FALL EDITION 2018 THE #1 MULTICULTURAL WEDDING MAGAZINE | e unaLucai ie rm oe ISSUE ; | JEAN-RALPH THURIN YEMI ANDREA NNEKA OSUNKOYA PITTER ALEXANDER \N ICONIC TRIBUTE TO AMSALE150+ the BEST ideas to personalize your wedi a \ Ina world where itis easy to get lost. - peer red : following trends, Fowwout \ while following trend : cover! | iris important to understand your own unique gifiing PurcHase / and pursue it re(enilessty \ acopy = / y even if you do so aloneMoving tribue 10 \wsate Aner... May ‘your designs continue 10 inspire & detight, and may your contributions toart and fashion continue to change the lives of so many é‘The name MunaLuchi holds a special place in our hearts, Ieis the combination of two African names which when fased together mean, "Beautiful Work of God” Perfectly describing our bri ‘The Munaluchi bride is bold, beautiful, worldly... She is witty, vibrant and free. She loves the finer things in life, and is not afraid to go after what she wants. She exudes style and grace and is determined to look her very best not just on her wedding day but every day. She yearns to embrace her culture and seeks inspiration that speaks to her. She comes, inall sizes and shades. Simply put, she is beautiful no matter what skin she's in. Our mission is to promote positive images of wom- en of color...because we believe positive imagery is the threshold for confidence...and confidence in- spires self love. We aspire to inspire...rz — 7 OHEKA CASTLE be rd ae CL Reem cn A Castle to Call Your Own with Just One Wedding a Day 32 Guestrooms & Suites - Fine Dining - Golf & Tennis (On the Gold Coast of Long Island between New York City and The Hamptons 135 West Gate Drive - Huntington NY 11743 - 631-659-1400 rcwy cote bingo sted bal taben tow ss hg an amazing relationship with the Amale ream many years after tha Fest experience. ‘When I learned of the news that Amsale had passed, I froze. She was such 4 hard worker, 2 kind spirit, a beautiful soul. How could she be gone so 2000? ‘What would become of the iconic Amsale brand she spent decades cultivating? How could we honor her legacy? those questions that we decided to produce «fashion edicorial in honor of Amsale. Not just to showcase some of our favorite Amsale designs, ‘but to interview and photograph prominent black designers that were inspiced by her. The editorial feacures 4 black wedding gown designers that are making. their own waves in bridal fashion. In the tribute, we gota chance to chat with ‘them about their starc in the wedding industry, how Amsale has inspired their careers, and what makes them a powerhouse in bridal fashion, T'm extremely proud of the ream we put together to produce this iconic shoot. an all-star team of Coterie members worked 1 sil Find your regular dose of weddi From makeup, to hair, to accesories and photography tirelessly to achieve these results, In this issue, snag, with ‘weddings from as far as South Africa and inspiration shoots inspired by black artists. Enjoy the Fall 20:8 issue, and if tinspices you, share it with your Friends, For move inspiration and to connect with more wedding vendors visit our website at www.:nupaluchibridal.com, FALL 2018 aluchi coven ceojeorronin-cnier Jacqueline Nwobu on , oe sina Ay Ni tat Meee nice wajiah Docee _— a Janelle Nemwww.456Weddingséom eRCREO\ erry a RS2 CONTENTS CoveER STORY 12 ATRIBUTE TO AMSALE 16 DESIGN STAR EDITORIAL ENGAGEMENTS } 42 DEANNA + QUINCY 64 CHANDREA + DEVIN 68 BRITTANY + DEMETRIE 72 CHARLYE + STANLEY 78 ZAHNA~+ DERRICK 62 RUHAMA + BINVAM INSPIRATION REAL WEDDINGS 36 KESH EXPERIENCE CHICAGO 48 CINDY + GLEN Cancun, Mexico 86 INSPIRED BY CHINOISERIE 54 OLUFUNKE + BABAJIDE 122 INSPIRED BY KEHINDE WILEY Paris France 180 GREEN AND IVoRY GLAMOUR 60 PARIS + VERNON Philadelphia, PA 134 ULTRA VIOLET INSPIRATION 98 NATHALIE + JESSIE 140 RW EVENTS SHOWCASE Ipswich, Massachusets 102 JESSICA + RANDOLPH Baltimore, Maryland 108 VALERIE + DEVON Houston, TX 112 RIA+ KEVOL Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 116 SHELTON + LENNARD Houston, TX 126 ToRI+oLU Brooklyn, NY 150 RAHIEL + GIDEON Johannesburg, South Africa 156 