African American, Christian, and Muslim Traditions Meet in Minneapolis, MN: Glenn + Taara

/ McNamara Alumni Center/

As I bid farewell to residency at San Antonio Military Medical Center with Colorado Springs on the horizon, and as Glenn was gearing up for business school at his lifelong dream institution, Florida State University, God felt it was actually the perfect time for us to experience life's journey as a pair. So as we packed our bags, heading to opposite sides of the country, our hearts drifted closer together and began the beautiful story of "A CardNole Love." We eventually got engaged midway along a horse & carriage ride in the Colorado mountains.

When I dreamt of a wedding, it looked a lot like the royal wedding from one of my favorite movies: “Coming to America.” My dress came pretty close to that “dramatic” and classic effect. Glenn wanted a classic and sharp look in his black tux — and he nailed it! For our reception debut and photoshoot, we put on custom Chuck Taylor shoes for our respective alma maters (me: Stanford Cardinal and him: Florida State Seminole = CardNole). We love our schools and our teams, so it is natural that we sport something related to them on our big day. We tried to incorporate our theme, A CardNole Love, in most of the details. Our delicious cake had a custom “A CardNole Love” topper, our wedding favor coasters had that imprinted with the AMOR in blocks (I call Glenn “Mi Amor”), our shoes sported CARDinal and SemiNOLE logos, and the photobooth was just a fun item that I am addicted to at all parties!

For our ceremony, we wanted to incorporate American, Muslim, Christian, and African American tradition into our wedding. As such, we chose Imam Omar Shakir to officiate and provide remarks that highlighted the divine sacred union of marriage and the strength of its universal tenants — applicable in both Islam and Christianity. We also had a custom broom for “jumping the broom” — a long standing tradition in the African American community with ties to multiple African cultures. African American history and culture is complex and rich, and it is a large part of both of our identities, so we wanted to honor that in ourselves and for our ancestors. We also signed our Muslim Wedding Contract after the ceremony, which outlines our commitments and responsibilities to one another as husband and wife.

Words by Taara, the bride, as told by Amber Marlow. Photos by Preston Palmer of Brovado Weddings.

african american, christian, and muslim traditions minneapolis wedding Taara fastening glittery wedding heels
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Preston Palmer Brovado weddings minnesota

PRESTON PALMER

Considered one of the best wedding photographers in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and throughout Minnesota, award-winning wedding photographer Preston Palmer has worked as a professional wedding photographer and photojournalist photographing weddings in and around Minneapolis, MN since 2006. One look at this stunning wedding photography and you will see why there is a high demand for Preston from clients nationwide. Preston is valued not only for his breathtaking wedding and engagement photography, he is also known for his warm, friendly personality and his unique ability to instantly put clients, their families, and their guests at ease.