Dr. Yolanda J. Henderson: Love, Laughter, and Lagniappe

Dr. Yolanda J. Henderson’s Journey of Empowerment and True Love

By Pamela Berry-Johnson

Dr. Yolanda J. Henderson’s journey toward true love and happiness was not an easy one. Following a previous marriage marred by domestic violence and, later, her father’s death, she reinvented herself to become The Empowerment Advocate, a speaker, and activist against domestic violence, sexual assault, and bullying. But little did she know, her path toward true happiness was just beginning.

Yolanda and Frank Henderson became acquainted through a mutual friend’s Facebook page when they both commented on a post. The next day, Yolanda’s profile appeared in Frank’s suggestions as a possible friend.

Frank, an affable and charismatic minister living in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, said he was captivated by Yolanda’s photos, especially one where she was in London, England, as a keynote speaker enjoying an ice cream cone. So, he sent her a friend request. She accepted, but the free-spirited, driven U.S. Air Force veteran restricted his access, saying she had no interest in romance. Instead, she was laser-focused on raising her daughter and building her businesses and advocacy platforms.

Frank spent hours looking at her pictures and admiring her passion for her advocacy work. But then, Yolanda said there was something about Frank, a man she only knew online who lived hundreds of miles away, that pulled at her heartstrings. She couldn’t explain it, but they had an inexplicable connection. Their relationship forever changed in 2020, during the pandemic, when they finally met in person and sealed their love connection. It soon became apparent that they were meant to be, and their love story became a beautiful testament to resilience, hope, faith, and destiny.

Frank’s proposal to Yolanda was simple and sweet. He took the foodie to an Italian restaurant in Knightdale, North Carolina, where they enjoyed each other’s company and laughed together. After their meal, Frank gave Yolanda a card in which he poured out his feelings for her and asked her to be his wife. Yolanda happily accepted, and the rest is history.

The couple’s wedding was held at Centennial Plaza Chapel, a resort venue overlooking the white sandy beaches in Gulfport, MS, about an hour and a half from Yolanda’s hometown of New Orleans. The day was a celebration of their love and journey towards true happiness. The inspiration for their wedding was their lagniappe relationship – lots of love, laughter, and a whole lot of extra. They wanted to create a memorable experience for their guests and succeeded.

Yolanda’s breathtaking, hand-beaded white wedding gown was a beautiful and elegant design by Lauren Nicole Designs. The trumpet-styled gown perfectly reflected her cosmopolitan, fun personality and was a beautiful representation of her journey toward empowerment. Likewise, Frank’s black and executive tuxedo represented his confident and sophisticated personality.

Their wedding colors were a majestic palette of peacock purples. The wedding cake, made by local baker Kristie Gilner, was a white five-layered, contemporary showpiece accented by a cascade of purple flowers.

The wedding was filled with love, laughter, and beautiful music, provided by DJ Trey Trizzle. They incorporated their personalities into the wedding by being themselves, creating a beautiful and intimate ambiance that showcased their love for each other and their guests.

Yolanda’s favorite part of the wedding ceremony was seeing Frank standing at the altar, a fully content man waiting for her. For Frank, seeing Yolanda walk down the aisle, knowing how far they’ve come, how much they’ve grown, and how much trust there is between them, made that moment unforgettable.

Their wedding incorporated cultural elements, such as jumping the broom and adding some of Yolanda’s beloved second-line dancing. In addition, their menu was described as straight delicious, featuring some of the best food at any wedding ever.

Their unique touches were embedded throughout the tapestry of the wedding, creating a memorable experience for everyone. In addition, they incorporated their family and friends into the wedding by embracing everyone and letting them know how much they appreciate and love them.

Yolanda’s journey as an empowered woman who found happiness following pain and heartbreak is a testament to her strength, faith, and resilience. She used her past to become a sought-after domestic violence advocate and speaker. As a happily married woman, she and Frank will spend their next chapters together, doing everything God has planned for them. Their wedding day was a true celebration of their love.

PAMELA BERRY-JOHNSON BIO

Pamela Berry-Johnson is a seasoned communications professional dedicated to elevating stories, telling compelling narratives, and inspiring change through her expertise in journalism, public relations, marketing, social media, and branding. With her unique blend of experience in various sectors, including corporate, higher education, nonprofits, and businesses, she founded Yellow Rabbit PR & Marketing.