Sarah Ann and Kyle’s wedding was not only rich with tradition, they had the help of close friends and family bring their vision to life! Their love started right after a friendly encounter at the Brooklyn Museum several years ago. After years of dating, Kyle decided to make their relationship official and popped the question at the same museum in front of close friends and family in 2016.

“I was so overwhelmed that I did not even put on the ring and Kyle stood there ring in hand while I hugged everyone around him. After I finally put on the ring, Kyle arranged for an onsite photoshoot,” recalled Sarah Ann.

On the day of their wedding, Sarah Ann and Kyle incorporated the unity braid as part of their ceremony.

“We loved the scripture “A cord of three is not easily broken,” and the unity braid was an awesome representation of that scripture,” said Sarah Ann. The couple also jumped the broom, an African-American tradition. The bride’s childhood friend Leticia Thomas-Duran served as the officiant.

“She had never before served in this capacity and was terrified of the day. We believed in her love for the both of us and that she would know intuitively what type of ceremony we needed. She was absolutely perfect,” said Sarah Ann.

The bride also had a friend from college, Dr. Byron Jasper be the DJ. She trusted his ability to make the party a night she would never forget and he did!

The couple had this advice to share for other engaged couples. “Trust your vision as a couple for your wedding day. Trust your wedding planner and his or her ability to execute your vision,” Sarah Ann said. “Have a clear plan of how you will pay for the wedding and do not overextend your budget.”

The bride also says to make sure you carve out time on your wedding day to simply observe the celebration!