Digital Dating led to Wedding Bliss for Actress Essence Atkins (485 hits)
Digital Dating: Most of us wouldn't guess that beautiful Hollywood actresses turn to dating Web sites to find a man. But alas, Essence Atkins of "Half & Half" fame did just that. The Brooklyn-bred, Los Angeles-based starlet was over meeting men in the entertainment industry and began searching for a change of pace. She found just that in Jaime Mendez, a retired NFL player turned financial exec from the Midwest, through Match.com. On February 14, 2008, Essence and Jaime corresponded on the site for the first time. "I wrote him a quick little note that I had read his profile, and then I signed off, Happy SAD Day - that's Single Awareness Day," says Essence. A week later they had their first date and soon after the duo was an official couple.
We Did It Our Way: Who says that traditional rules have to be followed for a fabulous wedding ceremony and reception? Certainly not this fun couple. Essence opted to walk herself down the aisle instead of having her father do the deed and the couple also decided against a bridal party. "I just wanted it to be about Jaime and me and didn't want to do anything for the sake of tradition," she shares. The same sentiment applied to the food served for the reception. Peach cobbler, red velvet cupcakes and arroz con dulce (a nod to Jaime's Latin roots) were served instead of cake. "Neither of us eats cake," explains Essence.
