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YVETTE +ANTHONY TRUE LOVE HAS NO TIMELINE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW + PHOTOS HIGHLIGHTING YVETTE AND ANTHONY'S JOURNEY TO LOVE

I S S U E N O. 33 | M A R C H 202 5

YOUR WEDDING AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS:

A MATCH MADE

IN PARADISE

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

Have the unforgettable Caribbean wedding you’ve always dreamed of on St. Thomas, St. John, or St. Croix. With our three islands easily accessible to one another, you have the option to host your ceremony on one island and your honeymoon on another.

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MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WELCOME

The name MunaLuchi holds a special place in our hearts. It is the combination of two African names which when fused together mean, "Beautiful Work of God"... Perfectly describing our brides... 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 in all sizes and shades. Simply put, she is beautiful no matter what skin she's in. Our mission is to promote positive images of women of color...because we believe positive imagery is the threshold for confidence... and confidence inspires self love. We aspire to inspire...

PHOTO: REEM PHOTOGRAPHY | SEE MORE ON PAGE 25.

Photo: Stanlo Photography

editor's letter Hey Muna Family!

PHOTO: TRENE FORBES PHOTOGRAPHY

I'm beyond excited to share the newest issue of Munaluchi with you, featuring the extraordinary love story of Emmy-nominated actress Yvette Nicole Brown and her husband Anthony "Tony" Davis. Their heartwarming journey—spanning decades, loss, and an unexpected reunion—reminds us all that love has no timeline and is always worth the wait. We were moved by how their relationship blossomed later in life, proving that your perfect match might appear exactly when you're meant to f ind each other. In this issue, we take you behind the scenes of Yvette and Tony's breathtaking celebration at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, crowned "Wedding of the Year" by Entertainment Tonight. We've also secured an exclusive interview with their renowned planner, William P. Miller, who shares insights into both their wedding day and the beautiful bridal shower he created for Yvette. For couples navigating the planning process, we clarify the often-confused roles in our feature "Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: What's the Difference?" Top industry professionals break down exactly what each role entails to help you make informed decisions for your special day. We're also exploring exciting trends with our "Content Creators vs. Videographers" spotlight, featuring wisdom from celebrated photographers Stanlo Photography and Reem Photography on this evolving aspect of wedding content creation. For those seeking unique decor inspiration, don't miss our "Flowerless Wedding Inspiration" feature with Jamaican-based planner/designer Events Down Pat, showcasing unique alternatives to traditional f loral arrangements. This issue is overf lowing with visual inspiration through f ive stunning engagement sessions and nine fabulous weddings spanning from the shores of Greece to Canada and across the United States. Each celebration tells its own unique love story while offering fresh ideas for your own wedding vision. I'm deeply touched by Yvette and Tony's perspective that life can be wonderfully rich and complete before f inding a partner— and even more beautiful when the right person arrives. Their story reminds me that kindness and peace in a relationship often matter more than any checklist of superf icial qualities. Thank you for joining us on this journey through love, beauty, and celebration. We hope these stories inspire you to embrace your own timeline, knowing that love—whenever and however it arrives—is always worth celebrating in your own unique way. To love on your own terms, joy in every season, and the beautiful journey ahead. Happy Planning,

Jacqueline Nwobu

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025 COVER CREDITS Wedding Producer: William P. Miller Photographer: REEM Photography Venue: The Maybourne Beverly Hills Celebrity Wedding Stylist: Roni Burks Celebrity Bridal Stylist: Nayri Kalayjian Bridal Store: Lovella Bridal Dress & Veil Designer: Ines Di Santo Makeup: Beth Carter | Danessa Myricks Hairstyling: Gabrielle Corney | Indique Virgin Hair Extensions Custom Tuxedo: Vinny's Custom Clothes FEATURING ACTRESS YVETTE NICOLE BROWN AND HER HUSBAND, ACTOR ANTHONY DAVIS

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

CEO/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jacqueline Nwobu PRESIDENT Chike Nwobu ASSOCIATE EDITOR Linda Wallentine MARKETING & SALES ASSOCIATE Barbara Montedori MARKETING SPECIALIST Angela Washington MARKETING ASSISTANTS Foluke Balogun, Muna Nwobu EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Lily Taylor, Marie D. Smith, Maria Mantas, Nykeira McLean DIRECTOR OF EVENTS Tiffany Chalk

The team at Munaluchi Bridal Magazine wishes to extend their thanks to all of the wedding professionals who gracefully shared their expertise and shared with us their works of art. All opinions expressed by the professionals interviewed are their own and other professionals in their field may have differing opinions. While Munaluchi Bridal Magazine aims to deliver accurate expert advice, no responsibility can be taken for the opinions of others. Munaluchi Bridal Magazine does not make any representation of the quality of any products, services, information, or material represented in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising. All advertisements are accepted and published on the representation that the advertiser is properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. All photography not specifically credited to a photographer are courtesy of the respective company and used with their permission.

CEO/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MUNALUCHI BRIDE MAGAZINE EDITOR@MUNALUCHIBRIDAL.COM

“I do” pairs best with ocean views. Start your love story at an adults-only Sandals® Resort, where time is measured in moments, not minutes. Or dive into endless family fun at Beaches® Resorts, creating memories for a lifetime. Whatever your dream experience on your big day, we handle all the details, so you can focus on what truly matters — connecting with those who matter most.

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Sandals® and Beaches® are registered trademarks. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. 8962/1024

FROM AISLE TO ISLE

CO N T E N T S

in every issue 12

FEATURES

ENGAGEMENTS

REAL WEDDINGS

FEATURES 12

Embracing Flowerless Wedding Decor

Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator

TikToks and Timeless Portraits

William P. Miller - Planner Extraordinaire

Cover Story: Yvette and Anthony's Timeless Love Story

PHOTO BY LINDA MCQUEEN PHOTOGRAPHY | VIEW THIS WEDDING ON PAGE 82

The Islands of the

BAHAMAS fly away

D E S T I N AT I O N S

therefore items such as fruits, vegetables, and cakes are being used more in weddings. For this shoot, the various fruits and vegetables have created a symphony of colors, textures, and tones for the tablescape. Apart from the aesthetic appeal, these elements are ideal for a sustainabilitythemed wedding. These locally grown produce are not wasted after the formalities. They are also ideal as ingredients for the after-party drinks or the post-wedding brunch. These elements can also be packaged for guests upon departure or used by guests in their villas for the duration of their stay." EMBRACING SHARED PASSIONS: ALTERNATIVES TO EDIBLE DECOR Edible decor isn’t the only unique alternative to traditional florals. Through decor, centerpieces, and signage, a couple’s shared passions and interests can be showcased and woven into multiple aspects of their big day. Most of these decor items can be

Embracing Culture, Sustainability, and Individuality With Flowerless Wedding Decor

rented or repurposed, maybe even as wedding favors. "My first response to a couple that’s seeking alternative décor would be to ascertain what aspects

TEXT BY LILY TAYLOR

of their personalities, value systems, experiences, and passions can be translated into wedding décor.

vent designers have the talent and skill to wow guests and transform any space into a couple’s dream. But decor isn’t solely about looking pretty. It can express the couple’s interests, love story, and who they are, all while creating the perfect atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression for years to come.

beaches, popular musical culture, delectable dishes, and its people. One lesser-known aspect of the

For example, a couple that loves to travel could

Jamaican experience is its agriculture. Agriculture is

consider incorporating items such as globes,

a leading contributor to the country’s economy and

miniature airplanes, and photos and elements

is a way of life for many Jamaicans.

representing places they’ve visited together. Couples that value family could include photos and heirlooms

At Events DownPat, we have been known to take an unconventional approach to decor as we curate unique experiences. We found inspiration in the fact that there is beauty all around us which emanates

For couples who are focused on sustainability or are

from our beautiful and tasty fruits and vegetables.

looking for unique decor options that express their shared interests or cultures, there are countless

We partnered with Half Moon Jamaica for this

creative ways that designers can incorporate

shoot as we believed that their discerning clients

flowerless decor that is equally as striking and

would appreciate the decor themes depicted in

beautiful.

this shoot. This award-winning luxury beachfront property has a commitment to sustainability which

To curate this guide to unique flowerless wedding

is evidenced by its lush landscape and its very own

decor, we’ve collaborated with our talented Muna

'kitchen garden.'"

Coterie Event Planner Patrice Nephew of Events DownPat to help inspire the couples who have seen

TRENDING: EDIBLE CENTERPIECES

it all and are looking for something different.

INCORPORATING LOCALLY GROWN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

HIGHLIGHTING CULTURE AND

"Couples passionate about sustainability could opt

SUSTAINABILITY: SHOWCASING JAMAICAN

for centerpieces that don’t include toxic chemicals

AGRICULTURE

and could even incorporate edible centerpieces.

"The island of Jamaica is known for its beautiful

Edible centerpieces are getting extremely popular

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

in their décor. Avid readers and educators could

D E S T I N AT I O N S

opt to use books, and technologically savvy couples could consider using lots of screens, video mapping, and other digital aspects. One of my earliest couples (at the start of my wedding planning career) opted to use bowls with ornamental fish as their centerpieces as they were both passionate about the environment and aquaculture." CELEBRATING CULTURE Incorporating a cultural or personal element, whether it’s a handmade craft or something custom-made for the couple, is a great way to add an individual and unique touch to a tablescape or other decor element. "While this art form is known across many cultures, ‘Tie-and-dye’ as it is called in Jamaica, holds a special place in the country’s culture. It’s a

retro touches with a couple’s chosen decor can add

possibilities, while also embracing sustainability,

cultural legacy that was passed down from our

another level of elegance to the celebration.

individuality, and culture. Incorporating elements

African ancestors. This handcrafted labor of love

that reflect your personal style and experiences

is integrated into the art curriculum of Jamaican

"Flowerless weddings could have a retro-inspired

can create a wedding that’s not only beautiful but

public schools and into many youth and female

theme juxtaposed with modern decor elements.

authentically yours. Whether your style is bold,

empowerment programs.

Geometric and Art Deco themes are also popular

classic, retro, modern, or anything in between, with

choices for nonfloral weddings. Travel and Adventure,

flowerless wedding decor, there are no limitations.

Apart from its artistic value, “tie-and-dye" has

Literary Romance, and Sustainability are also themes

From artistic installations or statues, to minimalistic

historically been a means of conserving clothing

that go well with flowerless weddings. Couples

or edible decor, or something techy and trendy, no

costs, especially in larger families. During difficult

may choose to combine certain themes or just fully

vision is impossible with the right wedding planner.

periods, mothers would refashion their children’s

develop any one of the above.

Also, remember, it’s YOUR day! Choose what feels

clothing using these techniques. The Tie-Dye element

most authentic to you and enjoy every moment of

lends itself to a Nostalgic, Vintage Glam theme and

For this shoot, one inkling might have been to

goes well against the white and gold elements of the

use farm tables and rattan chargers, however, we

your first day of forever.

table."

wanted to modernize the elements and create what we like to call “indigenous glam” for the shoot. The

Vendor Credits VENUE: Half Moon Jamaica | PLANNING, PRODUCTION,

STYLES AND THEMES THAT WORK BEST FOR

white serpentine tables, gold lotus chairs along with

AND STYLING: Patrice Nephew of Events DownPat |

A FLOWERLESS WEDDING

chandeliers and gold flatware sought to interweave

PHOTOGRAPHY: Darrick Foster of Dacx Productions |

Utilizing the unique combination of modern and

modern and luxurious elements into the decor."

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: Jeffrey Nephew of Jeff’s Farm Fresh Food | MAKEUP: Latoya Cross of Shae Glamorous Creation | TABLE AND CHAIR RENTALS:

While flowers are a classic element in wedding

Anneke Taylor of Set the Stage Planning and Management

decor, there are countless creative ways to design

ARCH, CHANDELIERS, CANDELABRAS, CHARGERS,

a stunning celebration without them. Opting for a

AND GOLD FLATWARE RENTALS: Shearine Bennett

flowerless wedding opens up a world of innovative

Kiyah’s Concierge & Luxury Events

Photo by Miguel Pichardo @miguelpichardophotography Patrice Nephew is the Owner and Lead Planner of Events

DownPat, a premier destination wedding planning and design company based in Jamaica. With over 20 years of experience in event planning—including high-profile government functions— she has spent the past decade curating unforgettable wedding experiences. Events DownPat specializes in bespoke, expertly executed celebrations, a promise reflected in its name. A passionate industry educator, Patrice also teaches Event Planning and Management at Jamaica’s National Training Agency, HEART NSTA/TRUST. She is married to the love of her life, who also plays a key role in the business, and is a proud bonus mom to his wonderful daughter. GET IN TOUCH

Patrice Nephew Email: eventsdownpat@gmail.com Website: www.eventsdownpat.com Instagram: @eventsdownpat Tele/WhatsApp: 876-433-6048

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDING PLANNING

Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: What’s the Difference? TEXT BY LINDA WALLENTINE

fter the thrill of saying “Yes!” fades and the reality of planning sets in, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: Do I need a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator?

