REAL WEDDING:: Troylynn Taylor + Mark Byrd {When Friendship Becomes Forever}

January 30, 2026
Ashley Revels
Featured Couples

Bride and groom pose with their wedding party on a grand staircase, with bridesmaids in green dresses and groomsmen in black tuxedos.

::AS SEEN IN THE WINTER 2026 DIGITAL ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by: Bernie Saul Photography

troylynn + mark’s story

Troylynn and Mark’s love story is one written in chapters, not moments. What began as grade school classmates grew into a lifelong friendship, quietly laying the foundation for something more. After more than four decades, fate intervened in the most unexpected way when Troylynn hired Mark to DJ an event. Almost a year later, he proposed, and their story came full circle. As they shared, “Our decision to become ONE is not just about us. It’s about uniting hearts, children, families, traditions, and memories.”

Bride and groom pose together on a marble staircase, dressed in white and black formal wedding attire.

Bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other inside their ceremony space before guests arrive.

Bride walks down the aisle with family members during her wedding ceremony as guests look on.

Overhead view of the wedding ceremony with the bride and groom standing at the center, surrounded by guests in a circular seating arrangement.

Their wedding day was intentionally designed to reflect that unity. Surrounded by family, the ceremony unfolded in a circle of love, with guests seated around the compass in the atrium. Children and grandchildren played meaningful roles, from flower girls and ring security to lighting unity candles and blending sand into a keepsake vessel. Every detail symbolized connection, legacy, and togetherness.

Bride and groom walk hand in hand down the aisle as guests applaud following their ceremony.

Three-tier white wedding cake decorated with white florals, displayed on a greenery-covered table with candles.

Bride and groom pose beside the groom’s cake during their wedding reception.

Celebrated at Messina’s at The Terminal, the day was joyful, heartfelt, and exactly as planned. “It was a big party,” Troylynn shared, “just as we planned.” A true celebration of patience, love, and finding your way home.

Close-up of the bride and groom’s hands showing wedding rings as they hold champagne glasses on a greenery-covered table.

Bride and groom posing with Mardi Gras Indians.

::CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WINTER 2026 DIGITAL ISSUE

FEATURING TROYLYNN + MARK’S WEDDING::

NOW FEATURED VENDORS:

VENUE: Messina’s at the Terminal

CATERER: Messina’s Catering

ADDITIONAL VENDORS:

OFFICIANT: Pastor Lionel Roberts, Sr. | BRIDAL GOWN: Personalized Gown featuring the initials of the bride’s mother | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: David’s Bridal | PHOTOGRAPHER: Bernie Saul Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER: Early Films | FLORIST: Adrian’s Christian Flowers | BAKERY: Adrian’s Bakery | SWEET TREATS: Bake My Day | CEREMONY MUSIC: Soloist Steven Burke + DJ Babyface Williams | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Babyface Williams + The Village Brass Band | TRANSPORTATION: Prime Transit NOLA | HAIR + MAKEUP: Hair, Carlyn Early + Makeup, Tremelda Cobb | HONEYMOON: Las Vegas, NV | DAY OF COORDINATOR + DECOR RENTALS + LIGHTING: Charlotte Neveaux | WEDDING EMCEE: Lonnie Marts lll | PHOTO BOOTH: Byrd’s Eyeview 504 | FAVORS: Second Line handkerchiefs and cups by Gem Printing | INVITATIONS: Bliss and Bones