The Outlook at Saddle Ridge

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner and Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

It all started on December 28th, 2014. We connected through social media and, after exchanging numbers, spent hours on FaceTime getting to know each other. From the very beginning, we felt an undeniable spark and instant chemistry, the kind that made time fly by and left us wanting more. Our first in-person date was a movie night, where we braved the suspense of The Strangers. Despite the tense scenes, we couldn’t help but laugh and enjoy each other’s company. That was the first of many moments that made us realize how special our connection truly was. After spending years growing closer and navigating the highs and lows of long-distance dating, we officially became a couple on May 6, 2018. Our relationship was built on trust, communication, and a deep sense of love. In 2021, Cecil took a leap and moved to Richmond, marking the beginning of a new chapter for us. It was also that year that we brought home our beloved Silver Lab, Dallas, who has since become an inseparable part of our family. In 2022, we achieved another major milestone when we purchased our first home together, a place that quickly became a true reflection of our journey and the love we share. Fast forward to May 4, 2024, Cecil proposed in a theater, beautifully recreating our very first date. In that moment, surrounded by memories, family, friends and dreams for the future, we knew that this was just the beginning of the next chapter. In October 2024, we took another step forward and purchased our second home, further laying the foundation for the life we’ve always dreamed of building together. Along the way, we’ve been blessed with a loving and supportive community that has cheered us on through every milestone. Now, as we look ahead to our wedding day, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this incredible journey with our closest loved ones on October 5, 2025. We are beyond grateful for all that has brought us here, and we can’t wait to share the next chapter of our lives with all of you. Thank you for being a part of our story.

Becoming Bell-France

Our Story

Garlyn’s Party

Dana and I have known each other nearly 20 years. From the beginning it was as if we’d known each other our whole life. She has always been someone I could count on, always honest and if I was ever in need she was the first to extend her hand. I admire her hard work, thirst for new and exciting things and personal growth. From LHS, to ODU, to adulthood and now to my wedding day!

Dana McAnallen

Kiera and I also began our relationship while in high school together. We instantly connected, a connection that has grown through so many phases of life. My voice of reason if I’m ever feeling doubtful. Someone who’s sees and appreciates the little things about me and also ready for any adventure or shenanigans. Seeing her in her newest role as a mother has been such a blessing to see how far we’ve come. I’m grateful to have her a part of my greatest adventure yet!

Kiera Fludd

Megan, my twin flame! Our Greek organizations brought us together but it didn’t take long to realize we were always meant to be in each other’s lives. Watching her be a mother, wife, entrepreneur and so much more while also consistently showing up for me is inspiring. She has always reminded me of who I am and what it means to enjoy life. This moment wouldn’t be the same without her!

Megan Miller

My only blood sister. It has been an honor being her brother and she has forever made me feel so loved and supported. We have experienced so much together and it’s a blessing to have someone who has seen life through a similar lens as you. Watching her in motherhood and grow into the woman she is has been so rewarding. She is always so full of joy and laughter, it is truly something special to have her be a part of my big day!

Samantha Carter

My youngest brother. The definition of a jack of all trades. He is so talented with his hands with a caring and infectious personality to match. I’ve always admired his enjoyment of life and his ability to make conversation with anyone from different walks of life. We’ve always had a great understanding of each other and I’m excited to have him supporting me on my wedding day.

Andrew Edmonds

My brother has been such a support for me, especially in recent years. He’s so grounded, growing as a husband, father and person, reminding me of the importance of family.  He’s my go-to person for questions on anything health and fitness and we both share a love for music. I’ve appreciated his support and validation to be the best version of myself. I’m grateful to have him on this journey of life as well as my big day.

Anthony Edmonds

Cory and I have been friends since 2012 through our fraternity. He is one of the most giving and supportive people I know. He’s my favorite DJ and is such an advocate for the community especially the kids. We’ve shared some unforgettable experiences and many laughs together from being roommates to now neighbors. I’m excited to have him stand in line with me again for this special day.

Cory Jones

Quincy and I became friends through our fraternity and quickly realized how much we connected. We share a love for style and music but also the importance of loyalty and brotherhood. I’m grateful for our organization bringing us together but it’s true friendship that has kept us together for over 10 years. I was blessed to be a support for him on his wedding day and I thank him for being one for mine.

De’Quincy Pulley

Jamison and I began our friendship in 2012 when we joined our fraternity together. From the start our friendship has always been easy, fun and I can guarantee there will be plenty of laughs when we’re together. I’ve always appreciated his light-heartedness and being an overall genuine person. We were bonded in a shared experience but brotherhood has kept us together.

Jamison Hart

Cecil’s Party

De’Jah and I attended the same church as children and participated in various activities as youth. We became friends in our teenage years and self-proclaimed siblings after sharing time together at James Madison University. I admire her fearlessness and desire to grow through whatever she is faced with. Our bond is built on support, showing up for one another, and fun and I am so excited to have her by my side for this moment!

De’Jah Douglas

Jordan, or “JP,” and I have been best friends since 5th grade, sharing in all of life’s ups and downs from childhood to adulthood. She is the definition of a ride or die and has become my sister over the years. I admire her unwavering loyalty and how she shows up in the lives of the people she loves, no matter what. Our friendship has always been built on trust, laughter, and endless support for one another. I’m beyond grateful to have her by my side for this moment and every other one to come!

Jordan “JP” Penn

Corey and I have definitely become accomplices in each other’s shenanigans over the years, no matter how silly or outlandish they may be. He is strategic, centered, and selfless, and our bond is built on living in the moment, unforgettable nights, and being the people our younger selves needed. Corey has a way of grounding me while still bringing out my adventurous side, and I’m thrilled to have him by my side for this moment and beyond!