While some brides may take the reins themselves (major kudos to you!), having a professional by your side can make all the difference in turning your vision into reality—without the stress. Whether you need full-scale planning or just someone to flawlessly execute the big day, knowing the difference between a planner and a coordinator is key. To help you decide which is right for you, we tapped two of our very own Muna Coterie wedding experts—Lulu of Lulu’s Events and Adeola Damie Fowodu of Celebrations by Adeola & Co. Inc. and Destinations by Adeola & Co.— to break down their roles and how they can ensure your wedding day unfolds seamlessly.

Q&A WITH ADEOL A FOWODU

What is the key difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator? How do their roles vary in terms of responsibility and involvement?

"A good Planner has the knowledge, and expertise that will save you time in the long run." Adeola JOP STUDIOS

Many venues and hotels have a coordinator on staff. Their primary responsibility is to be your main point of contact with the venue. They facilitate and oversee all of the details pertaining to your wedding in regard to all the information the venue requires. They are familiar with room locations, layouts, and venue occupancy numbers. Along with the culinary team, they plan, organize, and develop the food and beverage services at your venue. They also respond to the many emails and phone calls from prospective couples looking to get married at the venue. Most importantly, they manage a large volume of files pertaining to each of the venue’s scheduled weddings and keeping all of the details organized. A wedding planner is involved with the overall organization of the wedding, often right from the beginning, and works as an advocate for the couple from start to finish. He or She works with you to find the best venue and vendors that will help make the couple’s wedding vision become a reality. He or she will also try to be respectful of the budget that the couple has set. It is the wedding planner’s responsibility to ensure that the theme and color palette of the wedding are reflected throughout the celebration, beginning with the style of the invitations, to the ceremony and reception flowers, the place settings at each table, the music, the food, and the overall experience. Most planners can suggest ideas to customize your wedding and make it uniquely your own, as well as share their expertise on wedding etiquette and advice as needed. They look at the overall logistics, acting as a liaison between you and all vendors and suppliers including the venue, sorting out the details, and helping put together a realistic itinerary for the entire day.

When should couples consider hiring a wedding planner, even if their venue comes 14

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

with a coordinator? What responsibilities fall under a wedding planner’s role compared to a coordinator? A professional wedding planner can save you time, extreme aggravation, and lots of money. A wedding planner is experienced in all areas of the wedding, usually working directly with the engaged couple. It is their responsibility to professionally guide the couple through the entire process. The planner gets to know the personal style of the couple, along with their overall vision for the wedding. A good planner has the knowledge, and expertise that will save you time in the long run. A planner has a network of vendors. Whatever your needs or vision, he/she is likely to know where to get you the right vendor that fits your needs and theme. The venue coordinator is expected to maintain details on each wedding, including all of the relevant information for each particular couple such as menu choices, final guest counts, layout, and correspondence with the culinary and planning team. The venue wedding coordinator works for their venue. Their primary responsibility is to manage the details that the venue needs. They may offer some advice along the way, but they are not your personal wedding planner.

Can a wedding planner provide services beyond just the wedding day? Your wedding planner’s first responsibility is to the two of you. She will be onsite at your wedding day, acting on your behalf to look after everything from start to finish! A venue wedding coordinator is responsible for coordinating details about your actual event at the venue itself, whereas your wedding planner is responsible for managing ALL of the details of your entire wedding. A wedding planner works specifically for YOU. She is an advocate between you and all of your vendors. Most planners assist with post-event financial account reconciliation, billings, and payments as well as ensure your post-wedding deliverables such as your wedding photos, albums, and videos are delivered by the stipulated agreed time.

REEM PHOTOGRAPHY

Adeola, the Owner, Principal Planner, and Lead Curator of Experience at Celebrations by Adeola & Co. Inc. and Destinations by Adeola & Co. are based in Ontario, Canada, serving North America and the Caribbean. A certified Wedding Planner and Event Coordinator with expertise in multi-cultural weddings, she brings over a decade of expertise in the wedding and event planning industry. GET IN TOUCH

Adeola Damie Fowodu LEAD PLANNER & CURATOR OF EXPERIENCE

JOP STUDIOS

Email: adeola@celebrationevents.ca Website: www.celebrationsbyadeola.com Instagram: @celebrationsbyadeola Phone: +1(647) 893-1114

REEM PHOTOGRAPHY

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

YRN PHOTOGRAPHY

JEFFREY LYNN MEDIA

Hi, I'm Lulu, owner and lead event designer of Lulu's Events. I'm also a dedicated wife, proud mom to two incredible humans, and caretaker of two adorable fur babies. With a background as a professional nurse and a military veteran, my attention to detail, discipline, and ability to remain calm under pressure all contribute to designing and producing standout events. Lulu's Events was born from a heartfelt desire to create memorable, upscale experiences. What began as a passion for crafting beautiful tablescapes and designing functions for my family and church has blossomed into a thriving business that touches the lives of many. As a family-run company, we pride ourselves on being a passionate team committed to delivering flawless and exemplary events. We provide design and décor-including floral services for all events. Planner and coordination services are available upon request. GET IN TOUCH

Lucille Fenelon LEAD PLANNER Website: www.lulusevents.llc Email: info@lulusevents.llc Instagram: @events_bylulu

YESNYPHOTOGRAPHY

Q&A WITH LULU

How does a wedding planner assist with the overall vision and personalization of a wedding? How do planners help couples choose vendors, manage budgets, and ensure all details align with the couple's preferences? A wedding planner guides the bride and groom through the obstacle course of planning their wedding. The planner serves as an expert in vendor selection, best practices in the timeline, and conflict management as it relates to the management of the wedding process and most importantly how to achieve the couple’s vision given the myriad of variables at play.

How does a wedding planner reduce stress compared to a wedding coordinator, especially during the planning process? How do wedding planners and coordinators work together on the day of the wedding? The wedding planner is on board from the inception of “We are getting married.” He or she helps with identifying and prioritizing the most minute detail to the execution of the most extravagant of details. The tasks can range from

venue selection down to the overlay of napkins. The wedding coordinator can also serve in the same capacity as the wedding planner with regard to the details of the big day however, the coordinator typically comes on board the month before the wedding and ensures that all that was planned is executed to perfection. The coordinator compliments the planner in that they ensure a seamless finish on the grand scheme of the big day.

Can having both create a more seamless experience for the couple? In all honesty, a planner or the day of the event coordinator are essential components to a beautiful wedding event and are mutually exclusive. I strongly recommend having a planner or a coordinator so that the bride can enjoy her day and leave all worries to someone knowledgeable of the vision and competent in achieving all necessary tasks. Whether to have both or not would be dependent on the makeup of the company providing the management services.

The final takeaway? A wedding planner is with you every step of the way—from the moment you say yes to well beyond the wedding day—while a coordinator focuses on executing your vision, ensuring everything runs seamlessly on the big day. Lulu emphasizes that these roles are “mutually exclusive” yet “essential components to a beautiful wedding event.” Whether you choose one, the other, or both, having professional support can ease stress and allow you to truly enjoy your celebration. Adeola echoes this sentiment but highlights that a wedding planner “works specifically for YOU.” Unlike a venue coordinator, they are your personal advocate, guiding you through every detail of your wedding journey with your best interests at heart. At the end of the day, whether you hire a planner, a coordinator, or both—it’s all about ensuring your wedding day is as magical and stress-free as possible.

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

D E S T I N AT I O N S

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDING PLANNING

THIS PAGE: IMAGES BY REEM PHOTOGRAPHY

Ka re em V irgo @ p hoto sbyre em "I believe that the essence of storytelling through photography still remains intact. My approach is to integrate both worlds—capturing those dynamic, social media-ready moments while ensuring the couple receives the traditional wedding portraits and details they’ll treasure forever. In fact, we even have a staff content creator who's been amazing for our team."

integrate both worlds—capturing those dynamic, social media-ready moments while ensuring the couple receives the traditional wedding portraits and details they’ll treasure forever.” Fellow Muna Coterie Member, Stanley Babb, the owner of Stanlo Photography, a wedding and

TikToks and Timeless Portraits: How Wedding Photographers and Videographers are Evolving in the Age of Content Creation TEXT BY LINDA WALLENTINE

lifestyle photography team based in South Florida, shares his sentiment, noting how content creation can enhance the overall experience for the couple. “Content creation is a remarkable field that complements rather than diminishes the integrity of photography,” Babb explains. “As demand for content creation continues to rise, it is important to recognize that it cannot replace the unique value of traditional photography.” Recognizing this shift, Babb’s team has also

cross the wedding industry, the rise of content creators has caused quite a buzz among wedding professionals—particularly photographers and videographers. With the demand for real-time, social media-friendly content, the traditional approach to wedding photography and videography is evolving fast.

shift affecting the original content creators—the

launched its own content creation services to meet

photographers and videographers who have long

the growing demand. He explains, “As a photography

been the backbone of wedding storytelling?

company that also provides content creation

Kareem Virgo, the founder of Reem Photography based in Palm Beach, Florida, and one of Munaluchi’s longtime Coterie members, has seen the changes firsthand: “I’ve noticed that more couples are drawn to capturing the spontaneous, in-the-moment content that is perfect for platforms like instagram

Today’s couples aren’t just waiting weeks for a

or TikTok.”

polished album—they want instantly shareable

moments, from tiktok videos to instagram reels,

While Virgo notes the value of content creation and

sometimes captured mid-celebration. Meanwhile,

even hired a staff content creator for his photo and

per industry standards, most photographers and

video team, he stresses that balance is key. “I still

videographers take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to

prioritize creating timeless, high-quality images that

deliver their final, edited images and films.

will last for generations,” he explains.

One thing is clear: today’s couples want both instant

And he feels no pressure to change his style, sharing:

and timeless memories, forcing photographers

“I believe that the essence of storytelling through

and videographers to adapt. But how is this

photography remains intact. My approach is to

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

services, we appreciate the value of delivering immediate products that offer satisfaction while clients await their images.” Looking to the future, it’s clear that content creators are here to stay. And according to our wedding pros, this new vendor category is not a total threat to traditional captured content. But it’s certainly a trend to pay close attention to. Babb shares, “I've noticed that brides are increasingly choosing content creation in addition to traditional videos, highlighting a trend that deserves attention. Thanks to advancements in smartphone technology, brides can now always enjoy high-quality

Virgo echoes Babb, stating, “I don’t think [content

memories, enhancing their overall experience.”

creation] will replace the importance of traditional

Meet the Contributors

wedding albums and videos. Couples love having that instant shareable content, but at the end of the day, they still want those classic, timeless images and films that they can pass down to future generations.” St an l ey B abb @ stanl op hoto g rap hy "As a photography company that also provides content creation services, we appreciate the value of delivering immediate products that offer satisfaction while clients await their images. While photography and content creation serve distinct purposes, I believe they will always coexist rather than replace one another."

He further emphasizes that the key is being adaptable. “It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the immediate and the lasting memories coexist,” Virgo shares. In response to the rise of content creation, his team has started offering a blend of both quick social media highlights and sneak peeks along with carefully curated photos and videos that tell the full story of the couple’s wedding day. Ultimately, any wedding pro can start incorporating content creation into their services–even if it’s just to

Stanley Babb is the owner of Stanlo Photography, a wedding and lifestyle photography team based in South Florida that travels worldwide to capture the most special memories of their clients. From engagement sessions to wedding photos, their company strives to create unique and beautiful visuals that will last forever. They approach each session with enthusiasm and an eye for creative expression, producing clean, modern, and artsy imagery that will be cherished for years to come. Website: www.stanlophotography.com Instagram: @stanlophotography Email: stanlophotography@gmail.com

capture their own business content for social media. For instance, behind-the-scenes clips or teaser reels can boost a brand’s social presence, promote its offerings, and increase relatability with its audience. As technology and social media continue to evolve, the most successful wedding photographers and videographers will be those who embrace both worlds—leveraging content creation to enhance their offerings while preserving the timeless artistry of traditional photography. “There's always going to be a new trend,” Virgo concludes. “It's simply up to us to make sure that we pivot and adjust accordingly.”

THIS PAGE: IMAGES BY STANLO PHOTOGRAPHY

Kareem Virgo is the founder of REEM Photography, based in Palm Beach, Florida, but available to capture love stories worldwide. With a passion for storytelling, Kareem has built a reputation for delivering timeless, emotive images that couples will treasure for a lifetime. "REEM" stands for Reliving Each & Every Moment, embodying the philosophy that every wedding day is not just photographed, but preserved as a series of cherished memories. Kareem and his team specialize in wedding photography, ensuring that each couple’s unique love story is beautifully documented with a balance of innovation, creativity, and heart. Website: www.reemphotography.com Instagram: @photosbyreem Email: info@reemphotography.com

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDING PLANNING

William P. Miller: The Visionary Behind Yvette Nicole Brown and Anthony Davis’ Wedding of The Year TEXT BY LINDA WALLENTINE

illiam P. Miller is a wedding

chance and a willingness to take creative

and event planning legend

risks.

who’s been making his mark in the industry for over two decades.

