Bride: Essence Atkins, 37

Groom: Jaime Mendez, 38

Occupations: Atkins, actress; Mendez, financial executive

Homebase: Sherman Oaks, California

Wedding Date: September 26, 2009

Wedding Location: Ambassador Mansion and Gardens in Pasadena, California

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.

Family First: In June of 2008, Essence and Jaime traveled to Las Vegas to celebrate Father's Day with Jaime's family. "We had a great weekend and it was the first time I had been around his family for an extended period," explains the actress. But on the drive home, Jaime received the unfortunate news that his grandfather fell ill. When Jaime decided to return to Vegas to be with his loved ones, Essence immediately dropped everything to be with her beau. When Jaime found out his grandfather didn't make it, Essence was right by his side. "We wrote his grandfather's obituary together. I saw his selflessness and strength during that time," recalls Essence. "I realized then he was all I wanted.

 
Better Late Than Never: On the night of Essence and Jaime's first date, the former athlete was late due to a traffic jam caused by a rare downpour in southern California. So on the night that Jaime proposed to his sweetie, he arrived exactly forty-two minutes late, just as he did for their first meeting. Deciding that Essence was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with was an easy call. "Essence is the woman I have been waiting for my whole life. She completes the circle. I am a better man because of her and I'm excited to see where God will take us as a couple. It's going to be a great ride," shares Jaime about his wife.

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.

Budget Bridal Bite: Future brides looking to cut costs on their big day should follow Essence's lead and consider nixing those "predictable" and often pricey wedding traditions for those that hold more sentimental value and are wallet-friendly. Trying to appease everyone leaves many newlyweds in the poor house. "So many tying the knot make it about other people," says Essence. The couple saved a significant amount of cash by not serving a fancy wedding cake or having a bridal party with elaborate dresses and tuxedos. Essence shares that she and Jaime also discussed the practical side of their big day together before making major decisions which helped them to budget wisely as well.

Would you like your wedding to be featured in Bridal Bliss on ESSENCE.com? Submit a 100-word synopsis of the nuptials along with ten pictures to realweddings@essence-online.com. Only weddings that have taken place in the last six months will be considered.