ANITHA + MARVIN Discovery Bay, JamaicaAT aS peg TRISTE ATU MU me Pate See MNO SCR ULGIbebyL dc USUAL AL RAM RVC MCCUE PO UMNO ECON Rea IN MAKE YOUR WEDDING MOVIE WWW.LUXORWEDDINGS.COM IG: @LUXORWEDDINGSQuiel Impact PHOTOGRAPHED BY Disjuar Jones, lead phatographer with In His lmage Photography FASHION STYLING BY Jame: R. Sanders Understated elegance. Its the perfect way to describe an Amsale creation. Since her entrance into the bridal fashion world, the designer has: left quite an impact on the wedding industry. In this tribute, four gown designers share how Amsale has paved the way for them, and the legacy they are hoping to create with their own brands:“An Amsate Gride is someone who's classic but modern. Her approach in design is very simple and efean yet sophisticated. She's confident, she dousn't like flasfiy thingls]” awsaveavenna he modern wedding dress as we Know it today wat prety mich invented by Ameale aber ‘Wedding dresses ofthe 19805 ~ with cele puffy epee everett and ieee apple pitterns~ were everthing Amaale did tot went in {pts while she was planning her awn wedding. Out of need for simplicity and understated elegance, the Fest Ansale gown, pitted center on oe ‘aver end on the fasde front covers, was bora. Tt ‘wes her fee wedding dress — her wn wedding Areas and the starvof the Amade emit, Born March 11954 in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia, ‘Ameile had « penchant for fthion stan early ap ‘Ava eld. she would suake her own clothes and ‘design outfits for er dalls From Addie Ababa tothe picrssxque sountsnsdes of Veront, Amede rtended Green Mountain College and pursued a degree in Commercial Art. A yea later in 1974 with the ‘overthrow of Ethiopia’ emperor Halle Selassie, Ehiopia was in the midst of polite carmel, a dificul far ber father a government offical - to continue to pay he college tuition She then moved to Boston, where a al sister lived, tnd pu hese unsugh cllegeat Boston Sete (Caleg, while making Fishionable outs for her fiends Eventually she earned a degree in Political Sclence and began working at coffee shop at Harvard, ‘aiveesiy- Tes wie she met her husband Nel ‘Browa 4 Young Harvard University law student “The pair later moved to New York City, where Amal astended Fashion Insure of Festnalogy, snd would Laer on marry Nel Brown and goon ta design hee cnn weeding ress and teanfocm the ‘vay wedding gowns are seen and worn today [A year ater her wedding to Neil Brown, Amale transformed their lof aparement to her Fre design ‘dio, Inthe beginning, everything was done in her home. That included sunway pesentations, consultations and tings. By 1997 ber Mado ‘Avenve store wes opened urcently, the Anal empite includes the glamorous Kenneth Poo collections, the romantic Chests collections, Nouvelle Amal slower tiered collection of wedding gowns ~ and Ams Bridesmalds, “The iconic designer pased away tthe age of fo Apel, 218 From cancer and is survived by her husband Nell Brown, her father Aberra Molto, her half sister Aster Yili, and her daughter, Rachel ‘Ansile Brown, She sala. board member For ‘The Ethiopian Children’s Band and a trustee of the Fashion Inutitue of Technology Her legac lives on a the Amsae headquarters, with s dedicated ten of hard working individuals that adore Amale, incding a new bead of detign aud development Margo Lafontaine, aad Saal Swans, who manages design operations. At the office, her desk, which overloaks ll operations i ‘donned with he favorite Flowers each day ~ fresh crc COVER STORYCover stoRY Nneka Alexander BRIDES BY NONA WHEN DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING WEDDING DRESSES? Tataried designing wedding dress approximately Five year ago it aceully started in avery funny way which [wil chronicle in more detail later on in this aril, HOW D0 YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN STYLE? Seulprured lines and 1 with a significant amauat of detailed ceystal embellishments. WHAT D0 YOU BELIEVE ARE THE CORNERSTONE DESIGN. ELEMENTS OF EVERY WEDDING GOWN? The i! Every wedding gown shouldbe perfectly tiled ea the bride's unique body shape. Whether is simple