With roots in Chicago, Miller’s journey began

after

relocating

Los

Angeles

One of the hallmarks of Miller’s approach

while working for United Airlines. There, he

his

graduated from California State University,

through

deep

commitment

design.

“Every

storytelling

wedding

should

Long Beach, with a degree in marketing and

tell the couple’s love story, and every story

international business and quickly immersed

Since founding W. P. Miller Special Events

should be different,” he explains. “My client

himself in project management.

in 1999, his renowned, one-stop-shop event

and I must get to know each other. By getting

“Before my career in the Special Events

production services have brought some of

to know them, I learn about their love story

industry,” he explains, “I worked in various

the most prestigious celebrity events to life.

and curate that story into the design of their

Project

Former clients include Vice President Kamala

special day.”

Customer Service positions for 20 years with

Management,

Marketing,

and

Harris, First Ladies Michelle Obama and

His keen ability to transform spaces and

Hillary Clinton, Senators Cory Booker and

amplify their architectural beauty is what

United Airlines, where several successful consumer

Kristen Gillibrand, and Emmy Award-winning

sets him apart. For example, when designing

achieved under my direction.”

actors—including our very own cover couple,

the wedding of Emmy Award-winning actress

His first big break in weddings came

Yvette Nicole Brown and Anthony Davis’

Niecy Nash-Betts, Miller opted to enhance

serendipitously when he ran into Academy

wedding!

experience

initiatives

were

the existing charm of the couple’s backyard

Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino at a

Miller’s eye for detail and talent for

rather than bringing in rented ceremony

local farmers market in Malibu, California. He

creating elevated guest experiences have

props. “We decided to adorn the trunk of an

recalls, “I was selling hand-crafted greeting

made him a go-to choice for the world’s most

oak tree in their yard with an ombré of infinity

cards I had created for Mother’s Day, and Mira

elite clientele. However, his journey into the

roses,” he recalls. “This created a focal point

asked if I could create wedding invitations

wedding industry spans more than 20 years,

for their wedding ceremony while lowering

from my design. Using imported acid-free

built not only on immense talent but also on

costs.”

stationery paper and sparkles, we made a three-dimensional announcement of her wedding to actor Christopher Backus.” One year later, a chance encounter with Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph in a fabric store led to his next major career milestone. “I introduced myself and thanked her for her philanthropy and her commitment to helping those affected by AIDS through her foundation,” Miller recalls. “During our brief conversation, I mentioned that we shared a friend who was my colleague at United Airlines. Georgina was the Director of Community Relations with United, and she encouraged me to volunteer for Sheryl’s foundation signature fundraiser, DIVAS Simply Singing, as United Airlines was a sponsor.” They exchanged information, and later that day, Sheryl called him directly to arrange a meeting to discuss her wedding vision.

WEDDING PLANNING

After meeting Sheryl’s family, Miller secured the deal: “This original Broadway Dreamgirl made my Wedding Planner Dream come true.” Sheryl’s

lavish

nuptials

Senator

Vincent Hughes (D-Pa) were held at The Historic First AME Church in Los Angeles, with a star-studded wedding party that included Jenifer Lewis, Niecy Nash, Loretta Devine, Patti LaBelle, and more. Capitalizing on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,

Miller

developed

authentic

and meaningful connections with everyone involved. “Most became clients, and today, I continue to work with them twenty years later,” he explains. “Planning Sheryl’s wedding was the breakout wedding that helped define my career. The wedding appeared in various publications, and after it was featured on Entertainment Tonight, the executives of the reality television show Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? reached out and cast me for four seasons of the hit show.” Fast forward to December 14, 2024,

any new ideas you introduced that they embraced and loved?

William P. Miller brought his wedding planning

Tony’s proposal to Yvette was a big part of their love journey. He used a scratch-off lottery ticket to ask the big question, and

magic to yet another celebrity couple: Yvette

The couple’s initial plan was an intimate

learning this helped me to incorporate this

Nicole Brown and Anthony “Tony” Davis’

ceremony with 75 guests. Once the guest list

into their wedding day. I suggested they give

wedding at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in

was finalized, it became clear their original

each of their wedding guests a scratch-off

Los Angeles.

venue

everyone—

lottery lottery ticket as a wedding favor. This

Their intimate and elegant wedding was

including spouses and plus ones. I introduced

simple and inexpensive wedding favor idea

everything they dreamed of. Keep reading for

the couple to The Maybourne Beverly Hills

was personal and well-received.

our exclusive interview with William P. Miller

because I had a relationship with their

on everything from his first meeting with

Management Team. Yvette and Tony loved the

Yvette and Tony to design details, and how he

venue, its location, its spaces, and what I was

brought their dream nuptials to life–in only 3

able to negotiate, so I moved the wedding to

months!

The Maybourne Beverly Hills.

When did you first meet Yvette and Tony? What was that initial interaction like, and what made you feel this was a match made in planning Heaven?

couldn’t

accommodate

You only had three months to bring their nuptials to life! How did you tackle such a quick turnaround? Could you share details about your design process, the challenges you faced, and how it all came together in the end? The color palette was inspired by Yvette’s last name—Brown—paired with soft blush tones reminiscent of the keys on her computer key-

Yvette and I met years ago. I planned a

birthday

celebration

for actress

board.

Kym

Whitley’s birthday celebration, and Yvette

The biggest challenge was the short time

was the host. We kept in contact over the

we had to complete everything, and Yvette’s

years via social media. As her wedding date

availability was limited because she cared for

was approaching, Vanessa Bell Calloway

her father. The couple relied on my eye for de-

and Lela Rochon Fuqua brought us together

sign and planning experience to make their

to plan her Wedding. I had recently planned

wedding day memorable.

Vanessa’s daughter’s wedding, and Lela and I have worked on several events.

I had complete control over deciding which vendors would be best for their wedding pro-

What was Yvette and Tony’s initial vision for their wedding? Were there

duction. I carefully vetted and hand-selected everyone, including the venue, photographer,

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

Are there any exciting announcements, events, or projects on the horizon that you’d like to share? I will continue to plan events, but I am happy to say that I am working with a team to develop a coffee table book to be released later this year. All Images from Yvette Nicole Brown's Bridal Shower: A Celebration of Sisterhood & Love A month before her wedding, Emmy-nominated actress Yvette Nicole Brown was showered with love at an intimate bridal celebration on Sunday, November 17th, at 1010 Wine & Events in Inglewood, California—the city’s first and only Black and women owned wine bar with the largest selection of Blackowned wine in the state of California. Planned by seven close friends with the theme "Our Pearl Has bakery, florist, deejay, and other vendors. I

appearance to see his daughter marry. Two

Found Her Diamond"—reflecting Yvette's Alpha Kappa Alpha

must build a team of professional, trusted

other favorite surprise moments were when

membership—the event was hosted by Kym Whitley and attended

vendors when organizing high-profile events

Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer,

by 70 guests, including Lisa Ann Walter, Kim Fields, and Sunny

or weddings. I look for their reliability, respon-

and songwriter Leslie Odom, Jr. serenaded

Hostin.

siveness, and reciprocity. Because they repre-

the couple and when Grammy Award-winning

sent my company, I need them to understand

singer

me, my style, and my vision.

impromptu tribute for them.

Dubbed the 'Wedding of the Year' by Entertainment Tonight, what were your favorite details from Yvette and Tony’s big day?

As a seasoned expert in the wedding industry, what is your top advice for aspiring wedding and event planners?

Deniece

Williams

performed

The celebration included surprise video messages from The View cast, Deborah Cox, and Sheryl Lee Ralph—who couldn’t attend but sent their love, beauty-themed gift bags, and a special cake from Southern Girls Desserts, creating a joyful prelude to Yvette's wedding.

VENDOR CREDITS MAKE-UP: Beth Carter for Danessa Myricks Beauty HAIR: Tara Copelend

My favorite detail of the wedding was the

I invested in myself when I began in the

WEDDING PRODUCER: William P. Miller VENUE: 1010 Wine and Event MISTRESS

fashion experience for the couple. Working

industry more than 20 years ago. I developed

OF CEREMONY: Kym Whitely DJ: Candice Manier PHOTO EXPERIENCE: Tri

with the Bridal Style team, Yvette and I

a signature style by volunteering for several

Destined Studios CELEBRATION CAKE: Southern Girl Desserts SIGNATURE

traveled to New York to attend the Ines Di

organizations. I looked for opportunities to

Santo Fashion viewing, and I arranged to

learn from other event professionals and

have my tailor in Los Angeles, Vinnie Custom

made myself of service to them.

Tailors, custom design a suit for Tony. I knew I was a great project manager who Yvette’s Dress was a long-sleeved trumpet-

loved

shaped gown with a circular skirt featuring

experiences, and I wanted to perfect these

design

vibrant floral appliqué, a corset top, and

gifts in the wedding industry. So, I established

a molded natural waist. It is paired with

relationships with others by having honest,

a matching mantilla-style veil with floral

meaningful

applique detailed trim to match Yvette’s dress.

person meetings. I advise aspiring wedding

Tony’s custom tuxedo was a single-breasted

and event planners to remain positive and

brown suede jacket made with a shawl collar

stop using social media as a standard for

lapel. Their wedding day looks complemented

measuring success. Instead, they should focus

each other beautifully, creating a mesmerizing

on building relationships and less on gaining

fashion moment.

followers.

voice

and

create

conversations

incredible

and

in-

One of the most emotional moments of the day was the surprise appearance of Yvette’s

Know that doors will open for your gift. Do

father. Due to his battle with dementia,

what you love, and the money will follow. As

he wasn’t expected to attend—but Tony,

my client, Sheryl Lee Ralph, says… “If you stay

determined to make it happen, worked closely

ready, you don’t have to get ready.”

with his care facility to arrange a surprise

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

COCKTAILS: SV Vodka MIXOLOGIST: Smile Bartending FLORAL DESIGN: Serafina Floral Design CATERING: 1010 Wine and Events PHOTOGRAPHER: Karim Saafir

D E S T I N AT I O N S

yemi

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

COVER STORY

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

Yvette +Anthony

Worth the Wait MUNALUCHI BRIDE

D E S T I N AT I O N S

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

I N T E R V I E W B Y L I N D A WA L L E N T I N E

For more than five decades, Emmynominated actress, writer, producer, and host, Yvette Nicole Brown built a life she loved—one filled with career triumphs, deep friendships, and joy. But as fate would have it, the love of her life was waiting to reappear at the right time in the form of an old friend: Actor Anthony “Tony” Davis. On Saturday, December 14, 2024, surrounded by their closest friends, family, and industry colleagues, Yvette and Tony wed in an intimate and elegant celebration at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. Their stunning wedding dominated news feeds and was even crowned ‘Wedding of the Year’ by Entertainment Tonight. But it wasn’t just the exquisite decor by renowned planner William P. Miller that was causing all the buzz. The couple’s heartwarming love story–spanning decades, loss, and an unexpected reunion–is what truly captured everyone’s hearts and gave hope to other singles seeking love later in life. Despite societal pressures to be booed up, married, and have kids—ideally well before 40—Yvette never felt rushed to settle down. Marriage was not something she ever needed to be happy. Her life was pretty fabulous already. “The 51 years before [Tony] was back in my life were very full, wonderful, rich years,” Yvette revealed. “I was not lacking because I did not have a husband. Now that I do, my life is richer—but it was already rich. It’s better—but it was already good.” What mattered most to Yvette was finding a partner whose heart was as kind as his love was steady. “I’ve often said to women that when you make your list of what you hope to find in a mate, a lot of people focus on things like, ‘He needs to be six feet tall, or he needs to look like Idris Elba.’ I always hoped that whoever I ended up with would be kind because I felt like that’s more important than his height, how much money he has, or what he weighs. And that’s exactly what Tony has brought into my life—kindness and peace.” It’s the small, thoughtful gestures that mean the most to Yvette, like how Tony makes her tea every morning, even though she used to be a coffee drinker. “I wasn’t even a tea drinker before, but now I am. And it’s delicious, and I look forward to it every day,” Yvette shared. He also leaves her love notes and, in a touching tribute to her late mother, surprised her with a Valentine’s Day card from her mom—a tradition she hadn’t experienced in years. “He didn’t even know my mom used to do that. We’re a card family, and Tony instinctively got me a card from my mother. You can’t quantify that kind of love.” The couple, who first met in their twenties in an acting class at church, took over two decades to finally strike up a romance. When they first met, Tony was married and totally off-limits. “He was my cute, talented, kind friend,” Yvette recalled. “Then he and his family

