Congratulations to Donna Coln Browne, 63, and Lowell Browne, 55, who exchanged vows before friends and family on Sept. 24, 2011. The couple, married in a civil ceremony last summer, celebrated with an intimate reception at The Chestnut Hill Hotel Bombay Room in the city’s northwest neighborhood.

Donna was elegant in a stunning, grey silk floor length gown. The bodice and hip area was beaded with silver bugle beads with a modest train. The back detail was completely beaded and bugled from top to bottom. Her adorable granddaughter, Jahanna Watts, was the happy couple’s flower girl.

Donna is a former parochial elementary school teacher in Philadelphia. She was also a vice principal of an elementary school for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Ga., and the owner of the architectural company, Konceptual Design, for 18 years before retiring and becoming a realtor.

Lowell is a graduate of Neumann College. His occupation is central to this relationship’s beginning. The couple met at The University of Pennsylvania Hospital where Lowell is a phlebotomist. Donna recalls, “We met at his workplace when I needed to have blood drawn. I gave him specific directions on how to do his job. Make certain the suture is very tight, use a certain brand needle for they are very sharp and don’t hurt me. I am going to give you one chance and one chance only to stick me,” she explained.

Special family members and guests sharing in the special day included Donna’s mother, Mrs. Marie Coln, a retired special education teacher for the School District of Philadelphia, son, Jonathan Watts of Philadelphia, eldest son, Michael B. Green of Washington D.C., niece, Veda Acosta, nephew, Frank Acosta, special guest and “ third hand,” Julia Valentin, Harriet and Joe Reynolds Rigby, Dolores Shepherd, Barbara Wallace Lynne, Donna Carter, Sojourner Watts, George Butler, John Matthews, Tanisha Newby, Valerie-Clayton Coles, Billy Knox, Debbie Meekins, Anne and Scott Workman, Tenia and Jay Taylor, Charles Young, Betty and Billy Golden, and Betty Spann.

Lowell’s mother was out of the country in his native Liberia, and both remember their late fathers fondly. Lowell’s guests traveled from New York, Ohio, and Connecticut for the special occasion. Donna shared “There was no proposal. He merely told me ‘We should get married. We need to take care of one another for, if I can’t get up one day you can help me. And if you can’t get up on day I will take care of you. I think that is a good thing so let’s do it.’”

The couple danced to the classic “With this ring I promise to always love you” by the Platters.

Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!