gown or debutante onc, the gowa should hug every curve onthe bride's body Great question. . > as ae TheDCEventPlanner.com & Beyond... *% The DIFFERENCE you’re looking for. THE Se arebo fsa AN Exncant ( WWW.ISABELLAINVITATIONS.COM * 281-506-2521 + INFO@ISABELLAINVITATIONS.COM 2323 SOUTH VOSS ROAD, SUITE 465 * HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057 Although we're located in Flouston, our client base extends far beyond Houston!NATHALIE + JESSE IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS MAY 26, 2018, PHOTOGRAPHED BY Rudy & Marta ography Txt by Samuel Nawmick Nathalie and Jessie jed back and forth a Few times, incrigued enough co exchange numbers. Afier getting to know teach other further over the phone they decided it was time for a first date Ic was an evening that set them on the path of together forever. Iu Nathalie’ words, *afcer three hours and a great deal of playful conversation and flircation, ewo lives were changed for the better. For Jesse, that First date was so convincing that he “knew right away Nathalie would end up being the onc. In his words, Nathalie i the most genuine person I've ever met, She was ‘engaging, hones, caring and thoughtful.." And so the day came when he fele ie was time co ask for her hand in marriage, Now living in Florida they were scheduled to return co their home state of Massachusetts foran annual physical therapy conference in Boston. Walking back to the car afier shopping and brunch on Newbury Street, they passed by the Boston Public Library where [Nathalle commenced on how she dreamt of having her wedding there. With his moment presented, Jesse dropped co one knee and replied, “well, a least can we have our engagement here?” So caught up in the excitement of the moment, Nathalie almost pushed him over aut of shock and disbelief before saying yes. Nathalie and Jesse’ wedding was classic and romantic reginning with a ceremony at che Flat Church of Ipswich - situated on a Tittle hill ia the center of town, and adorned with beautiful stained glass window features, Nathalie was gorgeous in a classic ivory gown by Maggie Sottero; the second dress she tried during her wedding shopping experience selected and approved by both hher mother and father. After being forever declared husband and wife, Nathalie and Jesse continued on to their reception, hosted at the Mansion on Turner Hill, ‘The reception incorporated Nathalie’ Haitian culture into the evening's playlist, bringing everyone to the dance floor. Natalie fondly remembers how, “the love just poured out of everyone and every moment of our wedding.” Bust Mraonrrs: “The look of pure happiness on our parents faces Jesse and I did 1 majority of the planning for the wedding and our parents were there to help whenever needed. Tho everyone offered 0 help, we really just wanted co surprise everyone, expecially our parents, with all the details of our day. They were absolutely shocked with how beautiful everyching turned our, We caught glimpses of their faces all night and chey were grinning ear to ear every minute. I's been a couple monchs since the wedding and they are sill reliving che moments. Our wedding day was about bringing immediace and extended family and friends eogether for a night of love, fan, and party. We know wwe succeeded."Apvice ron Exoacrn Courtzs Quick Facrs From Tae Brive WEDDING PARTY GIFTSJESSICA + RANDOLPH BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART MAY 25, 2018 PHOTOGRAPHED BY Seanls Photography Text by Samuel Nawemicke OUD seis tects aeccettca ay pea evade oe dae oe Eee Cer cae sete tea cee eee eee eee eee (ears eee eceyaes I wouldn't be long before they both began to realize they were inthe presence of “the one,” that person in which ‘mirrored. They never grew tired of each others company, could openly tak abour anything, and not only. your soul had they discovered a romantic partner in the other but also a bestfriend. Every aspect of thei relationship felt meant co be, and soon Randolph was planning their perfect propos I was 4 few days before Christmas of 2016 when Randolph told Jessica that chey were invited to