What was the reason for the celebration?
This was our engagement photos. We are celebrating getting married to one another on New Year’s Eve of this year.
What is something fun you remembered either about the process or the big day?
I remember how fun it was capturing the photo with my dress floating in the air. We had one of the photographers, my bridesmaid/stylist and my make up artist each pick up a side, hold it in the air, and then had to let it go and run out of the shot. It was really hard to keep a straight face as it was hysterical.
Anything super unique about the big day?
We plan on celebrating both of our cultures. I am Jamaican and my fiancé is Nigerian. We are also planning to use as many black-owned businesses as possible. So far my photographer, videographer, wedding planner, baker, DJ, and event rentals company are all black-owned. We think that supporting our people is incredibly important.
Any tips you would share with others planning an event?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I tried planning this wedding on my own and kept getting overwhelmed. Use your resources and follow your heart.
What was your planning experience like?
I did! @sacredgardenfloraldesign is a black-owned wedding planning and florist company here in South Florida. She has been a lifesaver with negotiating and finding other black vendors for us to work with.
The Location
Rich Hippie’s House, West Palm Beach, FL
The Fashion
How did you pick your event day outfit?
My fiancé is Nigerian and we knew that we wanted to surprise his father with our looks. I found a designer in Nigeria, @styles_by_jhayne and we sent her our measurements. She created the looks and priority shipped all of the pieces.
One of my bridesmaids is a talented stylist, @twyladenise_. I enlisted her help with pulling together all the looks and finding all the statement pieces. She even came with us on the day of the engagement shoot to ensure that we looked our best! Many of the brands that we wore on that day were also from black creatives that she was able to find for us.
Your Event Style
What inspired your theme/style?
As people of color, we wanted to choose colors that emphasize our melanin and that stood out. It was important to us because bright colors have a way of eliciting joy and excitement and that’s how we felt.
