On the 15th of each month we feature a new and magnificent wedding! This is more than just a weekly "best site" contest with a link to the couple's wed-site. We will take you through the entire wedding process...from the planning, to the actual event, and everything in between...including details which made each big day special.

Unforgettable...in every way...
Shelley and Leonard were introduced by a mutual friend who thought they were perfect for each other. At the time Shelley was coaching the Temple University dance team, and their friend Herbert arranged a first meeting of the two 'by chance' at a basketball game. Leonard gave Shelley his business card at the end of the game and invited her to lunch.

Unforgettable...that's how you'll stay...
Eight months after that first meeting, they got engaged! On July 30, 2000, the couple went to New York City for a visit. Leonard had never been to the Empire State Building, and wanted to go for the first time. Even though it was cloudy and threatening rain outside, and even though the person behind the ticket counter discouraged their tour since visibility was limited, Leonard wanted to go up anyway. After Shelley stepped off the elevator she realized Leonard wasn't beside her. When she turned around, he was standing there with "the ring" in his hand.

That's why, darling, it's incredible...
"Every bride feels that her wedding is unique and I am no exception. There isn't one particular thing that made it different, but a combination of things. Everything was perfect about our day...the weather, the ceremony and the reception all went as planned."

The couple chose to wed at the Grace Temple Baptist Church in Lawnside, New Jersey. Both of the groom's parents are deceased, so in their honor, during the ceremony the couple placed flowers on the pew where they would have been seated. Later the groom's sister, who represented his mother, told him that she was wearing his mother's shoes.

In remembrance of the couple's ancestors, like many other African-American couples, they 'jumped the broom'. Since their wedding was a melting pot of individual races, cultures and traditions, they weren't sure if people would understand what it meant when they did so. To help explain the tradition behind the custom they made tiny little brooms, which they decorated with flowers, their wedding date and an attached description of what jumping the broom meant. Their guests loved the favors, and took more than one home to their friends.

Shelley selected a white strapless gown by Eve of Milady. It featured a basque waistline and full ballroom skirt made of organza. The bodice was tastefully decorated with just enough beading to make it sparkle. Appliqués accented the bottom of the skirt and 5-foot train. A beautiful flounce was added to the base of the lower back with accent flowers to polish the look. The bride wore a tiara made of white gold accented by rhinestones and pearls, similar to the one wore by Princess Diana. It was topped with a 'bubble veil' made of three layers of fine tulle. The groom chose to wear a cut-away jacket, also known as a morning coat, with a gray striped ascot tie. He selected gray striped trousers to complete the ensemble, while the groomsmen wore black pants. The couple feels this gave their wedding party a very formal, regal look.

That someone so unforgettable thinks that I am unforgettable, too...
Following their vows, the newlyweds selected the Pirates Inn in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, as their reception location. Guests met in the 'Creekside Courtyard' for a cocktail hour preceding the event. Then guests dined on a wonderful meal while enjoying a spectacular view of Rancocas Creek.

For more information about Shelley and Leonard's wedding visit their their site.
Don't forget to see last month's "Fifteen Minutes of Fame" with Holly and Jason.

And to submit your own website for its Fifteen Minutes of Fame just click here.