his office holiday dinner parcy ac the National Harbor, Maryland. Before entering che host hotel, Randolph invited Jessica Fora ride on the ferris wheel, While enjoying the lovely views Randolph began telling Jessica how much she meant to him and how thankful lhe was to have her in his life. On the walk to the hotel Jessica recognized two of their fiends by a large Christmas tree display. One of them was playing Christmas music on a and the other was cecording him. As they got closer the ‘music changed to “All of Me” by John Legend, and Jes heard someone calling out her aame, She turned to look and found cen of thei friends smiling at her. When she turned back to Randolph he was on one knee asking her co spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife, ‘Their wedding took place a the beautiful Balsimore Museum of Act, and had a whimsical, clasic romance style, Jessica was gorgeous in a Fit and flair Eve of Milady dress, with hand-beaded lace detail. Through music ud West Al ‘culminating in an onforgettable wedding experience, they incorporated Ghanaian heritage, Besr Memonses: ‘The vows, dancing and our bridal party. We had so much fan! Apyres ror Excacen Coupiss: Please do not get to0 grossed in the details that you Forget the main reason you are getting married! Remember that ‘your wedding day is when you get to commit to spending the rest of your life with the person that you love and that's all chat really matters, Favorite em on Menu The crawfish friteers, they were so good!Quic Facts From THe BRive . BridREAL WEDDINGS VALERIE + DEVON HOUSTON, TEXAS May 25, 2018 PHOTOGRAPHED BY Julia rceri Text by Samuel Nanmick though Valerie and Devon went to the same University, and knew of each other, it wasn't ‘until years after graduating that they would finally eet, At the insistence of 3 mutwal friend who ‘thought they would make the perfect couple, they agreed to mect up. Initially theie plans to get together fall through several times tntl Finally ata friend's birthday party their paths crossed. According to Valerie they “didn’t ride off into the sunsee” that day. il That moment woulda’t take place for sometin a friend’s wedding party would once again bring chem together. This time the sparks lew and their shared ‘magnetism was palpable. In Valevie's words, “it was at this party where our journey began. Devon and I talked and laughed che whole night.” Their official first date came a week lacer and they've remained inseparable ever since, Le woulda’t be long before Devon began to realize Valeri was “the one” and so planned their perfect proposal, taking place January of this year in gorgeous Marrakech, Morocco. Ie was a beautiful morning at the luxurious La Mamounia Hotel, where Devon, suggested they get dressed to take some pictures around the grounds to dociment the trip, Not at all suspect a proposal on this trip, Valerie agreed and they made their way down to the lobby. A security guard unlocked particularly photogenic courtyard that would make the perfect backdrop. Handing the camera co the security guard, Devon asked if he could take» few pictures of Valerie and himself. After « few images Valerie looked towards Devon and found hhim looking back up at her from one knee. Valerie Fondly recalls how, “he beautifully reminded me of our journey together and how much we've grown, and how happy he i with our life cogether.ct was the sweetest and most endearing way to propose.” Valerie and Devon's wedding was, for their guests, « surprise ceremony within a cocktail styled engagement party, The wedding style was “elegant simplistic chic” hosted atthe beautiful Houston Towers, The event rent reflected both the bride and groom's cultural backgrounds of traditional Southern and Caribbean ciusines, Valerie was gorgeous in a custom Karen Sosa ‘gown, classic whice crepe long sleeve with shimmer beaded fringe back. Complimented wich her late smother’ diamond cing, tennis bracelec and teardrop. ry. Her Groom was earrings, in honor of her sharp and sophisticated in a plush, navy blue, velvet wuaxedo, Bust Memonuss: “Our wedding was basically a‘pop up" wedding. We