moved back to New York and I lost touch with him for 26 years.” Major life changes including Tony’s divorce and the passing of both of their mothers would ultimately bring them back together in 2021. “Tony reached out to me on Instagram and we rekindled our friendship that way,” she shared. “But it was more of a slow burn because I couldn't believe that I had my friend back first of all, and then to realize I was catching feelings for him as well was really, really surprising and also exciting and wonderful.” Over time, Tony’s feelings deepened. He knew Yvette was “the one” by the tranquility he felt whenever they were together. “It's very easy to be with you,” he gushed to Yvette. “It's easy to be in your presence, it's easy to spend time, it's easy to goof off and do nothing and watch TV. You bring such peace and joy to me that it feels like a hand in a glove. It just fits, it just works, and it's something that I look forward to every day, every morning, every afternoon, and every evening.” Knowing he’d found his person, Tony wanted to plan a unique and meaningful proposal. He devised a clever lottery scratch-off ruse and enlisted Yvette’s friends to help orchestrate the perfect surprise during a December 2023 trip to Cleveland celebrating Yvette’s high school auditorium being named after her. “One of my dear friends, Nikki, was having a celebration party for that honor at her house that night,” Yvette shared. “During that party, me and Tony were bringing scratch-offs to thank the hosts for having us over. So, I knew we had scratchers for them, I just didn't know that Tony had a scratcher for me.” While she had a feeling a proposal was coming, she didn’t expect it that day. But when Tony popped the question, the moment was perfect. Even more special was that her Cleveland friends—who had missed so many milestones in her life—were able to witness it. As for the ring, Tony selected an elegant oval diamond. “The ring that he chose is just really wonderful and beautiful,” Yvette shared. “I’ll love it forever.” After their engagement, the couple began planning a wedding that reflected their deep bond, joy, and faith. The result? A celebration filled with meaningful moments, personal touches, and a vibe that felt just right. Now, after finding a love that feels like home, Yvette and Tony are taking us back to their wedding day—sharing the inspiration behind their elegant affair, the most emotional moments, and the little details that made it uniquely them. ___

Yvette, Tony—congratulations! Let’s start from the beginning. What was your vision for your wedding day? You've mentioned that you initially didn't want a big wedding, but it grew to include so many loved ones. How did you balance intimacy with celebration?

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

COVER STORY

YVETTE: The wedding ended up being way larger than I ever thought. Part of that is my fault because when I made the Save the Date list, I did not take into account the plus ones, so I just blew that. By the time we sent out our first round of Save the Dates, we were going to do two or three rounds of them. All of our guest lists got eaten up by that first group of Save the Dates because a lot of them were married, so it already just had ballooned to be bigger than I ever anticipated. I balanced it because everybody that was able to come, we truly know well and we truly love well. So it was automatically going to be intimate because they were people that we care about, and it ended up being really beautiful. There are some people that couldn't make it, and there are some people that we couldn't invite, and I will miss the idea of them being there forever. But I think the group that we had was the perfect group for our day.

Were there any unexpected moments during the wedding planning process? TONY: I would say the most unexpected moment I think was your dad coming to the wedding. YVETTE: My dad has dementia and recently had a fall and broke his hip and has not been able to walk since then, the dementia kind of tricked him into thinking that he couldn't walk anymore. I haven't been able to have him in the house as his caregiver for about six months now. He's at a Board and Care and has great caregivers there, but because of his condition, I did not think he'd be able to attend the wedding. As we planned, I did not create space in my mind that it was even possible that my dad could be there. Tony, on the other hand, realized that our wedding would not be the same if my dad wasn't there. Behind the scenes without me knowing, he spoke to the woman who was helping us at the hotel, spoke to my dad’s caregivers, and paid for extra insurance and a car service and medical transport and all of the things to make sure my dad could be there on our day. That is the most unexpected thing that I could imagine. Insofar as wedding planning itself, I had no idea how expensive flowers are. Flowers are very expensive. Flowers and wine or alcohol at a wedding are the big-ticket items. That part shocked me.

What did you both wear on your wedding day? Tell us about your dress, tux, wedding theme, and color palette. YVETTE: I had this beautiful dress by Ines Di Santo that I got from Lovella Bridal. TONY: Gorgeous dress, just gorgeous. YVETTE: Shout out to Nayri at Lovella, and Roni Burks who's the

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

one that introduced me to Lovella. William P. Miller, our wedding planner, also had a relationship with Lovella. But we tried on dresses, and then after we tried on the dresses that Nayri had selected for me to try on, my hand just went across a row of dresses and stopped on this design that I thought was really beautiful. And I said, "Well, what about this one?" And the one I put my hand on happened to be an Ines Di Santo dress. Nayri was kind enough to reach out to Ines to see if she would be willing to craft that dress to what I needed. And Ines, to my shock and surprise, said yes. So that beautiful gown that I wore with the two butterfly appliques in honor of our mothers was designed by Ines Di Santo. I'm grateful to everyone who made that possible. I even went to meet Ines at Bridal Fashion Week in New York. Our wedding planner set that up, and so I went and met with her and got to really connect with her and her daughter Veronica. It's just been a lovely partnership and the dress she created was amazing. And then Tony, his suit was by Vinny's Custom Clothes. Vinny created an amazing velvet-like caramel brown tuxedo jacket and caramel brown pants and vest. Everything was bespoke besides a shirt that had his name embroidered on it. TONY: Most compliments I ever got in my life wearing that suit. YVETTE: You looked good in that suit, baby. Vinny did a great job. So that's where we got our clothing for the day. For our wedding style, we chose the colors pink, dusty rose, and all shades of brown for our wedding colors. We just wanted something beautiful classic, and accessible, and I think we achieved that. TONY: We definitely did. And I also believe that the wedding was for us too, but the wedding, what we shared, the values, the counseling, the talking about this ‘delay is not denial’ and how we sowed into other people's relationships, whether they're married, single or what have you. There was a part of the wedding that spoke to every facet of a relationship. I say we provided a venue for people to talk openly about what's going on in their lives. About wanting more. YVETTE: Believing for more. TONY: And not subscribing to society's standards of what a woman should be, what a man should be, how much money he's supposed to have, and whether she should be married with children. All those rules were just thrown out the window, and we learned to adjust to each other's individual characteristics and the blessings that everyone has in their life. YVETTE: And it's a testament also to our officiant Love McPherson, who's also my personal therapist. I met her when I was grieving my mother's passing, and that's how she came into my life. But she was our officiant, and when I was going back and

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MUNALUCHI BRIDE

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COVER STORY

forth about wanting a wedding or not, because Tony had always said, "Whatever you want Yvette. You want to get married under a tree, on a beach, justice of the peace in the backyard, I'll marry you anywhere." And I just couldn't wrap my mind around having an actual wedding because I just didn't want the attention, and I don't know, everything about it I just felt like I shouldn't do it.

TONY: And tore it up. Oh my Lord, she hasn't missed anything.

And McPherson said to me and Tony, "What if you make your wedding a gift and an offering to other people? Instead of it being about you, how about if you share your wedding day as a testament and a testimony to how good God is?"

Another thing that I did add, there's a scripture in the Bible that talks about "write the vision and make it plain," and instead of doing a bouquet toss, I wanted to do something where women and men could not fall into the trap of believing that there's scarcity in love. Throwing one bouquet and everybody fighting for it always grieved my spirit.

And again, like Tony said, "Delay is not denial. And make sure you share everything about the day so that people can be encouraged and keep believing that love is possible for them." Once that shifted and clicked in my mind, then I was full speed ahead with the whole idea of everything involving a wedding because it wasn't just about me or just about Tony, it was about everyone that believes in love and still dreams of finding it themselves.

Yvette, as a writer and producer, were there any creative touches you added to your wedding to make it uniquely you? YVETTE: I just hoped that everything about the wedding was accessible, that people felt comfortable, loved, and celebrated. The other thing that was important to me is my rock scripture Jeremiah 29:11. I wanted to make sure that that was prominently featured somewhere. It ended up on the runner that we walked down, and we wanted that to be a message to everyone that came that God has a plan for you, a plan to prosper you and give you an expected end. No matter what society or the world says, God has a plan. I'm so glad that that was a part of the wedding.

YVETTE: No, her voice is even better now than when we were kids. And so I really was hoping that the wedding would be exactly that: spontaneous and fun and wonderful in ways that we couldn't even imagine.

Instead, I took writing pens and wrapped them up to look like flowers, and I held those pens as a bouquet. And I spoke to the guests about believing in love and writing the vision of what you want for your life. If it's love or if it's a career blessing, whatever you want, just use this pen to write it down and let the look of this flower be a reminder that you don't need to catch a bouquet for your dreams to come true, there's enough flowers for each of us to go around. To my surprise, I made 50 of those pens, and I came home with 3. So that means 47 of those pens were requested and given out at our wedding. I truly believe those 47 people are somewhere writing down what they want for themselves and believing that delay is not denial.

Tony, what was your favorite part of the wedding planning process? TONY: Oh, tasting the food. YVETTE: I knew you would say that.

TONY: Another beautiful thing about the wedding too was that there were so many different people from so many different facets of life, whether on screen, behind the screen, or just controlling the screen. Everyone was able to talk and laugh and you would've thought everyone knew each other for years. YVETTE: It was a party that felt like a family reunion. We had this great moment where Deniece Williams, who's a new friend of mine — I sang “Let's Hear It for The Boy” on Masked Singer, and that's how she and I met. She actually reached out to me via DM to say that I did a good job with her song, which to hear from Deniece Williams, who I've loved my whole life, is just crazy. And so a friendship formed with her and her son, and we invited them to the wedding. At the reception, because we had a lot of amazing singers as guests at the wedding, I just joked and said, "If anybody has a song in their heart, feel free to join us." Our DJ started to play a Deniece Williams song, and to our surprise, Deniece Williams came up and sang acapella along with her song. She just blessed the people.

TONY: Seeing it all come together was a blessing in itself. Because you can have your vision of how it's going to happen, but when you actually see it, the flowers, the tables, the people, the music, the lighting, the moments… I think that was probably the best part. Seeing it all come together.

What were you most looking forward to about marrying Yvette and sharing your life together? TONY: Honestly, I want to see us grow old together. I love seeing elderly couples, and they’re in their nineties, and they're holding each other's hands. They're walking slowly and she's pulling him up, saying "Come on, catch up." Or vice versa. Just seeing the interactions, still going out to dinner, still holding the door open, pulling out the seat. And seeing that in your seasoned time in life, to show that you have that, I think that's incredible. I'm most looking forward to that.

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

"My dad has dementia and recently had a fall and broke his hip and has not been able to walk since then, the dementia kind of tricked him into thinking that he couldn't walk anymore. I haven't been able to have him in the house as his caregiver for about six months now. He's at a Board and Care and has great caregivers there, but because of his condition, I did not think he'd be able to attend the wedding. As we planned, I did not create space in my mind that it was even possible that my dad could be there. Tony, on the other hand, realized that our wedding would not be the same if my dad wasn't there. Behind the scenes without me knowing, he spoke to the woman who was helping us at the hotel, spoke to my dad’s caregivers, and paid for extra insurance and a car service and medical transport and all of the things to make sure my dad could be there on our day. That is the most unexpected thing that I could imagine." - YVETTE

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

love notes "Love to me means having someone in the boat rowing in the same direction. And so if you need to take a break, they'll pick up the slack and keep rowing for you and vice versa. It's having a witness to your life, which is something I never had." - YVETTE

"You're more than just my wife, you're more than just my friend, you're more than my comrade, you're more than my buddy. You are a piece of every facet of life that exists." - TONY

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

COVER STORY

YVETTE: You know, that sounds really awesome. The idea of sitting on a porch swing sipping lemonade with you at 90 seems pretty awesome. I've already seen a lot of what I didn't even know to look forward to. I remember I had a doctor's appointment, it was just a follow-up appointment, and I was getting up to go to the appointment, and by the time I got to the car, Tony had the gates open and was in the driver's seat. I said, "What are you doing?" He said, "We're going to your appointment." I never had anybody besides my mother who would show up for me in that way, my mother and my brother. The idea that I had someone that

would remember that I had a doctor's appointment, get up and get ready for it, and just want to go with me. This wasn't even like a serious appointment... It wasn't like I was going to get some bad news or was waiting for a result. It was literally a routine doctor's appointment, and he literally wanted to go with me. That's just amazing, and I look forward to more opportunities to show him how much I care for him and be the great recipient of the care he shows me.

How did your families and communities shape your vision for the big day?

YVETTE: We each have a lot of friends who are married, so we've had a lot of them say, "Well, just on this day, make sure you do this." A lot of my friends who were brides are like, "Make sure you eat something. Realize that the day's going to go by really fast. Make sure you and Tony have private time right after you get married, make sure there's a couple of moments you guys can step aside and just breathe before you launch into pictures and everything." It was more like information about how to prep for the day, and that shaped it for me.

