Forget that the recent wedding reception of Tampa, Fla., couple Tasha Johnson and Markeith Brown was held at a restaurant called the Rusty Pelican -- it was apparently a classy, fairy tale-themed event, complete with a horse and carriage, romantic vows exchanged at an oceanside gazebo and a ballroom reception. The affair remained classy until around 9 p.m., when Tampa police say Brown began throwing money on the dance floor for children to pick up, which angered one of his guests. When the groom and his brother asked the guest to leave, a fight broke out that escalated and spilled into the parking lot. Cops came -- but it doesn't end there. After guests left, the fight started up again in a hotel parking lot, where the groom's 74-year-old grandmother was put in a choke hold after trying to break up the brawl.
At least one person has been arrested and one was treated in the emergency room as a result of this wedding brawl, but you might be happy to learn that Tasha and Markeith, "the money thrower," are enjoying their honeymoon in the Bahamas right now. They might not be any worse for the wear after their wedding gone wrong, but if you want to avoid making some major mistakes -- as either a bride, a groom or a wedding guest -- pay attention to the following five things you should never do at a wedding.
1) THROWING MONEY AT YOUR GUESTS: It can be a cultural tradition for the bride and groom to do a "money" or "dollar" dance at a wedding, but sprinkling dollar bills on a crowd of people, aka "making it rain," is a totally different story and is never a good idea (see: Jones, Pacman). Also, as generous as it might be, it's pretty gross to give money to your guests in the same manner that you gave out money to the dancers at your bachelor party.
2) GET BOOZY & BELLIGERENT: If treated responsibly, open bars are nice accents to a fun wedding. If treated irresponsibly, well, see above. There's really no better way to ruin what is supposed to be the best day of two peoples' lives than to get drunk and start throwing blows. On days like these, family ties come undone. The bride will call the police on you.
3) SCREW UP THE TOAST: Write notes. Don't have too many drinks beforehand. Remove all thoughts of his or her exes from your mind. Be discreet. Because if you call the bride by the groom's ex-girlfriend's name or let it slip that she's in her first trimester, she'll never let you come to the house again. Ever.
4) HIT ON SOMEONE INAPPROPRIATE: It should go without saying that the groom's grandmother is off limits, right? It's hard to be single at a wedding, but there's no rule that says you have to find someone to hook up with at every wedding celebration you attend. Relax.
5) BE TACKY: Of course, tacky people don't necessarily know they're tacky. But if you don't do any of the things that this family in the UK did for their 16-year-old daughter's wedding last year, then you at least know you won't have the tackiest wedding the world has ever seen.


Comments: (170)
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By: RickRod on 11/11/2009 9:04AM
This was not a problem of race. This problem's main root was lack of education and class. Wich is a problem that is universal across the races. The are 305,000,000 people in the United States. With this many people there are bound to be a couple bad apples in the bunch both black or white. God made us all! Instead of wasting energy and time disrupting harmony or reacting to someone that has nothing better to do than causing pain. Take that energy and promote love towards one another. I am a black man and the comments that I have read dont upset me, they make me sad to know that there are people that hate their brothers and sisters. I belong to the human race! Do you?
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By: barbkay37 on 11/11/2009 9:06AM
White vs. number of other races committing crimes? REALLY? Have you ever looked over the yard at "recess time" at a prison? Do that and then go back and re-do your math!!!!!
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By: A4MANBOB on 11/11/2009 9:08AM
people,listin to yourselfs.
no wonder this country is going to hell
if whites and blacks can't find common ground, we are all in big trouble.
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By: lassietay on 11/11/2009 9:12AM
Dude if people can't find common ground. Nobody gets along anymore.
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By: Rose on 11/11/2009 9:11AM
this guy was not even a guest and had a gun this could have been a deadly day for alot of people.... Just shows people go with the flow they follow the leader someone could have gotten shot..... Even if they threw money , you have the option of saying to your child do not pick up money...A elaborate wedding and they paid for all these rugrats to come and the parents act like jerks... Well I am sure friendships have ended and the jealous ones have been uncovered.... Heck talk about them after the wedding have some class.That large group you had the haters talking during the wedding... grow up people!
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By: Kev207 on 11/11/2009 9:21AM
AOL Comments, A great reminder that racism still thrives on the ignorance of MANY. Had they been white it would've been a completely different set of replies. What a cancer to society some people are.
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By: kathy on 11/11/2009 9:15AM
You are letting yourself get worked up. No one is worth getting yourself worked up. There will be racism forever and people will judge people....Thats fine whatever----I have one God that I think about and I forget about what poeple say its just words---Im not on this earth to please people just God I please....Pray for your enemys pray without ceasing
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By: ann on 11/11/2009 9:12AM
In a society where we are equal and embrase diversity why then must there be groups that are exclusive to only that group? It would be nice if there could be an all white group but that would be racist. I don't see how having an all black group isn't racist. Blacks and other groups practice double standards. Black slavery to the extent seen in the early years hasn't been seen for generations. Are you telling me you can not get over the fact that you are no longer slaves? You would prefer to be slaves? Have someone tell you want to do when to do it all the time? Are you that incapable of thinking and caring for yourself? I truley am tired of the black communitie yelling racist at every oppertunity they get. I didn't realize this was a BLACK ONLY site when I clicked on the article in the media diversity section of this website.
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By: L. Woolever on 11/11/2009 9:19AM
Why is it OK for black people to insult white people but not the other way around? And why lump all black or white people into a group just because of a few bad apples? The majority of any race of people are decent. Stop the insults and lets all get along and help one another.
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By: Sammy on 11/12/2009 8:51AM
Man, nuffins wrong w this weddn. Crakka must a rote dis storee.
Sammy
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