invited our guests to a cocktail style engagement party ish the party, A lot of our friends from college and friends and surprised them with a ceremony mid-way thr. we've gained over the years who also knew each other were guests a the party so it very much fele ike a college rounion of sores. Some people suspected what was going down and others were happily surprised at the transition from a Fall-on party with food, drinks and music, toa sacred exchange of vows..and back to a pany! Honestly one of the best nights of our lives and we had so much fun sharing the experience with everyone who attended. Sorry to the folks who left the parey carly and missed the vows.” - Vacanze\dvice for Engaged Couple There are no rules! You can totally do your wedding however you want to doit and not break the bank doing so, Ifyou wanted to doa pool party and get married in your swimsuit because that's what you want, do it. I'm sre everyone would have way more fun if they didn't have to buy a wedal oxfir and would sil have great sime and you will be less stressed abou who to invite, what to wear, and all the other formalities that unnecessarily overwhelm people. Your guests will come and wil you, Not because of what you wore or what vente ber the fin and th the stafF in between that brides worry about. Do not stesso get cl he up in the weeds of the details because no one will remember or care about all of that anyway. The decisions we made were based solely on what type of experience and memory we wanted for us, not traditions. We did 10r have bridesmaids or groomsmen [or fest dances, [M]y fathers dida'e wall ows the aisle and we dida't have 300 guest seated dinner reception for a wedding cake. We dido'c even do formal invitations... emailed our guests a snapshot of an invitation 1 designed online. We fele zero pressure to include or do everything by the hook or spend ney on things that ave forgettable. Th ily ime I vacillated on out approach was when T couldn't decide between seeylie or real champagne glasses, Iwent with the former because it was smart and made sense and no one telly cares about ch material of che glass, they care about what's in the glass! So do your wedding on your own terms and do not be concerned with perception or traditions, We had a party with tiny snippet ofa ceremony and ic was the most fun Vd had aca “wedding"in a long time. We like co parey and that’s what we did. = VanenisRIA + KEVOL GRAND CAYMAN, CAYM APRIL 28, 2018 PHOTOGRAPHED BY Chad Munro Text by Samuel Nawmick Breet ore ory bg hey py her alon Ria and being promoted by a colleague of Ris's who invited Al brought their luggage with them Havingan early morning flight for work, colleag to leave for the airport directly From the event rent They partied well into the night, Finally leaving around three in the morning When collecting their lnggag from the venue's office where it was stored, a slight “confrontation” occurred between the person whose biethday i was, Angrily he told Ri and her collea to collecedheir belongings and go, but not before commenting on how attractive he thought Ria was - who simply rolled her eyes and walked on Fast forward ch months, Ria was promoting «culinary event atan employer’ restauranc where, in her words, “handsome chef walks in and I was smitcen.” Kevo, the “handsome chef,” was also smitten, cresting excises, +0 come back to Ris office all day, even though the cvent ments only contained five items. Unable ea deny his instincts, Kevol asked Ria out on a date before the opportunity ws lost, Within a month they “ell bead over heels in lave” anid about siz weeks into their relationship while ax dinner with friends, One of Kevol’s friends showed Ria a picture from Kevol’ birthday party, and instantly she recognized Kevol as the guy from the confrontation three months prior. IF you'd told either of| them on that inital evening thac chey had juse mer the love oftheir lives, chey may nor have believed i. With the assistance of Ria's mother and cousin, Kevol was able to plan thei perfect proposal. Wanting to censure the element of surprise while havin bath of thei families