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

COVER STORY

TONY: I think there were little bits and pieces from everybody that they hoped to see, or wanted to see, or their happiness for the wedding. It's almost like you shared every moment with everybody at the same time. But like you said, you pick what works for you. You say yes to everybody, and you nod and agree, but whatever happens at the wedding is going to happen. What makes it special is honestly just being there with the one you love, being surrounded by those who love you, and just embarking on what's new and what's to come and everybody's on one accord. YVETTE: What was funny for me was that Tony was very protective of me before the wedding. I don't know if somebody sent a threat or something. I don't know what happened, but he was very concerned about my safety. So much so that he hired a young man named Ty who does security to be my personal security for the day. Never in my life, besides Tony and my brother, have I had somebody protecting me at the level Ty was protecting me. Tony also made sure that no one came into the bridal suite unless I had asked for them to come. He wanted to make sure that I was peaceful and that nothing would disrupt my peace, and I thought that was really sweet that he was that concerned about me. I'm kind of an open book, like anybody who wanted to come in could come in. But he was just concerned that maybe somebody would get in that didn't have our best interests at heart. It was really nice to know that he was protecting me. Even though he couldn't be with me because of superstition, he made sure that I had someone with me who would take care of me the way that he would.

Each of those flavors represented things that happen in a marriage, and she had us taste them to realize. She also had a statement about what each of these different elements brings to a marriage and how you have to fight through some of them and savor others. That was really wonderful.

As two actors, was there any dramatic flair or Hollywoodinspired moments during the ceremony or reception? I think the way we performed “I Got Nothing But Love For You,” the song we came out to during the reception, was a nod to our comedic gifts. We never rehearsed it. TONY: Did not rehearse one time. YVETTE: We literally just came out and danced and sang to each other and acted a fool. So that was a lot of fun. TONY: Didn't know we were going to do it until it happened. YVETTE: Nope, we didn't even plan it. And the other thing we did was, and I can't remember whose idea this was, but instead of them clinking a glass for us to kiss, the tables had to sing a song for us. TONY: Right. YVETTE: And the song would make us perform or kiss. At one of the tables, one of my sister's friends did “If It Isn't Love” by New Edition. They sang that for us and then we kissed.

Who was most likely to tear up during the vows? TONY: There are enough energies that come with a wedding, so I just wanted you as calm and as peaceful as possible.

What were the wedding traditions, cultural elements, or meaningful moments you incorporated to honor your families and shared journey? YVETTE: We had chairs saved for each of our mothers and our wedding planner William had these placards made for our moms. We also put a rose on each of our mom's chairs.

YVETTE: I was telling Tony that I was waiting to see if he would cry when I came down the aisle. He did not cry when I came down the aisle, but he did cry when he saw how emotional I was that he brought my father down the aisle to me. So that was Tony. I definitely wasn't going to cry because Beth had done such a great job with my makeup that I didn't want to lose a lash. Then Daddy comes down the aisle and I go right into the ugly cry.

Who was the life of the party during your reception?

Then we also had a sand ceremony where my pink sand mixed with his brown sand, representing the Davis and the Brown families coming together, and our brothers brought the sand to us to honor our family lines.

YVETTE: Absolutely me, because I love people. And don't give me a mic. You give me a mic, it's over.

Our officiant, Love McPherson, also had this great idea to incorporate an African ritual of the Four Elements into our ceremony. The ceremony included a sour lemon for unhappy times; bitter vinegar for unforgiveness, resentment, and unresolved pain; hot cayenne for fire and passion; and finally, sweet honey for good times and experiencing love.

YVETTE: Yeah. We had my cousins Bridget Calhoun and Kim Whitley hosting our reception, and at one point Kim had to say, "If you don't put that mic down," because I kept taking the mic from them to talk to people because I just love talking to people.

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TONY: Yeah, it's over when you've got the mic.

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

What's one wedding detail or element you were most excited to see come to life? YVETTE: I was excited about the Baby Grand piano. Dr. Richard Sheckman is the husband of my friend Robin Bronch, and he's a great pianist and he offered his services to play at our wedding. We got the Baby Grand for him and also for El DeBarge who was supposed to sing at our wedding but then had a family emergency. At the last minute, Leslie Odom Jr., a dear friend of ours who was attending, met up with Dr. Sheckman and they rehearsed one time and Leslie performed the most beautiful rendition of “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” that I've ever heard. That was an element that came to life because of that Baby Grand that we could have never imagined. TONY: I think for me the music was absolutely something to pay attention to. But in my head, I was so concerned about how everything was going to play out with Pops that that consumed everything. I was trying to hide it, and then everyone wants to talk to you and I'm trying to make a secret phone call. I think my main focus was to make sure thatYVETTE: So you were more focused on that moment at the wedding? TONY: Yeah, that was big to me. Because I wanted to make sure it panned out and that it worked out well. And it did. YVETTE: And it did. It did. TONY: It turned out beautiful. Better than expected. YVETTE: I think the speeches from our brothers and our dear friends were wonderful. I heard that the cocktail hour was lit. We missed that because we were taking pictures, but I heard it was lit. Our amazing cake was just awesome. It's just so many different things that were really wonderful, it's hard to pick.

What does love mean to each of you, and how do you see it reflected in your relationship? TONY: I think love is that D, all the above. It's patience, it's kindness, it's keeping a record of wrongdoings, and you can forgive the person no matter how many times they lose the remote control.

relationships [where] it doesn't exist as easily as it does with us. Our communication is great, so I think that's an expression of love. Our joking is an expression of love. Even our quietness. Even allowing each other to have moments, whether you're doing Legos or writing something or vice versa, or just a moment to watch the game or just a moment to watch something you wanted to watch on TV. Respecting each other's privacy and giving each other enough room to exist, and then still be together as if nothing has changed in the whole wide world. YVETTE: Love to me means having someone in the boat rowing in the same direction. And so if you need to take a break, they'll pick up the slack and keep rowing for you and vice versa. It's having a witness to your life, which is something I never had. I never had someone like that... I've been with Tony now it's been two years I think. We can think back like, "Remember when we went here?" We have memories of trips, we have memories of parties, we've gone to events, we have mutual friends. It's nice to have someone that I can go, "Remember that time?" and there's someone that goes, "Yeah, I remember that." That's really nice. TONY: And laughter. YVETTE: And caring, too. And that's reflected in, again, how Tony brings me coffee... I mean tea in the mornings. It's coffee some days, but it's usually tea. How Tony makes me breakfast and dinner, and he'll rub my back before I even know... He can tell that my shoulders are up by my ears because I'm stressing about something and he'll just come instinctively and rub my shoulders. His love is action, which is really, really beautiful.

Yvette, what dating advice would you give to single women over 50? YVETTE: To not settle. To not treat marriage and relationships like musical chairs. There are more than enough chairs to go around, and the music is not ending. If you're still on this side of heaven, there's still time. So do not just grab somebody because everybody tells you it's time. You will know when you know. And that knowing is peace and quiet and just an understanding. And I would tell them if you have a group chat where you ask questions about the guy you're dating, it's probably not him. Because when it's the guy that is coming for you, you don't have any questions because he's very clear.

YVETTE: Wow. TONY: No matter what. YVETTE: Shots fired. TONY: I think our example is the best part of love that I took for granted because I look at our relationship as this is just normal, this is how we're supposed to have it. But there are some people in

That's the one difference between Tony and every other guy I ever liked. I was always asking my friends, "Well, what does this mean? And he sent me this." I didn't have any questions about Tony. My friends didn't have to help me figure this out, at all. This all made sense from day one, and it's just been a blessing. TONY: Also, I want to say a date is not just the dinner you're going to sit down at the table with, or sharing a movie, or a walk in the

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

COVER STORY

park. The date is everything that exists between you two at the time. It's phone calls, it's conversations, it's the little things that go on during the day. Say you didn't have such a great day, how's the person act then? You're always dating, you're always evaluating and getting information. YVETTE: And keep doing that. While you're dating, you have one great date and he makes you feel wonderful or she makes you feel wonderful, that ain't it.

throughout, but there's something about marrying friendship and love that is just divine, and getting to do life with someone who makes me laugh this much is such a joy. TONY: It's special. It's more than special, it's ordained. Even when we don't have the best conversation, let's say someone did something they shouldn't have done or whatever, we can still go at it and be upset, but we have never ever walked away angry. YVETTE: Or been disrespectful.

TONY: Right. YVETTE: Keep watching to see what they're like. Someone said you shouldn't get married until you've seen someone in every season. And not just summer, spring, fall, and winter, but how are they when they're happy? How are they when they're sad? How are they when they're disappointed? How are they when they're sick? These are things you need to know to see if this person is someone that you can do life with.

TONY: Never have done anything to be disrespectful, at least not on purpose. I have a mean face sometimes. YVETTE: Well, we both have mean... I mean every Black person’s got a face. But I've never felt like I've been... I hope that you've never felt that you've been emasculated. TONY: No.

What excites you most about building a future together as husband and wife?

YVETTE: We respect and honor each other always. And I think that's the friendship angle of it.

YVETTE: For me, it's just getting to share my life with my best friend. I've been blessed in my life to have wonderful friends

TONY: Right.

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

D E S T I N AT I O N S

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

YVETTE: I don't want to hurt my friend. So even if I were to get mad at my husband or be displeased with my husband because of something stupid, that's not going to make me hurt my friend.

WEDDING TEAM

TONY: Perfection. YVETTE: Oh, you saying I'm perfect?

VENUE: The Maybourne Beverly Hills

TONY: Perfection.

FLORALS: Eddie Zaratsian | Tic-Tock Couture

YVETTE: I know.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: REEM

TONY: Right. YVETTE: So I'm very mindful of honoring him as the two things that he is for me: my husband, and my friend. TONY: You're more than just my wife, you're more than just my friend, you're more than my comrade, you're more than my buddy. You are a piece of every facet of life that exists. And that has to be respected. And the moment you don't respect that, I think that's where things start going downhill.

Yvette, you've played so many memorable characters. If you could take advice from one of them on married life, who would it be from and why? Oof. For married life, I probably would have to go with Angela from Act Your Age, because I think out of all my characters, she's the only one that's married and/or happily married. Her husband in the show had passed away, but she had a great run with Davis. So I would take advice from Angela Martin from Act Your Age. I surely wouldn't take any from Helen on Drake & Josh. And Shirley from Community, she's got a violent streak, so she's not the one I would listen to either.

Tony, if you were to describe your relationship with Yvette in one word, what would it be?

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

WEDDING PRODUCER: William P. Miller

Florals

Photography

TONY: Because if you can have one person and you can get everything that you need from them in terms of friendship, in terms of hanging out, in terms of being quirky... I mean there are times when we'll start dancing and do the foot dance.

OFFICIANT: Love McPherson WEDDING CAKE: Cake Studio LA CELEBRITY BRIDAL STYLIST: Nayri Kalayjian CELEBRITY WEDDING STYLIST: Roni Burks BRIDAL STORE: Lovella Bridal BRIDES DRESS & VEIL DESIGNER: Ines Di

YVETTE: Yeah, we will dance anywhere.

Santo BRIDES MAKEUP: Beth Carter | Danessa

TONY: All kinds of craziness or whatever. No matter what part of my character exists, there's always room for you to experience it with me, share it with me, laugh with me, and just have that wonderful thing that it is. Whether it's watching TV, whether it's reading a book, whether it's a love moment, whether it's a crazy moment of laughter. No matter what.

Myricks BRIDES HAIRSTYLING: Gabrielle Corney |

Indique Virgin Hair Extensions BRIDES 2ND LOOK: Arlinda McIntosh |

SofistaFUNkTheSkirtCo BRIDES ATTENDANT: Jennifer Clymer GROOMS CUSTOM TUXEDO: Vinny's Custom

Clothes GROOMS MAKEUP: Sarah Hall

YVETTE: We are comfortable wherever we are. And at this point, I feel like we've been through every up and down that can come, and we are literally solid as a rock. Even during the tough times that life throws your way, there's nobody else I'd want to go through any of that with other than Tony. He's literally the best God could have made for me. That's how I feel. I can't speak for myself with anybody else, but this one? Perfect for me, and I'm so happy he's in my life.

