Tasha and Rick « Sweets and Soirées

Tashandrick

Tasha and Rick’s Wedding (04/30/11)

About Us

LaTasha Chanel Barnes– Owner & Chief Motivator of Imani Wellness, Dancer & Co- Artistic Director with Urban Artistry and former US Army SFC and Sergeant Audie Murphy Club Leader

Affectionately known to her friends as Tasha or Tash, has experienced a lifetime of exceptional achievements and accomplishments but had no one to share them with. She was often told that her extreme passion, drive, focus and eternal optimism were a combination that was too much for a relationship to withstand. But being the woman that she is, Tasha refused to allow the opinions of others diminish her bright outlook on the future and the goals that she had set for herself – to become a professional athlete coach, motivator and successful entrepreneur. Enter Richard….

Richard Anthony Hall– Senior Project Manager with AT&T and a decorated USAF MSgt, Ret.

His role as a telecommunications and organization specialist demonstrates that he is a natural leader. Therefore, it’s no wonder that Richard was as attracted to Tasha as she was to him. It was love at first quip. Known among his friends and colleagues as always being the “go-to guy”, the dependable one and the one who knew how or who to get a job done right, it is in no way a surprise that after leaving his government job to return to the corporate world, Richard is already being groomed for greater roles. But the role of partner to Tasha is one that he is ready to take on immediately…

How We Met

“So cooking for one must be hard…”

Tasha was a part of a project team that Rick was heading up. On that eventful day, Tasha was taken by Rick’s drive, charm, command over the room and of course their mutual enthusiasm for fitness. Having previously shared a few conversations regarding their aspirations, side projects and overall lifestyle, they were already familiar with each other. But on that day, much more than a conversation began…it all started with “So cooking for one must be hard?” That conversation is still going on!

The Proposal

To her delight, Tasha knew that things were progressing into a serious relationship. However, she thought that Rick’s ultimate profession of love would come at Christmas, their favorite holiday! Before she boarded a plane to Oregon to attend Rick’s nephew’s wedding and meet the family, she was admonished by her close friend “Mama Sharon” to “come back like you left, you hear?!”

Tasha was very excited, albeit exhausted, when she got off the plane in Medford and absolutely thrilled to see her handsome man waiting for her when she arrived with a new stuffed animal for their collection of “children” (stuffed animals from trips taken when they were away from one another). Rick was very calm which was curious within itself as they are both highly animated and excited all the time. Tasha felt that something was up but was too exhausted to ask or even think about it.

Rick had been insistent all day via text that they head over to his sister Christine’s for everyone to meet Tasha. She finally consented, though sleep deprived and jet lagged after getting to the hotel. While hurriedly digging through her suitcase for a proper “meet-the-family” outfit, Rick who was calmly waiting on the couch (again very odd) declared, “Oh you know, I bought something that you could wear tonight!” Tasha still focused on her mission didn’t even look up to see what he was referring to and then realized that he had kneeled down next to her suitcase.

Finally, she looked up to ask what he bought and saw Rick’s beaming face and a beautiful leather box in his outstretched hand. Rick smiled even brighter as he opened the box and said “Tasha you have brought so much happiness and joy to my life, I love you so very much… will you marry me?” Her head went light and she shook her head as if it to wake herself because she just knew that she was dreaming! “I’m asleep,” she said “I’m dreaming! …oh…oh my gosh…wait …what… I’m dreaming. I’m still on the plane I’m dreaming…” Tasha lovingly asked “Really? Seriously?” Rick smiled and nodded. “Yea!” Tasha finally answered and smiled so huge as Rick placed the ring on her finger. It was a beautiful moment between just the two of them. Ahead of them was a full weekend of nothing to do but celebrate love and family – it was perfect complement to who they are as a couple.

Tash and Rick Quick Facts

First date: Potbelly’s National Harbor

New things: Rick – trying ‘bait’ aka Sushi and other new foods

Tasha – allowing a man to do things for her

Engagement: September 24, 2010 in Medford, OR

Rehearsal Dinner Information

Come out and join us as we kick off our weekend of celebration!

The rehearsal dinner will take place Friday, April 29, 2011 at 8PM. See below for location:

Laporta’s Restaurant

1600 Duke Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

Guests outside of the immediate bridal party and parent’s of the couple are more than welcome to attend! If you plan to do so, please contact Latasha via email at latashabarnes@gmail.com for the prix fixe menu details.

Wedding Day Information

The Ceremony

LaTasha and Richard’s union will take place at the picturesque Bolling Chapel 2 on Joint Base Anacostia – Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC promptly at four o’clock in the afternoon.

Chapel Two

Bldg. 431

310 Angell Street

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Washington, DC 20032

The Reception

Beginning with a festive cocktail hour at five o’clock in the evening the reception will be held at the Bolling Officer’s Club, which is adjacent to the Chapel. Attire is Semi-formal. Feel free (you are encouraged) to bring your dancing shoes!

Bldg. 50

50 Theisen Street

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Washington, DC 20032

Guest Information

The base requires that every guest who does not have a Common Access Card to register with base security. Please submit your full legal name, Date of Birth, the issuing state or country for your credentials and their expiration date, your country of citizenship, and one of the following:

Driver’s License #

Social Security Number

Passport Number

You can enter all of this information at the time that you submit your RSVP to our wedding

RSVP

Your RSVP is requested in electronic format in order to obtain the necessary information for our guests to be permitted on Bolling Air Force Base. You can follow this link:

http://www.sweetsandsoirees.com/rsvp/

Please refer to the login information contained in your invitation.

Our Bridal Party

Bride’s Attendants

Toyin and Ryan