present, they were able co plan the proposal to cccur during che asth birthday party of Rias cousin, which also coincided with the anniversary of Ria and Kevol’s meeting, On the arrival of che big day, everything went as planned, and when the dinner drew co an end, AN ISLANDS Ria's mother asked everyone at their table to say a few words to Ria’s cousin in honor of her birthday. Kevol spoke lst, giving the signal to his family, friends, and videographer that che big moment was at hand. Looking Into che eyex of his soulmate, Kevel proclaimed his lave for Ris, gor dawn on one knee, and asked her co spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife, Ria and Keval’s wedding took place on April 28ch in rgcous Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Through an satensive process, Ria was able to enllst che service of er Aunt from Trinidad to ficiate the ceremony. As Ria fondly recalls, “the prayer that she prayed over my bbusband and I during the ceremony had everyone in awe and tears.” The Bride was stunning in an elegant, floral lace Calla Blanche gown with deep V neck and back, 4 trumpet skirt, and scallop edged tain ~ complece with 4 Maggie Sottero cathedral vel, Best Memonses: My bese memory of my wedding was my bridal party and our entrance. My bridal party cousisted of 26 people. Needless to sy; it was absolutely impossible to get everyone co practice anything. I told everyone that swe were just going to wing it, and wing it we did! Each couple selected a song the reception, The so scleceed were as diverse as my bridal party. As each bridal euple entered, all you herd wats sea of people cheering asifchey wore ar concert. When my husband and I zae/ dancehall centered, the D] dropped the hottest re song in rotation. When we heard the song my husband, se and my 6th month belly threw down! The bridal party was so excited and the DJ s0 hyped that a “dance batcle” ensued. Yeah you heard right, my wedding started with an impromptu dance battle, Ie was all you can imagine and then soTHE CAKE STU ers Where At Meets theSHELTON + LENNARD AUGUST U1, 2018, PHOTOGRAPHED BY Deniel T. Davis ment ro make it for Best Mrmonrés: he night, I think our best memoryLuxury Invitations and Fine Stationery jing. We Help You Stan¢ SODACREATIVE You're Standing Out.one mes ears aero) Perro eee en ert) = Pea ee etic penornesnee te ror retin ire) rie I Ta Baker ie oerne Meera ear Unie Rr) Te = eee rererioney ot 7 CORREO, lee) 7 iain Ste eee oe ee Peer Me Me ME eee Terra ira) such as South Africa, Monte Carlo, the USA, Spain. Nigeria and MoRoeeo™ Mme er ra epee gr te passionate desire for ereativity, | pour aes eee rene Por rere re Mercere to ee Coat Ye A eater roe aT et er ier rere era aT Seer eT Te aT ies This she says, is the most important Ena e continually strives to be the best at what she does. Toyin's love for eres ere en eae Pon Eee erate resect me Soren teesbakery.co.uk | info@teesbakery.co.uk | 07900 180091WEDDING IDEAS ey ed by An Endless Pursuit PhotographyWEDDING IDEASMICRO WEDDINGS TORI + OLU BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN BUNE 30, 2018 PHOTOGRAPHED BY Sequoyab Daniel Text by Samuel Newmick lori and Olu’s love story began at a networking event held for young black professionals, hosted at 2 Brooklyn restaurant. Before oven entering the venue, Ol, asif guided by fate, spotted Tori making her way inside, He immediately knew that she was someone he had to learn more about. Seeking her ou inside the estaurant, i was ‘Tor!'sfitend who noticed him first Finding him attractive she waved Olu and his friend over to their able, but he only had eyes for Tori. With Olu’ friend engaging Tor’ fiend on, he was able to focus entcely on getting to [now Tori Although they spoke only briefly it was already evi 4 magnetism existed between them. In Tar’s words, “we didn’e chat longer than ten to fifteen minutes..and somehow a vibe we both liked came off..1 couldn’t resist, how good he smelled and polite he was..” They exchanged ‘numbers and from that evening on their paths became inseparable Fast forward to October sth 2017. Tori recived a concerning tent