VIDEOGRAPHER: Amai’zing Visions VIOLINIST: Alan Price HARPIST: Mariea Antoinette DJ: Kacy Wilson SOUND: Ahmad DuBose-Dawson PHOTOBOOTH: POSE PHOTO EXPERIENCE: HAPPY TIMES Event Co. GRAPHICS: Monica C DINNER WINE: Blackbird Vineyards STATIONERY: Special Letters | Superior South

Bay Die & Print

TONY: She completes my incomplete circles.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." JEREMIAH 29:11

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

ENGAGEMENTS

HARLEIGH + ANDRE

DOMINIQUE + KYLE

GRACE + SANDOR

ASHLEY + TERENCE

JASMINE + KENNARD

54 VIEW THIS ENGAGEMENT S E S S I O N O N PA G E 54 | PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIPT YCH STUDIO

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

D E S T I N AT I O N S

Harleigh+ Andre

ST. PETERSBURG BEACH, FL

P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y N AT I V L E N S

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

ENGAGEMENTS

W E D D I N G D AT E : June 28, 2025 W E D D I N G L O C AT I O N: Orlando, FL O C C U PAT I O N S : Andre is an Academic Support Counselor and Head Track and Field Coach, Harleigh is a Registered Nurse

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

ENGAGEMENTS

HOW THEY MET: Andre: We met during the summer of 2021 in Clemson, SC, at our friend’s graduation lunch, who happened to introduce us. When we met, we talked about how Harleigh decided to take her extra year of eligibility and start her master's program, and I decided to transfer to Clemson for my last season and start mine. Thank you, God… and COVID for the extra year of eligibility! We both ran track at Clemson University and did the same exact event: Triple Jump. We started to train together as the fall training season was approaching. Soon enough, we became inseparable. We spent a lot of time together with our teammates, and finally, we went on our first date (kind of ) with our friend. Truth is, Harleigh dragged her along because she claimed she wasn’t too sure about me yet. Safe to say, after that night, she knew she had to tell her mom about me. Harleigh: The sweet country boy. That is what he was and what he still is today. We remind each other often of how lucky we are to have each other. From him writing notes to leave in my lunchbox when I worked the night shift as a Nurse in SC to moving states and starting a new career to be with me is how much he loves me. I remember telling my mom that I would never find my husband at Clemson, and sure enough, we found one another, and boy are we glad we did. PROPOSAL STORY: Our proposal was a gorgeous night. We got engaged on August 11, 2023. Andre found a hotel with an ambiance that was perfect for the occasion. Andre got our closest family and friends to fly down to Orlando for the proposal. It was about 30 people who came down, that's how much our people love us. I remember Andre telling me I didn't have to rush to get ready (he has NEVER told me that before), so I was taking my sweet time while my poor family members were outside sweating to death!! Fast forward, we arrive at the destination, Andre keeps telling me how much he loves me, we turn the corner and there's a big tree with lights dangling, letters spelling "Marry Me" that was lit up, a candlelit walkway to the sign with rose petals delicately lining the walkway with our support system standing right by the beautiful setup. I think everyone said surprise, I was so shocked I don't even remember. I was so overjoyed!!! Andre knows how much my family and friends mean to me and he made sure everyone was there. He got down on one knee, was shaking when he was holding my hand, and asked me to marry him! Easiest "yes" of my life. It was such a beautiful day and a memory we will cherish forever. FIRST DATE: We did our homework together at the student-athlete building, then we went to the movies to see Candyman. This was our second date, but the first one alone. On the very first date, Andre took my friend Jessie and me to dinner in Greenville... I wasn't sure if I wanted to go alone, haha. ENGAGEMENT SESSION THEME: We knew we were going for earthy tones for our actual wedding, so we wanted to stick with that. We decided the beach would be a good idea since we are getting married in Florida. We weren't sure at first, but our photographer gave us multiple reasons why the beach would work, and we definitely didn't regret that decision. Shoutout to Nativ Lens, he is the real deal! FAVORITE THING TO DO AS A COUPLE: We LOVE trying new restaurants and going to the movies. In college, we went to the movies every Tuesday for $5 movie night and would get tacos at our favorite taco spot. HOW HAS WEDDING PL ANNING BEEN SO FAR? It's going great! Time is

VENDORS

flying by so we know our big day is going to be here before we know it. It's fun

PHOTOGRAPHER: Nativ Lens

figuring out different things that we want to be a part of our day together.

HAIR: Keypicasso

Meeting some of our vendors has doubled as date night for us, so it has been great to meet them while also enjoying our time together.

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

MUA: The bride

ENGAGEMENTS

Come

CLOSER

Let love begin again. When the whole world—and your entire life together—awaits you, set off on the bold adventure with your favorite person by your side.

VISITSTKITTS.COM

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

D E S T I N AT I O N S

Dominique+ Kyle

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

EDGEFIELD, SC PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHOT BY SHANTE PHOTOGRAPHY

EDNEGS A M IEONNT S T IGNEAT

W E D D I N G D AT E : May 25, 2025 W E D D I N G L O C AT I O N: Saluda, SC O C C U PAT I O N S : Kyle is a Bridgestone Employee, and Dominique is a Registered Nurse

HOW THEY MET: [We met] in high school. We're basically high school sweethearts. During my senior year and his first semester of college, we made it official. PROPOSAL STORY: Kyle decided to plan a date night after I got off work. We live in North Augusta, and there's an area called Hammonds Ferry where there are restaurants. Kyle then told me we were going on a walk after dinner, and surprisingly, [at] the place where we walked, we were greeted by friends and family. Kyle then led me down the walkway, and there were flowers, candles, and balloon arches, and in the middle, it stated 'Will you marry me?' And of course, I said YES! FIRST DATE: We played mini golf against each other, where he claims he beat me[,] lol. ENGAGEMENT SESSION THEME: [We had a] 1970s theme, [with an] old-fashioned car with an open background. Simple but sophisticated. FAVORITE THING TO DO AS A COUPLE: Sitting outside on our lovely porch[,] enjoying each other's company, cooking, traveling, and trying new things. HOW HAS WEDDING PL ANNING BEEN SO FAR? Steady but easy so far! Everything was very front-loaded but is now smooth sailing. VENDORS PHOTOGRAPHER: Shot by Shante Photography

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

Grace

+Sandor

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y K AT E R Y N A U N U VA R

HOW THEY MET: We met on Bumble! I had joined the app a couple of weeks before then after a nudge from a friend. I was living in Budapest and he was living in Berlin. He had come to Budapest for the week to visit his family there. On that random Tuesday morning, I was aimlessly scrolling on my phone and got on Bumble. And my very first right swipe of the day was him! It was a match! As is with Bumble, I had to reach out first. So I immediately messaged him and introduced myself. Our conversation flowed so effortlessly and we planned for a first meeting the very same day! PROPOSAL STORY: "It was a Friday! Last one of September so Summer was leaving but on this particular day it was bright and sunny! He did a lovely set up at the spacious balcony of our apartment complete with a decorative balloon garland, a picnic mat and table, plush cushions, and lots of candles! I knew about it and had a nice dress on and my makeup done, and had gotten my nails done earlier in the week. The ring had arrived weeks ago and was sitting somewhere hidden. (Yes, I tried looking for it, but couldn't find it at all!!). Today was the day, I walked out to the balcony thinking 'I'm aware of this so I won't be surprised or emotional.' I was so wrong, he still managed to surprise me! He'd secretly ordered a personalized light-up name box on Etsy that projected 'Grace, will you marry me?' on our white wall. As I was still staring at the wall he got on one knee and when I turned to ask how and where he got the light up, he asked the question!! It was the easiest 'Yes' of my life. We spent the rest of the evening enjoying the beautifully plated charcuterie board and savoring this new step!"

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

EDNEGS A T IGNEAT M IEONNT S

W E D D I N G D AT E : May 28, 2025 W E D D I N G L O C AT I O N: Nairobi, Kenya O C C U PAT I O N S : Grace is a Public Health Specialist and Sandor is a Senior Software Engineer

FIRST DATE: We had Starbucks! Haha yes, our first date was on the same day we matched. We had talked a lot all day and decided to meet up in the early evening for a ‘quick meet and greet’. We met at a particular Starbucks that’s right by the River Danube in Budapest. I got my Iced Matcha Frappuccino, and he got his Venti Latte because, as I’ve now come to learn, even at 100 degrees, he doesn’t take his coffee iced! Ever. We took a stroll by the Danube shores and continued our conversations from earlier, now in person! And since then, we’ve never stopped talking. In fact, we scheduled our second date for the very next day, a stand-up comedy show, which we both very much enjoy and have made a habit of going to every so often. FAVORITE THING TO DO AS A COUPLE: Being alone together. And no, I don't mean the absence of people but the presence of us. We truly enjoy being in each other’s space when we’re not doing the same thing. We call it the ‘keeper of each other’s solitude’. He in his corner, me in mine in the same space doing entirely different things and just loving each other’s company! Don’t get me wrong, we do love going places and spending time talking, watching stuff, and eating at new spots, but just having each person in their solitude while not really being alone is by far our favorite 'us' thing! HOW HAS WEDDING PL ANNING BEEN SO FAR? Pretty smooth to be honest! I have a skill when it comes to planning. Always did! And he is a tech nerd! So he gets me the tools for making my planning process smooth and I deal with the vendors because they are mostly Kenyan (which I am too). We set our budget early on and have done our best to stick to it. I sift

VENDORS

through the vendors and then give him 3-5 of my best options

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kateryna Unuvar

and he helps me decide who we should settle for. We’re a great team and have already secured most of our vendors.

MAKEUP: Grace Wikwatyo Mbai VIDEOGRAPHER: Konstantin Bohorszkij HAIR: Dr. Keziah Asantewaa

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

D E S T I N AT I O N S

Ashley

+Terence

VILL A L A JOYA, CANCUN, MEXICO PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIPT YCH STUDIO

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

WEDDING DATE: April 26, 2025 WEDDING LOCATION: Cancun, Mexico HOW THEY MET: We actually met through Instagram! Who would've thought a simple follow would lead to forever?" PROPOSAL STORY: December 17th, 2023 I thought we were going to take Christmas pictures with a photographer at his parent's house. Our proposal was truly intimate and special. Terence proposed in his parents' backyard, with just the two of us, our parents, and grandmothers present. It was such a meaningful and personal moment, surrounded by the people who mean the most to us. A memory we’ll cherish forever. FIRST DATE: We met up at a restaurant in Nashville called City Fire, which is now a sports bar. After lunch, we took a daytime stroll through downtown Nashville, sharing our life stories and really connecting. It was a simple day, but it felt like the start of something special.

FAVORITE THING TO DO AS A COUPLE: Go bowling, travel, and eat our favorite food which is Indian. ENGAGEMENT SESSION THEME: Black Excellence. HOW HAS WEDDING PL ANNING BEEN SO FAR? Wedding planning has been going really well! It’s been a beautiful journey bringing our vision to life, and we’re enjoying every moment of it. There have been a lot of moving parts, but with the support of our loved ones and some incredible vendors, everything is coming together perfectly. We’re just excited to see it all unfold on the big day! When we took our photos, that was the trip where we met our planners in person and got to do our cake tasting and food tasting, which was super exciting!

VENDORS DRESS: Mac Duggal MENSWEAR: Mens Wearhouse GROOM’S HAIR: The Groom BRIDE-TO-BE’S HAIR STYLIST: By Annastasia MUA: Beauty Expert Mexico PHOTOGRAPHER: Diptych Studio

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

Jasmine +Kinard “Kj” CHARLESTON, SC PHOTOGRAPHED BY SMITHALEE

W E D D I N G D AT E : May 24, 2025 W E D D I N G L O C AT I O N: Charleston, SC O C C U PAT I O N S : Jasmine is a Software Engineer & KJ is an Athletic Personal Trainer HOW THEY MET: "After years of knowing each other,

PROPOSAL STORY: "Our birthdays are 4 days apart and

crossing paths, being in the same circles, and occasionally

since we’ve been together, we’ve celebrated our birthdays

hanging out in group settings, one of Jasmine’s best friends

together. I (Kj) needed an excuse to get all of our closest

(who was my roommate at the time) introduced us to

friends and family in one place without suspicion, so I

each other. At first, she wasn’t feeling me, I came on too

waited until our birthday dinner. She originally only invited

strong, I had dreads (she was not a fan), and she looked

friends, and I secretly invited our families. I reached out to

right through me. Looking back on it I’m actually glad she

the restaurant owner to secure the entire building for the

paid me no mind, because had she gotten together with

proposal and had her mother, my sister, and my mother

that version of me we wouldn’t have made it far. Years

help decorate. As she walked in, I lined the walkway with

later (after a haircut) we reconnected on social media (she

her friends and family, who each gave her a rose as she

swiped up on me after I cut my hair, GOTCHA) I played the

passed them. At the end of the walkway, there I stood

long game and waited for her to fall into my trap and now

waiting to drop to my knee and recite the words…"

she’s stuck!"

