Ryan & Tiffany Dubose
Bride
Tiffany Lynette Phifer, 31
Groom
Ryan Erwin Dubose, 33
Parents of the Bride
Ronald and Diane Phifer
Parents of the Groom
Robert and Katherine Dubose
Hometown of the Bride
Salisbury, North Carolina
Hometown of the Groom
Durham, North Carolina
Wedding Date
6/12/2010
Wedding Location
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church - Charlotte, North Carolina
Occupation of the Bride
Banker
Occupation of the Groom
IT Specialist
Alma Mater of the Bride
North Carolina State University
Alma Mater of the Groom
North Carolina State University
How they met:
Tiffany: Ryan and I have slightly different stories about our fist meeting. We met in January ’99 at NC State. Several friends and I decided to meet up for a study group. As we studied, Ryan walked in with grocery bags in hand.I remember saying under my breath, “Mmmm, who is that?” My friend said she had never seen him on campus before. Ryan, trying to pull out his “A Game,” volunteered to assist me in writing my note cards. Oh yeah, he was “SWEATIN’ ME!” I played like I was naïve and went along with it. That was the beginning of us getting to know each other. And the rest is HIStory! Ryan: I never sweated ANYBODY! After putting my groceries away, I went in my room to talk on the phone. When I came out, Tiffany and Taneeka joked about me acting stuck up and thinking I was too good to stay out front and talk to them.Tiff was writing out cards, so I sat there and talked to her while she did. I may have written one or two, just to pass the time. They came over to study a few more times and eventually I did kick that game to her, and we started hanging out by ourselves. At that point she was hooked, and I haven't been able to get rid of her since… NOT THAT I EVER WANTED TO.”
The moment they realized they wanted to be a couple for life:
We were together 10 years prior to uniting in marriage. I think we always knew in our hearts that we were meant to be together forever. Our relationship had a totally different feel than any other! When we first met, it seemed as though we had known each other for years…we naturally meshed. We have always been inseparable…never having an “on again/off again” relationship. Our relationship and love is one of a kind!
The Proposal:
My proposal happened on Saturday, August 08, 2009 in Durham, North Carolina. Ryan was going to a family reunion. Before leaving, he asked me to bring my box of pictures from our years together so he could work on a scrapbook that we were supposed to complete over a year ago. We had a little argument because I did not want to “lug” that big box with me.That night Ryan bought tickets to see Tony Rock at Charlie Goodnight’s in Raleigh and made dinner reservations at Brios. As we were leaving, Ryan told me that instead of doing a scrapbook he had begun making a picture video, and to remind him to show it to me when we returned.During dinner I noticed Ryan was not eating. He even left the table to take a phone call. When we got to his house, he put in the picture video and I began to watch. I was totally engrossed in reminiscing! Towards the end of the DVD, Ryan told me that if I did not like the ending we could change it.Little did I know the end was “THE QUESTION” in big red letters with his voice asking me to marry him!I kept looking back and forth at him and the television. At some point he had knelt down on one knee with the ring. He said, “Well?” Being in shock, I said, “Are you serious?” followed by “YES."Ryan: What she didn't realize was that I had called her dad multiple times that day to ask for her hand in marriage. I hadn't wanted to ask him too far in advance because I didn't want to risk him cracking under the pressure and spilling the beans.I hadn’t been able to get in touch with Mr. P and I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to reach him before the evening was over. I really wanted to do it the right way. When my phone rang at dinner, it was Mr. P calling me back.
The Wedding:
We did not have a wedding theme. We just wanted everyone to have fun and memorable moments! Our wedding had a modern feel with a hint of tradition. I wanted a chance to incorporate our personalities along with things that weren’t so common.We had a classy and brief wedding ceremony at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The sanctuary was absolutely beautiful. We had a harpist, violinist, saxophonist, and 2 soloists.The reception was so much FUN. It was at the Wachovia Atrium in Uptown Charlotte. The Atrium has high, domed glass ceilings that create a well-lit area, and as the sun set the Charlotte skyline and lights were breathtaking!We had food stations to keep the relaxed, unstructured and fun feel. Our DJ kept the party hype from beginning to end. As wedding favors, our guests had a chance to experience gourmet candy apples in flavors like watermelon, peaches 'n cream, orange crème, cotton candy, and strawberry kiwi. We also had a photo booth available where guests could take photos with our logo on them while dressed in different costumes.
The Honeymoon:
We honeymooned on the fabulous island of Oahu in Hawaii! Wow…Hawaii is so BEAUTIFUL! We did everything from shopping the streets of Waikiki, to sailing away on a Hawaiian sunset dinner cruise, doing a circle island tour which included visiting Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, viewing Diamond Head, etc., going on a submarine excursion, and enjoying a Paradise Cove Luau! And I can’t forget lounging on the pristine white sandy beaches and playing in the turquoise waters!
Their Plans:
For the near future we are just enjoying each others' company and loving one another…getting used to this big and wonderful life-changing event. Eventually we would like to start a family of our own with at least 2 children.
Advice to Others:
Take your time. Of course, you do not have to wait 10 years. That was our choice. But just make sure you both want to take this big step! Make sure that neither of you has been pressured by outside influences or, in some cases, your significant other. You truly have to be 100% ready to make this commitment before God. Marriage is for a lifetime! Secondly, if it’s in your budget, we suggest hiring a professional wedding planner, photographer and videographer! As the bride and groom, you will miss a lot of moments at the wedding and reception! Make sure to have someone reputable who will capture these moments and you will always have these memories in a tangible form!
Interesting Fact:
Just have fun in planning! A wedding is for a day, but a marriage if for a lifetime!