message from her bestfriend Diana. She claimed to be having some relationship struggles and really needed someone to confide in. They decided to meet av Tort’ place after work, When Tori arrived she found white and pink balloons and roses throughout the house, and hanging in the closet was a new dress with shoes and matching handbag. Near ic was a card instructing her to meet Olu at the River Caflé at &:00. That's whe Diana centered the room co assist her in preparing for the rest of the evening, Afier her preparations were complete, acar was arranged co «score Tori to Brooklyn, Tori and Olu enjoyed s romantic dinner together, every momicnt feeling as special as a first date, Upon leaving they stopped to take some pictures together by the Brooklya Bridge. While Tori reviewed the images, Olu bent down eo “tie his shoe.” Still on one knee he turned to face her, and 2s Tori fondly remembers, he “said incredibly deep, heartfelt, and emotional things about ime and us and our relationship ~ now and io the Future.” Presenting her witha ring, Ola then asked Tort co spend the rest oftheir lives together as husband and wife. For Tor Olu “made the night 100% magical.” Tori and Olu were married on June goth in a beautiful garden wedding at Brooklyn Botanic. Their ceremony Featured « tradicional handfasting, using culeural and family significane Kente and Nigerian cloths. Their style was whimsical floral theme of carchy reglity. Tri was stunning in an embroidered gown, and Olu was dapper in a double- breasted almond suit designed by Brian Alexander Bespoke. Best Meaonres: Tris “Seeing Olt for the First time! Tcoulda’t have imagined what he'd be wearing and he looked absolutely scunning. The music playing (‘Best Par’ by Daniel Caesar fe, H.ER.) just amplified my emotion 80 I couldn't help bout stare cearing up once we Finally saw exch other. When I saw him tearing up too, my heart wouldn't stop racing. T wanted to ball bur kept ic cogether because my makeup cook way coo long! I's almost like in chat moment we KNEW le was really happening. All the prep, talks, love shared and experience led to that moment, All the emotions just seemed to want ro explode at once, bue resulted in minor implosion, The deepest love I've ever fele in one moment.” (Olu: “Saying the wows and professing my love tomy wife under God and in front ofall our loved ones truly allowed everything to come fall circle the moment that I'd prayed For was here, It was a true testament to God's will in ourGlamour, style, and sophistication... ) seen tes ISCO (Eom. ltog NETO Lett oem cnet ent 240.493.4502 See eee etc Pantene tenn Se sa aWEDDING IDEAS n and modern h florals accen Photographed by Nana Annan Photographynd fee cm + oe rae Ra Mee par a ¢ $e. ip: coal does eee) Viaveearai Ga NUMWEDDING IDEAS Photographed by Nana Annan PhotographyWEDDING IDEASWEDDING IDEASThe cmsperaitonn, “The inspcation foe the shoot was emmed feoen cor love oF romantic, high ishio designs. The primary goal ves to design a shoce that enbodied > 2 Se ees eee es incasion, We chose La Beate sot bacdo f det ts ich room, and nae allowed ut tam craggcrating the nacural elements” - a -Tamael + Dede Cowart of RW Eventsre CERAHIEL + GIDEON JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA SEPTEMBER 5, 2018 PHOTOGRAPHED BY Xavier Ser Text by Samuel Nawmich Ww" visiting Johannesburg in 2017, Rahiel spotted an African prin boutique in the Braamfontein area, Briefly topping in she perused the shelves before snc that continuing om her way -a seemingly trivial mon would come to shape the rest of her life. When a few months later, Rabiel was in nced of tailoring services she remembered the bousique shop. After returning, the ‘owner began making custom clothing for her, and it was during her third visi eo the shop when she noticed a “tll, dark and handsome Zambian man” who took her breath away. Gidcon, a fashion designer himeelf, was the youngest brother ofthe shop ovner. The connection between Rabel and Gideon was immediate, and within a few weeks they were going on thei firse date, In Rahiel’s words, “it was definitely love at First sight.” For