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

FIRST DATE: "After reconnecting on social media and exchanging numbers, a month later, we decided that it was time to go on our first date. Jasmine was so nervous. This was her first time entering the dating world as an adult, and she was terrified! As we talked on the phone while we got ready to meet for dinner, my calming demeanor soothed her nerves. When we arrived at the restaurant, the jitters were still there, but as soon as we were seated at the table the conversation flowed just like it had previously on our phone calls throughout the month. We were having such a good time that we decided to keep the night going and went to an arcade. We spent the rest of the night talking and challenging each other while playing games. It was perfect." FAVORITE THING TO DO AS A COUPLE: "Whether it’s a fancy dinner for date night or an exclusive event, we absolutely love getting dressed up and having a good time with each other." ENGAGEMENT SESSION THEME: "Going into our engagement session, we knew that we wanted to be able to tell our love story while also revealing the theme of our upcoming wedding. We are both Charlestonians, so we made sure to use our beloved city as our setting. The photos are carefully curated to tell the story of how we met in passing, fell in love on the first date, and will forever be bonded in Holy Matrimony. Our many outfit changes not only show off our style but also reveal our wedding theme, The Givens Gala. Our attire incorporates floor-length gowns and suites of various shades complemented with lavish jewelry." HOW HAS WEDDING PL ANNING BEEN SO FAR? "Wedding planning for us has been an incredible journey so far. We’ve been blessed to have resources and family that have stepped in and helped where they can. This has really smoothed the process for us and made it fun for us to plan our wedding together. We’re both very creative individuals, so coming up with different ideas and ways to incorporate them has been something we enjoy."

VENDORS PHOTOGRAPHER: Smithalee BLACK, BLUE, AND WHITE DRESS: Fashion Nova PINK DRESS: Babyboo MUA: ShakeriaJae Artistry JAZZ SHOES: Gianni Bini BLACK SUIT: Express GREY SUIT: H&M WHITE AND GREY SUITS: Shein KJ'S SHOES: Aldo

yemi

BY APPOINTMENT

kosibah.com

914.359.7757

designer@kosibah.com

@yemikosibah MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDINGS

VALERIE & KINGSLEY

NIKKI & PHILIP

CATHY & KEVIN

VANDANA & CARLOS

JOEVEL & REGINALD

AMY & SAM

ALEXIS & KARIM

CAMI & JONATHAN

AUDREY & STEWART

V I E W T H I S W E D D I N G O N PA G E 6 6 | P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y S TA N L O PHOTOGRAPHY

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

D E S T I N AT I O N S

VALERIE + KINGSLEY SANTORINI, GREECE AUGUST 18, 2024 PHOTOGRAPHED BY DREAMODD

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

WEDDINGS

Text by Linda Wallentine

ou never know where love will find you. For Valerie and

called 'African Queen' by Sadiki, and it was playing in

Kingsley, their once-in-a-lifetime love lived 4 doors

the background. The chef handed me a menu that was a

down on the same floor! The couple, who first met in

personalized acrylic heart, and it said ‘Will you marry me?’” It

November 2020, had lived in the same apartment complex for

was the easiest yes of her life.

4 years before their chance encounter in the elevator. Their love for each other and shared passion for travel Valerie recalls, “It’s so strange that we were always in each

culminated in an intimate wedding abroad in Santorini,

other’s orbit but had not met until then… The very same day

Greece. “We loved that our wedding wasn’t a one-day-and-

we introduced ourselves to each other and exchanged phone

done event,” Valerie explains. “We spent the week with

numbers, we went on our first date.”

our closest family and friends. We planned excursions and activities before and after so that everyone felt bonded

That first date evolved into endless adventures, romance, and

during the time there.”

eventually an engagement! Kingsley’s surprise proposal during a private dinner with Chef T Honcho of the Hancho Club was

From kicking things off with a welcome event to a pre-

everything Valerie could have asked for.

wedding beach day at Wet Stories Santorini and a postwedding private sunset cruise, their wedding week was the

“There were candles everywhere, roses, and heart-shaped

perfect representation of their love.

balloons,” Valerie recalls, blissfully. “There's a song I love

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDINGS

wedding highlights Favorite item on the menu: Lamb Shank! We also had an octopus stifado during cocktail which was amazing. And the baklava for dessert was amazing. Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids: getting ready items (slippers and pajamas), wedding day jewelry, YSL and Dior beauty gifts. Groomsmen: Travel garment duffle bags, shoes for the wedding, bowties, and lapel pins. First dance song: We did a custom mash-up starting with John Legend "Conversations in the Dark" into Sadiki "African Queen" Advice for brides: Personalize your wedding to reflect you as a couple. Never stop dating throughout the planning process and make sure you two are a team. Listen to each other throughout the process

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

WEDDINGS

vendors WEDDING PLANNING: Wedding Tales Santorini PHOTOGRAPHY: DreamOdd VENUE: Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa DJ, LIGHTING, MIRROR AISLE: Multimedia Events MAKEUP: Renia Bledaki HAIR: Bella Damigou PODIUM: Weddings and Whimsy TABLE RENTAL & CUTLERY: Maison Trilogie CHAIR RENTALS: Spicy Bites SIGNAGE (GRASS WALL), SELFIE MIRROR:

Illuminography VIOLINIST: Leida Tahiraj SAXOPHONIST: Christos Aggouridakis CATERING: Mario Restaurant Catering CANDLES: Candlelight FLORALS: Bloom De Fleur BRIDE’S DRESS: Sima Couture purchased from

Lotus Bridal GROOM’S TUXEDO: Garçon Couture CELEBRANT: Kosta Savva

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NIKKI +PHILIP VA U G H A N , O N TA R I O, C A N A D A NOVEMBER 19, 2023 PHOTOS BY STANLO PHOTOGRAPHY O C C U PAT I O N S : N I K K I I S A M A K E U P A R T I S T, P H I L I P I S A L I C E N S E D S P R I N K L E R A N D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N I N S TA L L E R

Text by Lily Taylor

ikki and Philip first met as teenagers at a Christmas party. While

For the ceremony, Nikki wore a stunning, custom 2-in-1 couture dress

Nikki enjoyed the party, Philip couldn’t keep his gaze from drifting

with a fitted bodice and gorgeous beadwork, giving her a sexy and regal

to her. When a mutual friend told Nikki that he was interested in

look. Philip’s white and black tux was also custom-made, along with the

getting to know her more, Nikki was hesitant but decided to give Philip

groomsmen’s, to create a cohesive appearance for their special day. An

a chance. The simple decision to share her number changed their lives

impressive curling ribbon-like structure was decorated with white roses

forever.

and baby breath for their ceremony, adding a modern and artistic flare to the clean and polished atmosphere.

Philip made Nikki happy cry with the perfect surprise proposal at their favorite Italian restaurant. He disguised the occasion as a special pre-

To celebrate their Ghanaian heritage, they had a traditional ceremony

birthday dinner, ensuring she would be dressed up and ready for the big

before their Western wedding and included Afrobeats and Ghanaian

moment. Nikki shares, “Upon arrival, the host directed us to a different

Highlife songs for their entrances and reception.

area than usual, explaining there was an event that evening. As we walked

toward the double doors, we entered a private room filled with red roses

Nikki shares, “The ceremony was nothing short of dreamy and intimate…

and a floral wall displaying the words, "MARRY ME?" Music began playing,

Seeing Philip overwhelmed with emotion as I entered made me

and I immediately burst into tears as Philip got down on one knee. After

emotional…it felt like we were witnessing our answered prayers unfold

what felt like a lifetime of waiting for this moment, I said yes to forever.”

before us. As our pastor put it, this was truly authentic love.”

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best memories "The ceremony was nothing short of dreamy and intimate. We took a moment to pause and soak it all in. Planning the décor had been one of the more challenging aspects of the wedding because we had no clue where to start. Although Philip and I had seen sketches and mock-ups, we truly had no idea what to expect. Ethereal Creators far exceeded our expectations—it was breathtaking. One of the most unforgettable moments for me was being walked down the aisle by my father, who has always been my primary parent. Seeing Philip overwhelmed with emotion as I entered made me emotional as well—it felt like we were witnessing our answered prayers unfold before us. As our Pastor put it, this was truly authentic love." - Nikki

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

wedding highlights What gifts did you give to your bridal party? Groomsmen - Flask and Cigars. Bridesmaids - Candles, Gold Bottega Prosecco Bottles, and Touch-Ups for their makeup including MAC Powder and lip gloss. Gifts for one another: Groom – Movado Watch; Bride – Bouquet of flowers, Apple Watch, and a Diamond Necklace Ceremony entrance song: “Will You Still Love Me” by Lana Del Rey First dance song: “Heaven” by Pink Sweat$

vendors PLANNER AND COORDINATION TEAM: Leigh Event Group DESIGN AND DECOR: Ethereal Creators PHOTOGRAPHY: Stanlo Photography CINEMATOGRAPHY: Inft Films VENUE: Venetian Banquet Centre STAGE & FLOOR WRAP: Paragon Design CAKE: Fine Cakes by Zehra BRIDE’S WEDDING DRESS: Lena Berisha BRIDE’S RECEPTION DRESS: Albina Dyla BRIDE’S MORNING GOWN: Babyboo Fashion BRIDE’S SHOES: Aquazzura BRIDE’S HAIR: Esther Tutu of Hair by Estylez BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Lynne Nuamah of Avaya Noelle BRIDESMAIDS' HAIR: Michelle Arthur of Arthur Hair BRIDESMAIDS' MAKEUP: Philippa Frimpong of MsPhilly BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Superior Bridal BRIDESMAID SHOES: Chinese Laundry GROOM’S SUIT: 4 Men United GROOMSMEN SUITS: 4 Men United BRIDAL BOUQUETS: Flowers of the World Toronto DJ & DRY ICE: DJ Shorty MC: MC King K PHOTOBOOTH: Ineffable Views SPARKLERS: Sparktacular DRAPERY: Backdrop Inc. BRIDAL ROOM DECOR: Janet Siaw of Desire 2 Impress Events

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MUNA

network

S CA N T O J O IN O UR CO M MUN I TY

The MunaNetwork (for brides) is our private bridal community. We bring together historically underserved brides looking to share wedding planning and lifestyle ideas, receive support, and build new friendships with like-minded individuals who understand the joys and challenges of planning a wedding. Inside, you'll find an engaging and collaborative environment that feels safe and fosters creativity. Once you become a member, you can expect:

✨ To find peers with similar interests so you can navigate your challenges together ✨ Daily and weekly inspiration ✨ Exclusive content including insider tips, expert advice, and inspiration ✨ Perks and rewards: Discounts on Muna Events, exclusive giveaways and promotions ✨ Inspiration for days ✨ Virtual and IRL Meetups There isn't a more important time to find common ground with people who get you. We ultimately created this group to be your roadmap to the wedding of your dreams. See you inside! Visit bit.ly/munabridenetwork to join or scan the QR code above MUNALUCHI BRIDE

D E S T I N AT I O N S

CATHY + KEVIN EAST BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY JANUARY 4, 2024 PHOTOGRAPHED BY PD PHOTOGRAPHY O C C U PAT I O N S : C AT H Y I S A P R I M A R Y C A R E P H Y S I C I A N , K E V I N I S A MEDICAL RECRUITER

Text by Lily Taylor

hen Kevin was recommended the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel, he was skeptical until he met his person, Cathy, the woman who changed his life forever.

their photoshoot was on the beach during sunset. Against the golden rays of the sun dancing across the gentle waves, Kevin got down on one knee.

From the moment they connected, being together felt as easy as breathing. Their personalities fit together like puzzle pieces, and they both quickly realized they had found “the one.” Kevin shares, ”Our first date was effortless. We laughed, talked about everything under the sun, and felt a comfort with each other that made it seem like we’d known each other for years.”

Kevin reminisces, “Cathy’s reaction was priceless….After a moment of stunned laughter, she finally said yes…. It was the perfect ending to our story that started with a simple swipe on a dating app—one that neither of us expected would lead us to forever.”

Kevin wanted the proposal to be nothing short of perfection. Under the guise of capturing their memories, Kevin hired a photographer to take photos of them at a beautiful resort by the sea. The last part of

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Led by Coterie Member Reverend Orsella, Cathy and Kevin’s wedding ceremony beautifully honored their families and cultures by including a candle-lighting ceremony. As they lit their candle in unison, following their mothers, Cathy and Kevin felt a special sense of support and togetherness as they started their new journey as one.

WEDDINGS

Complimenting their chic yet natural and serene wedding style, Cathy went full glam for her big day! Set against the gorgeous backdrop of deep greens and cream colors, Cathy’s dazzling custom-made couture gown by Coterie member Yemi Kosibah shined bright, exceeding her expectations! Cathy shares, “My wedding dress was REGAL! The detail, the train, the elegance in every stitch, I felt like a Queen, like the brightest diamond in the room.” Yemi ensured the dress would hug her curves in all the right places, eliminating Cathy's worries as a bride and soon-to-be mother. Her wedding look was further elevated by her snatched bridal makeup done by Coterie member and celebrity MUA Felicia Graham! Cathy and Kevin couldn’t have been more pleased with their choice of vendors: “Our wedding day would not have been as amazing as it was without the top-tier vendors that we had!”

