazy schedule. We often couldn't see each other for weeks at a time. Ned would often come to the hospital when I was on break and just hang out with me, even when I was working overnight. He even would bring me a little gift!

Ned: My grandmother passed away during our first year of dating. I went to Jamaica for her funeral. Sybil was constantly on my mind and I wanted her to be there. I called her almost everyday while I was away. I knew she was special at that moment.

#onelove080815 • 7

“ the proposal story as told by Ned Parker

W

e went on a trip to Puerto Rico with Sybil's cousins. I thought doing the proposal on the trip would be memorable. Prior to leaving for the trip, I spoke with her parents and received their blessing for asking for Sybil's hand in marriage.

The first few days of our trip it rained really hard and we stayed in the hotel for those days.

Our first outing was a tour of Old San Juan. We

8 • Mr & Mrs Parker

went to El Morro and toured the area. While taking pictures, I found a spot that would be perfect for the proposal. Her cousin Sebenza helped me set up the area with a poster I had made for the occasion. Sybil was off in another area looking at the sites. Her cousin guided her towards the area which was at the top of a hill.

As soon as she came up the hill, I was on bended knee with the ring and the sign behind me! I was finally able to surprise her! It was great!

“

“

I am the planner in this relationship! I love to plan our weekend excursions and adventures. I was SHOCKED Ned actually organized a very thoughtful and intricate proposal.

He knows I love everything over the top and this proposal was all of my dreams in reality!

It was a wonderful demonstration of his love and solidified our bond.

- Sybil

#onelove080815 • 9

10 • Mr & Mrs Parker

Sy b

il N ed

How well do you know the bride & groom? Test your savvy with this quiz - who said each of the following statements?

My favorite game show is Family Feud.

My favorite snack is raw cashews.

I plan the best dates.

I am the better driver.

I love chocolate.

I am the better swimmer.

I always win in Scrabble.

I am the better dancer.

I am alway talking during a movie.

I will probably cry at the wedding.

Answers: 1. N 2. N 3. S 4. S 5. N 6. S 7. N 8. S 9. N 10. S & N

#onelove080815 • 11

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud... and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

12 • Mr & Mrs Parker photography: Amy Anaiz | program design: Unlike Juliet