How They Met
And still, after all this time, the sun never says to the earth,
“you owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that,
it lights the whole sky.
The iconic Persian poet Hafiz wrote these words over 600 years ago, and just as stories of true, unselfish, and pure love are timeless, sweeping us in its dreamworld of wonder, so is the love story of Tavin and Dahlia.
“As for myself (Tavin), as cliche, as it may sound, I was instantly attracted to Dahlia the moment I laid eyes on her. Every time she walked in the room, it literally took my breath away and replaced it with butterflies that went straight to my stomach.”
Love at first sight always sounds cliche because it sounds like a fairytale, something unreal that couldn’t happen. But it does happen, and when it does, it’s an unstoppable force of nature that knocks you off your feet and leaves you helpless. They met while at work, and although the initial attraction was beauty, the connection quickly grew stronger, deeper, and more liberating as they spent more time with one another.
What started as workplace conversations became on-the-ride-home hours-long conversations turned high school talk, which turned into we fell asleep to lengthy conversations. During these intimate moments, they explored everything, including love, life, dreams, and opened up about difficulties in their lives, and even explored themselves.
They fell in love with each other’s company, something that older couples say is a must; something that sounds like forever. To find someone who makes you comfortable and safe – that makes you feel like you can be yourself or explore new parts of you. Tavin did this for Dahlia. Up until Tavin, Dahlia had never been in a same-sex relationship. Going beyond that, for Dahlia, the concept of being “gay” never even crossed her mind. This love, revelation, exploration, and step into her true self were all new and all discovered with the help of Tavin.
Dahlia was also a heaven-sent companion for Tavin, revealed unfortunately through tragedy. Tavin’s brother passed away, and that sent her world into chaos. She had hit a rock bottom she had never known before, and Dahlia held her hand through it all. After the funeral, she was devastated, and as she sat in bleak confusion, she heard her brother speak to her. As Tavin recalls the intense moment, she remembers him saying, “Pick your head up Tae and stop all that crying. I’m doing better now, big sis. No more pain & suffering. Plus, you know I didn’t leave you empty-handed, right? She’s going to watch over you for me. Make sure you treat her right,” and just as his voice faded away, Tavin felt the tightest embrace followed by a sweet fragrance lingering in the air. She looked up and saw Dahlia, holding her, with tears in her eyes, saying, “It’s going to be okay; I got you.”
After that, she never felt alone, and Tavin knew at that moment that Dahlia was the one, a gift from her brother.
The Proposal
What goes perfectly with ackee and saltfish, rice and peas, plantains…and a slow dutty wine? A ring!
Dahlia planned on surprising Tavin with a vacation trip for her birthday back to her homeland, the beautiful island of Jamaica. Little did she know the surprise was on her. On the second day of the birthday excursion, they were out for a walk, checking out the scenery of where they stayed, and Dahlia saw one of the employees writing “Will you marry me?” in the sand. She smiled in excitement, thinking it was for another couple. She thought she was about to witness someone else’s perfect moment, but as they completed the question, Tavin pulled her from the beach chair, dropped on one knee, and proposed with all of their best friends bearing witness to HER perfect moment.
The Wedding
After many months of planning and organizing, sleepless nights, and pre-wedding anxiety, there was a gorgeous, heart-filled, friend and family packed-wedding along the crystalline waters of a beach-front paradise in Mexico.
After three happy years of being together, Tavin & Dahlia changed the meaning of Cinco de Mayo forever in their minds. On May 5th, 2022, Dahlia and Tavin became one.
They shared their beautiful day under a modern luxury gazebo, looking out to the beautiful Mexican ocean water with a brilliant, beaming sun and a light breeze that filled the fresh air with joy. They didn’t want a small wedding. No, they wanted an event, and that’s exactly what it was.
Close to 115 family members and friends flew in from all over the United States to Mexico to celebrate the union of these two beautiful spirits.
All the pre-wedding horror stories didn’t receive the invitation because their day was “PERFECT.” Everything from getting dressed and done up with their parents, the bridesmaids, and the bridesmen, down to watching Dahlia walk down the aisle towards a star-gazed Tavin waiting for her with eyes filled with an ocean of tears. It was like Tavin’s brother, God, and everyone in heaven shined their finest spotlight right down on them as they both said, “I Do.”
The Reception
Thanks to Toni and Ellie from Herkreations Wedding Planning and Event Design, all of their dreams of romance and magic were brought to life. Everything they wanted that remained as a fairytale became real. The memories, the butterflies, the ambiance, and the party. The support, love, feelings of togetherness, and spectacular environment will stay in their minds forever.
The Couple’s Favorite Moments
For the happy couple, something they’ll never forget was getting dressed. There’s nothing wrong with going off the rack, but on this occasion, this one time, they wanted their styling to be exquisite, which required a bespoke touch. Dahlia wore a beautiful dress and Tavin a stylish suit, both custom. They’ll always remember the tears they shared with their friends and family, exchanging gifts and recalling the honest, heartfelt vows they wrote to each other. – Tavin & Dahlia, Congratulations from Black Gay Weddings.
Full BGW Gallery
Vendor List
BGW Vetted “LGBTQ-Friendly” LGBTQBizList Vendors
Non-LGBTQBizList Vendors
Photographer: Linda McQueen Photography (BLV)
Planner: HerKreations (BLV)
Videographer: Luxor Wedding Films (BLV)
Suits: Ilbert Sanchez
Makeup: Roshay Brown
Venue: Finest Playa Mujeres