Corey Pleasants

From the moment we met, Delonta and I connected over keeping it real, getting the job done no matter what obstacles arise, and a shared love for the reality TV shows that kept us entertained in college. While our fraternity may have brought us together, it’s our like-minded hearts that have kept us close through the years. Delonta is hardworking, genuine, and always up for a laugh, and I’m honored to have him by my side for this special moment in my life.

Delonta Holmes

James and I became friends as teenagers, sharing an unforgettable summer filled with parties, travel through a college-prep program, and a mutual love for music. Our bond has only grown stronger over the years, with many mentally engaging conversations; and now, as adults, we get to stand by each other during two of life’s biggest moments: as I prepare for my wedding and he prepares to become a father. I couldn’t ask for a better friend to walk alongside me on this journey, and I’m so grateful to have him by my side.

James Strawn

Belthrop has been one of my best friends since high school, someone who can get a laugh out of me in any situation. He’s also one of the strongest people I know, having served our country for 10 years in the United States Navy. As we each prepare for our weddings, just five days apart, I’m beyond grateful to be on this journey together. His loyalty, resilience, and sense of humor have made him an irreplaceable friend, and I’m honored to have him by my side for this moment and so many more to come.

Jordan Belthrop

Mauricio is truly my brother from another. We’ve worked together, changing the lives of teenagers and, in the process, changing each other’s lives as well. He is loyal, a dream chaser, and one of the most disciplined people I know. Our shared commitment to making a difference and lifting each other up has only strengthened our bond over the years. I’m grateful to have him beside me for this moment and to call him family.

Mauricio Reyes

Michael, or “Mike,” is the tre of my line in the Nu Lambda chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. From being my college barber to my Scorpio twin and line brother, Mike has always been there for me. He’s someone I can rely on without question, and he’s taught me that growth is always possible, no matter what life throws your way. His resilience and dedication inspire me, and I’m honored to have him by my side as a true brother and friend for this moment and the rest of our lives.

Michael Sellers

Virgil, the deuce of my line in the Nu Lambda chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., has been my brother long before we ever had letters. From the days when he was my prospective student as a high school senior, to becoming my line brother, to the honor of standing by his side as a groomsman in his own wedding, our bond has only deepened over the past decade. Now, as neighbors living on the same street, we get to share life’s everyday moments alongside the big ones. I’m grateful to have such a loyal friend and brother by my side for this moment and always.

Virgil Phillips, Jr.

Officiant

Clarence Cartwright, III is more than a friend; he’s family. Clarence and Garlyn first crossed paths as students at Old Dominion University, and their lives have been intertwined through mutual friends ever since, especially in their shared home of Richmond. Clarence and Cecil bonded deeply over their experiences as Black male educators, forming a unique and powerful friendship grounded in mutual support, understanding, and socializing through the social and sports scenes of Richmond. In the midst of life’s many challenges: professional, social, and emotional; Clarence has remained a constant, always showing up with wisdom, compassion, and grace. It means the world to us to have someone who knows our hearts so well officiate this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Clarence Cartwright, III

Ushers & Hostesses

From mentorship to a lifelong friendship, Ayesha and Cecil’s bond began in 2014 and has only deepened with time. As she stepped into adulthood, their connection evolved into something truly special. And when she met Garlyn, it was like old friends reuniting…they clicked instantly. Ayesha brings joy, love, and laughter wherever she goes, and we’re so thankful to have her as a hostess for our celebration.

Ayesha Pasha

Joe came into our lives through love, and stayed through loyalty. After meeting Garlyn while dating Megan, a friendship quickly blossomed as well as Garlyn’s support for their relationship. Over time, Joe and Cecil became friends, then fraternity brothers, and now, true family. We’re thankful for his presence in our lives and excited to have him serve as an usher on our special day.

Joseph Miller, III

Josh and Cecil’s journey began when Cecil was just starting out in a college prep program, and Josh was one of the first students he mentored. That early connection grew into a deep friendship and eventually, fraternity brotherhood. As Cecil and Garlyn’s relationship blossomed, Josh welcomed Garlyn into the fold with open arms, becoming a friend to them both. His unwavering support and presence have meant so much to us, and we’re so grateful to have him serve as an usher on our wedding day.

Joshua Gravely

Tamika and Garlyn go way back to their ODU days, where mutual friends eventually led to years of friendship and even becoming roommates in Richmond. When Cecil came into the picture, it didn’t take long for Tamika to become part of his world too, as a coworker and his own dear friend. Tamika’s loyalty, warmth, and steady support mean everything to us, and we’re so thankful to have her by our side as a hostess.

Tamika Clark

Wedding Party

Q + A

This is the closest hotel to the venue at 18 minutes. Guests are not required to book all three nights. King and Double Queen rooms available and reservations must be made on or before Wednesday, September 4, 2025. There will be a shuttle provided to and from the venue.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Richmond-Brandermill-Hull St.

The hotel is 35 minutes from the venue. Guests are not required to book all three nights. King and Double Queen rooms available and reservations must be made on or before Wednesday, September 4, 2025. There will be a shuttle provided to and from the venue.

SpringHill Suites Chester

This hotel is downtown and does have a $35 fee to park. It is 44 minutes from the venue. Guests are not required to book all three nights. King and Double Queen rooms available and reservations must be made on or before Wednesday, September 3, 2025. There will be a shuttle provided to and from the venue.

Garlyn & Cecil

Garlyn & Cecil

Photos