Gideon, he knew he wanted to marry Rahiel from the Fest date, asking her that evening iFher mother would consent co her “marrying someone who was not Friean.” Ie wasn't long before they were discussing engagement ring choices and attending pre-engagement counseling, so Rahiel was well aware of a proposal on the horizon - but when it would occur she had no idea. After Christmas and New Years passed without a propos she was even more aught off guard when it Finally took place. On the fourth ‘of January, while having dinner with a fiend at an outdoor restaurant in Johannesburg, Rahiel noticed her friend ‘over her shoulder, When Rahiel turned to sce what was capturing thelr attention she saw Gideon, knecling down with a ring in hand, Gideon's best Friend was also present recording the moment as Gideon asked Rail for her hand in marriage. In Rahiel’s words, “I immeditely started crying and screaming atthe top of my lungs out of shock..1no matter how ready I thought I was - nothing prepared me For that breathtaking moment.” Like Gidson, Rahiel knew he was “the one” from the beginning, Being a Christian Minister and seminary gradi ie was important to Rabiel that her husband share her passion for faith, and Gideon’ biblical knowledge was impressive, Gi postessed all the qualitis Rahicl desiced ina partner, and even somte she hadn't realized she him. In her words, “as [earned more wanted until meeting about him and his life story, I came to believe that God had bbcen preparing us for one another our entre lives.” ‘Their beautiful Pan-African wedding in Johannesburg honored all sides of thei cultural histories while direcly Incorporating their Friceean, Zambian, Black American and South African heritages - all expressed through music, autre and overall wedding day aesthetics. The wedding weekend began with Rabies Zambian initiation into smartiage; an all-women gathering led by the Zambian elder women of Gideon's femily. During the wedding ceremony Rahiel was gorgeous in an offthe-shoulder, rose-gold couture wedding dress with a deep v-neckline and ermatd silhouette, incorporating her Eritrean culere in 3 traditional “Albaso” hairstyle, aswell as jewelry and henna art. Beinga fashion designer, Gideon desigied his own site; a soft weed black and gold-infsed sic srimmed with brocade silk, He also designed the bridesmaids’ South African Xhosa inspired dresses with Cleopatra inspired bbeaded accessories, and the groomsmen’s African printANITHA + MARVIN BORGHINVILLA, DISCOVERY BAY. JAMAICA APRIL 21, 2018 PHOTOGRAPHED BY TeamDIVP Stadia: Text by Samuel Nawmick continting ous udventicer a1 marsed couple in San Frances.” Theis journey to marlage began wich «proposal on May 1th 2017, In which, according co Anita, “Marvin went above and beyond,” to accomplish. Thiakig i was a birthday surprise, Aniha’s wedding bells dda’ ring suspiciously when a chauffeured ca collected her from work. The first stop was fora pre-scheduled appointment atthe hai saloa, followed by a manicure, The lt stop was midiown hotel sc which she was escorted to the penthouse suite Upon opening the door a floral pathway guided her throughout the sit. Passes slong the path were lad out, ctch with and sou gfe. Fes at “super cute oui,” flowed by eto watches, Seger ee etre lars see ee Pope eee ‘wis. seraphook containing s collection of chic "greatest temaries rogether” Lavy, che floral path came to an end atthe balcony doors, there wntig on the oer side was the love of he Hf. Marva, looking ito che ees of his soulmate, asked Aniths ro spend the rst of er fe with he, forever together as husband and wife. For Anitha, “was the est night, so peefct in every way and a dream comebs a * “% 1. ty < acl Si ea assets sane™ , oe . ad 7+ >= ee 4 =THANK YOU! Stay in touch with us in one or more of the following way WEBSITE: www.munaluchibridal.com EMAIL: info@munaluchibridal.com INSTAGRAM: @munaluchibride FACEBOOK: facebook.com/munaluchibridal SNAPCHAT: @munaluchibride PHONE: 888-501-1272 Search for the vendors in this issue and more in our Coterie Wedding Collective at vendors mumatuchibridalcom. Para Daa fans, Ln Proaeanens