Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2008 > June > 25 > Entry
6/25: Today Show weds Atlanta couple (VIDEO included)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Most folks don’t hold weddings at 8:40 a.m. on a Wednesday.
But if NBC’s “The Today Show” is giving you a wedding for free at Rockefeller Center, televised before millions of viewers, it’s not your call.
And Atlanta couple LaDonna Bradford and Darnell Suggs, winners of NBC’s “Race to the Altar,” have zero complaints.
Viewers picked the theme (“East Meet West”), the dress (strapless fitted white bodice gown with a modest train but long veil) and bridesmaid dresses (pink, in a “Legally Blonde” sort of way).
The honeymoon pick? The Pacific island of Bora Bora, which was their first choice. And NBC held the reception at the Rainbow Room for 175 guests.
“I’m floating,” LaDonna said.
Her father died when she was eight so she was escorted down the aisle by her grandfather. “Today, my father is smiling from above,” she said during her vows.
“I stand here a better man because of you,” Darnell said during his vows.
LaDonna, a nuclear reactor inspector, and Darnell, a computer engineer, aggressively lobbied friends and acquaintances to vote for them, and actively sought media coverage. It worked.
Here’s video from the ceremony, courtesy of msnbc:
And here’s the first dance with “American Idol” third place finisher Melinda Doolittle, LaDonna’s cousin, singing “Never Felt This Way”:
Comments
By Lori
June 25, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
LaDonna & Darnell, I pray that all is blessed on this day and as you move forward in your marriage. Remember to work hard hard and not forget what brought you together. God will ruchly bless your union if you keep Him first.
By Lori
June 25, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
LaDonna & Darnell, I pray that all is blessed on this day and as you move forward in your marriage. Remember to work hard hard and not forget what brought you together. God will richly bless your union if you keep Him first.
By rob
June 25, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Wow, they must have been dating a long time, in the photo, Lake Lanier looks almost full!!!
congrats!!!
By rob
June 25, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Wow, they must have been dating a long time, in the photo, Lake Lanier looks almost full!!!
congrats!!!
By jlw
June 25, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Congratulations, I pray that your day is blessed with lot of family and friends. Remember that now you are a team and must work togethor to solve problems. Keep your eyes upon the LORD and remember a couple that prays togethor stays togethor
By ksjoyner
June 25, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
I WANT TO SEE WEDDING PHOTOS!! I voted for you and I’m so glad you won. Congratulations!
By Marycile
June 25, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
May God’s blessings be upon this union forever. LaDonna, I remember you, as a little girl, coming to Board meeting at Macon County School Board with your Mom. You have blossomed into a beautiful young lady. Watching the ceremony on t.v. was so sentimental. You were simply beautiful. To you and Darnell, enjoy a wonderful life as one in God’s eyesight. Best Wishes (A Tuskegee, Alabama touch)
By Becky
June 25, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Best wishes to such a beautiful couple…May God’s arms wrap around you & hold you together until you go home to him..
By Kay In Smyrna
June 25, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Rob is funny! LOL Lake Lanier
Congrats guys, keep God first and all things are possible..
By tanya
June 25, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Congrats!! I saw the wedding on tv this morning it was beautiful!! God bless…..
By tanya
June 25, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Congrats!! I saw the wedding on tv this morning it was beautiful!! God bless…..
By Ann Simmons
June 25, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Ladonna and Darnell. Your weddings was so beautiful. I am extremely proud and honored that you include the “jumping of the broom” tradition into your wedding ceremony. This was a special way for you to honor your ancestors, because prior to 1865 it was illegal for blacks to marry. Thanks for remembering your heritage. May God continue to bless your union (Huntsville, Alabama)
By Brenda
June 25, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Congratulations. You two make a beautiful couple. But more importantly, please keep GOD first in all things that you do. As the husband is the head of the home, G0D is the head of your lives, always.
By Dr. Melody T. McCloud
June 25, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
What a lovely couple and ceremony. Congratulations to them.
And I was MOST DELIGHTED to see the groom’s mother, Jackie Suggs—she was one of my former patients!
What a great son you have, Mrs. Suggs. And a lovely new daughter-in-law. If you see this note, contact me!! :-) I am so happy for you and your family.
Best wishes and eternal love to Darnell and LaDonna. Beautiful ceremony and dance.
By Voice of Reason
June 25, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
That was a beautiful ceremony today. I’m so glad they won this year’s wedding. Congrats.
By c mitchell
June 25, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
can’t wait to congratulate the two of you at church (http://thewestender.com/) whenever you guys make it back to the “atl.” the wedding was beautiful mainly because of your sincerity. may God continue to bless both of you!
By phoebe
June 26, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
O.K. I get that they’re a great couple. Gorgeous, etc… But, let’s get real. Why didn’t the Today show give a wedding to someone who could never afford one on their own. This couple could easily afford their own wedding. I think this smells funny!
By Ms. Equality
June 26, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Congratulation!! I voted for you. May you continue have God’s riches blessing.
To: Phoebe- You should ask the question to NBC. How do you know that they can afford it. Have you seen their banking account.
By ArmyWife
June 26, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Beautiful wedding! Congrats and Best Wishes to LaDonna & Darnell. May God Bless you and keep you both.
By sharon
June 26, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
His vows choked me up. They were so beautiful. When she said her father was smiling down, that got me too. they are a beautiful couple. That first dance was awesome.
By pam
June 26, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
What a beautiful ceremony. What beautiful vows! May God continue to bless you both, and your marriage richly!
By congrats to the couple
June 28, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
To Phoebe - the VOTERS decided who should get the wedding and financial status wasn’t part of the criteria that people used to vote on all the couples who were in the contest.
By congrats to the couple
June 28, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
To Phoebe - the VOTERS decided who should get the wedding and financial status wasn’t part of the criteria that people used to vote on all the couples who were in the contest.
By congrats to the couple
June 28, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
To Phoebe - the VOTERS decided who should get the wedding and financial status wasn’t part of the criteria that people used to vote on all the couples who were in the contest.
By Louise7
September 27, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
So proud of Melinda. I am one of her backups and a loyal supporter to this wonderful and powerful singer. I have wonderful new to share with her fans. Melinda Doolittle the talented vocalist with a heart of gold. The album’s first single, “It’s Your Love,” was released to radio stations nationwide in September. You want more update about Melinda career www.melindasbackups.com