Fresh off the broadway national tour of “Dreamgirls”, playing Effie White (the same role made famous by Jennifer Hudson), Patrice is a Dreamgirl on stage and walking down the aisle.
She’s also her new husband Elijah’s dream come true…When Patrice responded to an ad on Craigslist for a band’s background vocalist, she had no idea the man who placed the listing would someday be her husband!
Patrice & Elijah, Swarovski crystal face framing headpiece by Bridal Styles, image: Ahmet Ze Photography
Right away she knew had found someone special. “I knew Elijah was different from anyone else I had ever met as soon as we started dating. I often say that I don’t even know where he came from. I used to tease him and say he had a book of answers and ‘things to say to your girlfriend’ because he always says the most perfect thing to cheer me up or make me feel better. He’s definitely one of a kind and I am glad he’s mine!”
Patrice, bridal headpiece and veil by Bridal Styles, shoes by Benjamin Adams, images: Ahmet Ze Photography
Though it was an everyday turned extraordinary night in New York City that Patrice realized she had found the one. “Elijah picked me up when I finished performing at a benefit concert to give me a ride home. We rode past Central Park and I told him that I had never been to Central Park and I had always wanted to go. He pulled the car over, parked, and we walked into the park. I was floored when he walked up to the carriage driver and asked for a ride around the park. During the ride, I looked at him with a smile and thought to myself, “Life couldn’t be any better than this!”
Patric, unique face framing headpiece by Bridal Styles, images: Ahmet Ze Photography
Later, Patrice found herself thrilled and moved by another of Elijah’s surprise romantic gestures!
“While my show Dreamgirls was performing in LA, we had planned for Elijah to come out to visit with me months before so it was no surprise that he was there. The day we got there he proposed. We got in the car without a GPS and I wondered how in the world Elijah knew where to go. We drove in the rain in LA traffic to Santa Monica. Elijah very annoyed by the traffic and the rain. I was like “what’s the big deal?” Little did I know he’d planned on proposing outside at the Santa Monica Pier at sunset. So much for that! However, when we got there he’d made reservations at a beautiful Japanese restaurant (our favorite food). Our table was around an open pit fire. We had wonderful conversation about life and our future as a married couple but I just kept changing the subject. I didn’t know he was talking about right NOW! He eventually got the words out and I cried and cried and cried! I cried so much I forgot to say yes. Couldn’t have been more perfect!”
Patrice & Elijah’s wedding, images: Ahmet Ze Photography
Happily engaged, Patrice and Elijah set Friday, March 25, 2011 as their date and began planning their wedding. Since Patrice was on a national tour of Dreamgirls, during their 13-month engagement, Elijah did more than the average groom! He even chose the most important thing, their venue: Liberty House in Jersey City, NJ, inside Liberty State Park.
Patrice & Elijah, couture headpiece and cathedral bridal veil by Bridal Styles, image: Ahmet Ze Photography
Though Patrice was on the road, she and Elijah worked together to plan a unique wedding that reflected who they were.
“We based our wedding on both of our careers. Our save the dates were like movie posters, our invitations were like a ticket, our wedding programs a Broadway Playbill. During cocktail hour there was a red carpet and step and repeat wall for red carpet interviews. The escort cards were like backstage passes that said each guest was seated with a prominent couple in the entertainment industry like Oprah and Stedman, Will and Jada, Barack and Michelle, and Heidi Klum and Seal.”
Patrice & Elijah, Swarovski crystal face framing headpiece by Bridal Styles, images: Ahmet Ze Photography
So, what does a Dreamgirl wear on her red carpet wedding day?
“I was in Beverly Hills with Dreamgirls when my mother came to visit. We were in a store for 30 minutes and I had my dress! Designed by Alfred Angelo, the dress was made of Silk Satin, decorated with Swarovski crystals, had a chapel train and a strapless, sweetheart bodice….My favorite part of my entire wardrobe was my headpiece. My veil was diamond white and cathedral length and it fit perfectly with my custom made headpiece. Both were created at the fabulous Bridal Style’s boutique in Brooklyn, NY. My headpiece was the single thing I was most excited about when it came to my wardrobe — an asymmetrical face framer made with Swarovksi crystals. It was unique and is being talked about like crazy! It made that statement that I wanted….FIERCE! “
Patrice & Elijah’s wedding, images: Ahmet Ze Photography
When March 25 finally arrived, Patrice and her seven bridesmaids had a blast getting ready for their walk down the aisle, listening to music and enjoying mimosas. But the real pre-wedding fun turned out to be in the lobby!
“That weekend the Argentinean Soccer Team was also staying in the hotel. They brought in tons of paparazzi and press to photograph and interview them as they arrived at the hotel and whenever they got out of the elevator. So when my bridesmaids and I went down to get in our limo we walked into a lobby that was completely loaded with photographers and reporters. They began to flash their cameras like crazy. Well, I took full advantage of it! My girls and I smiled and waved like celebrities arriving on the red carpet and acted like they were all there for us! It was so funny!“
Patrice & Elijah, dramatic Swarovski crystal headpiece by Bridal Styles, images: Ahmet Ze Photography
From that impromptu photoshoot on, Patrice and Elijiah’s wedding was the party they had planned and more!
“It was a Friday night PARTY! It started at 7pm and we partied until 1am. My husband and I also stopped our first slow dance and did a comedic and entertaining dance performance to Michael Jackson’s ‘The Way You Make Me Feel.’ I also surprised my groom by singing to him. I sang ‘I Love You, I Do’ from the Dreamgirls motion picture.”
Patrice & Elijah, glamorous bridal headpiece and veil by Bridal Styles, image: Ahmet Ze Photography
When we asked Patrice and Elijah to share their most memorable moments, they had this to say:
Patrice: My most memorable moment was walking down the aisle to Elijah. The look on his face was unforgettable. During the whole planning process I just knew I’d be crying and would ruin those pictures of me walking down the aisle. But I was so happy! I smiled so much that night my cheeks were hurting.
Also, my flower girl is 2 years old and she was the life of the party. When she walked down the aisle she covered her face as if she were saying, ”No pictures, please!” However, at the reception she danced front and center on the dance floor all night.
Elijah: I think we were very into the moment. Everything else during the entire day flew by. However, while we were saying our own vows to each other we both listened and valued every part of that moment.
Now that they’re newlyweds instead of in the midst of trying to plan a wedding while one of them was on tour, Patrice and Elijah had this advice for planning couples:
Patrice: Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff! Make sure you get a videographer because it will FLY by like crazy!
Elijah: Be happy and enjoy every moment!
Boum Savvy Floral Design
Ahmet Ze Photography
Carlo’s Bakery
A Cherishable Delight- Groom’s Cake
All Events Perfect- Wedding Coordinators
Fanion Media Group- Cinematography
Fusion Productions- DJSilver Star Limo