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDINGS

wedding highlights Favorite item on the menu: At Park Chateau, there is no item on the menu that isn’t delicious! The salmon and whole roasted pig were mouthwatering! Wedding cake flavors: We had a three-tier cake: half yellow and half chocolate with buttercream icing. Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: We gifted both the bridesmaids and groomsmen with gift bags with customized items, including robes, socks, earrings, cigars, Starbucks gift cards, and our very own handmade soaps. We own a small business and wanted to gift them something uniquely made by us! First dance song: “Nervous” by John Legend Mother/son dance song: “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men Father/daughter dance song: “Best of Me” by Anthony Hamilton

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vendors EVENT/WEDDING PLANNER: Envisioned Events by Suzette, LLC DESIGN, DECOR, & FLORALS: Daphnee Lauren Events MC & DJ: Grand Royal Production, LLC | DJ Exeqtive DOG HANDLERS: Pawfect for You WEDDING GOWN: Yemi Kosibah BRIDAL HEADPIECE: Sarai bridal FOOD TRUCK: Curbside Confections HAIRSTYLIST: Tyra Glam Beauty MAKEUP ARTIST: Felicia Graham Beauty OFFICIANT: Serenity Ceremonies by Rev. Orsella PHOTOGRAPHY: PD Photography PRINTING/SIGNAGE: JCS Art Designs VIDEOGRAPHY: Unleashed Vizuals VENUE: Park Chateau

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VANDANA +CARLOS S A N F R A N C I S C O, C A L I F O R N I A JANUARY 20, 2024 P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y P TA U F I Q P H O T O G R A P H Y O C C U PAT I O N S : VA N D A N A I S A P H Y S I C I A N T U R N E D H E A LT H C A R E E X E C U T I V E . C A R L O S I S A N AT T O R N E Y, R E T I R E D J U D G E , A N D T H E 7 9 T H P R E S I D E N T O F T H E N AT I O N A L B A R A S S O C I AT I O N .

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WEDDINGS

Text by Linda Wallentine

andana and Carlos Moore’s whirlwind romance began on May 6th, 2023, at a friend's Gatsbythemed law firm anniversary gala in Atlanta.

Wearing a sleek black gown and a jeweled peacock feather headband, Vandana was pleasantly surprised when Carlos - decked out in a sharp royal blue dinner jacket and black bowtie - approached her table. A true gentleman, he asked if he could sit next to her. She said YES… and the rest has been magic ever since! Two months later, they were engaged, and in January 2024, they said “I Do” in an extravagant wedding at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, California. Planning a wedding in only 5 months isn’t easy. Yet, every detail fell into place exactly as they envisioned. The bride honored her Indian heritage and Hindu culture through her Bridesmaids, who wore Indian sarees with bindis, and by having her sister Nirvana (a professionally trained Indian dancer) perform to an Indian/Trinidadian/ American mix in a glamorous crimson red jeweled Lehenga. For other brides planning their special day, Vandana's advice is to “follow the path of least resistance – and move forward in the direction that flows effortlessly in all decisions!”

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

wedding highlights What gifts did you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: Bridesmaids: A personalized tote with the initial of their first name filled with an elegant satin crimson red bridal robe, diamond earrings and bracelet to be worn on the wedding day, diamond floral brooch to be pinned on their bridesmaid saree, diamond teardrop bindi to be adorned on their forehead. The Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor were gifted additional personalized coffee mugs with caricatures resembling us! Groomsmen: A personalized engraved stainless steel flask set with matching engraved initial cufflinks, money clip, and tie bar. Gifts for one another: I gifted the groom a customized framed artwork with heart-shaped maps from momentous occasions during our journey: Where we met (Atlanta, GA), Where he proposed (Beverly Hills, CA), Where we got married (San Francisco, CA) and Where we honeymooned (Dubai and Maldives) – it was made in England and flown in! He gifted me a diamond silver earring and necklace set with a romantic poem inside the box. Ceremony entrance song: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley played on Saxophone Bride Entrance coming down the rotunda stairs: “Why I Love You” by MAJOR performed by Lari Johns’n Reception entrance song: “Baby Will You Love Me” by MAJOR performed by Lari Johns’n First dance song: “You & I” by John Legend performed by Lari Johns’n

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incorporating culture "Being born in Trinidad and Tobago, I have Indian ancestry with an Indo-Caribbean flare. Since this was an American Christian wedding, it was important to me that my Indian heritage and Hindu culture be portrayed throughout my special day. First, it has been a forever dream of mine for my Bridesmaids to wear Indian sarees with bindis. The sarees were elegant, traditional, and adorned with Swarovski crystals. They were flown in from India. Second, my Indo-Caribbean heritage shined when my sister Nirvana (a professionally trained Indian dancer) danced a beautiful Indian/ Trinidadian/American mix song adorned in her stunning crimson-red, glamourous jeweled Lehenga (also flown in from India)."

vendors Planner: VISIONS OF ELEGANCE BY DESIGN Décor : AAB CREATION Photo/Video: PTAUFIQ PHOTOGRAPHY Bridal MUA: MAKEUP BY SABA Bridesmaids and Mother of the Bride MUA : BLESS YOUR BEAUTY Dress : ESÉ AZÉNABOR Groom's Wedding Ceremony

Tuxedo: MARCDIÓN CLOTHIER Groom's Wedding Reception Jacket : KYRIS KUSTOMS Bridal Party Sarees : TULSIDAI HANIF Hair: HORTY DOMINICAN BEAUTY Invitations : STYLISH WEDD Cake : CAKE COQUETTE

Venue: THE WESTIN ST. FRANCIS Singer: LARI

JOHNS'N VERBAL MUSIC DJ : JERRY ROSS Saxophonist : RALPH GORDON

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JOEVEL+ REGINALD SANTORINI, GREECE SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 PHOTOGRAPHED BY PHOSART PHOTOGRAPHY

Text by Marie D. Smith

oevel and Reginald’s journey to their island destination wedding began when they met at the same event in 2012. After a few months of texting, the couple finally said yes to their first date.

With their relationship in full swing and after deciding to travel to St. Lucia for her 35th birthday, Joevel sat down with Reggie to have an intimate dinner to celebrate surrounded by the breathtaking Piton mountains. During their dinner date, Reggie got to work setting the stage for his perfect surprise proposal by getting Joevel to film a cute video of their surroundings. Little did she know he had other things in mind: a beautiful surprise proposal at the Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel! The couple then decided to celebrate their vows by traveling to the iconic island of Santorini in Greece. Cavo Ventus, with its amazing views and 200-year-old stone mill, was their luxury venue of choice, where the bride’s exquisite vision of delicate roses to compliment the natural beauty and serenity of their outdoor wedding was realized. Describing how their location of choice was so important, Joevel explained, “I got married in Santorini, Greece! My destination wedding has left an indelible mark and will remain an unforgettable memory!” With the mesmerizing Aegean Sea in the background and nods to Joeve’s Dominican culture, this Santorini wedding was a magical experience with memories that will last a lifetime.

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDINGS

wedding highlights Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: I treated each of my bridesmaids to an overnight stay at Kokkinos Villa, which included champagne and wine. Also, a personalized bag filled with personalized hangers, pajamas, robes, slippers, and a champagne flute. In addition, I provided hair accessories, Nyx Tiramisu lip gloss, earrings, and a bracelet. Furthermore, all bridesmaids were gifted Pandora charms, while my maid of honor received a bracelet from Tiffany and Co. My husband presented each of his groomsmen with personalized cigars. First dance song: For our first dance, we chose "First Time" by Teeks. Upon first hearing this song and truly absorbing its lyrics, I found myself eagerly anticipating the moment I would be embraced by my husband.

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WEDDINGS

vendors LUXURY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: Phosart

Photography VIDEOGRAPHER & CINEMATOGRAPHER: Lifestyle Photography Santorini PLANNING: Joevel (the Bride) WEDDING DRESS: Sima Brew HOTEL ACCOMMODATION: Kokkinos Villas Santorini VENUE: Cavo Ventus FLORIST: Red Box Days BOUQUETS FLORIST: Flowery Santorini CANDLES: Candlelight Santorini BRIDAL SHOES: Steve Madden BRIDE HAIR STYLIST: Hair by Chris Becks BRIDE HAIR INSTALL: Just J Beauty & Co BRIDE MAKE-UP ARTIST: Rouss B Makeup BRIDAL ROBE: Thebridalshopldn NAILS: Raquel Nails BRIDESMAID HAIR STYLIST: Charis Hair BRIDESMAID MAKE-UP ARTIST: OGB PARIS CHAIR RENTALS: Spicy Bites Catering Santorini AISLE & CAKE STAND RENTALS: Whiteknots TABLEWARE RENTALS: Spark Events Rentals WEDDING CAKE: Petranart CATERING: Mario Catering Santorini STATIONERY: Illuminography DJ & LIGHTING: Multimedia Events in Santorini PIANIST: Sunset Piano Notes

advice for brides Organizing a wedding can be quite stressful; however, the rewards are significant once the day arrives. Remember, dear bride, that you are beautiful, and this occasion is centered around you. Do not allow anyone to detract you from that. Embrace your day and relish every moment. You have accomplished a great deal and reached the culmination of your efforts. Now is the time to celebrate and enjoy all that you have been anxious about over the past year!

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

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AMY + SAM B A LT I M O R E , M D OCTOBER 14, 2023 PHOTOGRAPHED BY LINDA MCQUEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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WEDDINGS

Text by Maria Mantas

amuel and Amy’s enchanting Cinderella-themed wedding at the Baltimore Museum of Arts was a fairytale come to life.

While they are happily married, Samuel and Amy’s love story got off to a bit of a rocky start. When a mutual friend suggested the two single parents connect over text, it only took a few message exchanges before Amy “ghosted” Samuel. “I must say…it was not love at first text!” Samuel jokes. But when Samuel reached out with detailed plans for their first date, Amy knew she’d found her Prince Charming. Samuel popped the question during a trip to Los Angeles for Amy’s birthday. After successfully quashing suspicions that he’d use the vacation to propose, he secretly got to work. With help from Amy’s friends who lived in the area, Samuel collaborated with a Beverly Hills-based jeweler and secured the perfect restaurant for the proposal. “Amy had NO clue she was getting engaged up until the moment I got down on one knee,” he recalls. In October of 2023, the couple said “I Do” in a whimsical, Cinderella-themed affair at the Baltimore Museum of Arts. The duo worked meticulously to ensure every detail contributed to the wedding’s fairytale feel; opulent floral arrangements in shades of lavender, blue, and pink filled the venue, and guests were directed to their seats by place cards in glass slipper-themed holders. The bride made sure even her veil was on-theme, handsewing blue butterflies onto the garment in a last-minute stroke of inspiration. “It felt like a dream come true, adding such an enchanting touch to the day,” she says. They also kept their guests’ experience top of mind, offering time for attendees to explore three of the museum’s incredible exhibits before the festivities kicked off. Ultimately, Samuel and Amy’s wedding was a true fairytale, blending romance, whimsy, and personal touches to create an unforgettable celebration. Their magical night at the Baltimore Museum of Art was the perfect way to celebrate their forever love.

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

custom dress journey "Romantic-glitzy would be the best description of my gown. When I visited Ese for my first fitting, I was COMPLETELY against the princess/ball-gown silhouette! I had made up my mind that I was a "Mermaid" Bride! But I am so happy I let the pros guide me to understanding the best of BOTH worlds! My bespoke gown was a 2-in-1 creation, so I was able to keep with the theme of a fairytale ballgown and also achieve my dream of being a “mermaid-bride” at the same time! However, without a doubt, my wedding veil stole my heart as the best accessory; it completely took my breath away when it arrived! I never imagined it would be so stunning in person, with the delicate sky-blue rose petals woven into the white tulle fabric. In a last-minute burst of inspiration, I hand-sewed pastel butterflies to capture the whimsical essence of our Cinderella theme. It felt like a dream come true, adding such an enchanting touch to the day." - Amy

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wedding highlights Favorite item on the menu: The Wedding Cake, which was a vanilla and chocolate swirl cake with homemade caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, and vanilla buttercream! Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Custom Platinum Watches. First dance song: “Superstar” by Usher

vendors VIDEOGRAPHER: Iris Films PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda McQueen Photography FLORALS: Bethel Events Production PRODUCTION: The Light Source Company MUA: Blush by Makki FLOWER WALL & PHOTO BOOTH: eyeObee PhotoBooth CHAMPAGNE WALL: My Dream Party Productions CATERING: Eleven Courses Catering & Event Co. CAKE DESIGNER: Blue Lace Cakes HAIR STYLIST: Tyiesha & Jimmy Museau of Hair Chemistry Miami BRIDES DRESS: Ese Azenabor GROOMSMEN SUITS: Billionaire New York VENUE: Baltimore Museum of Art OFFICIANT: Rev. Omari Hughes

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

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ALEXIS + KARIM EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ JUNE 8, 2024 P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y S TA N L O P H O T O G R A P H Y

Text by Linda Wallentine

lexis Major and Karim Butler’s wedding at the Park Chateau Estate and Gardens in East Brunswick, New Jersey, was a luxurious, star-studded affair! Their love story began in the Diamond District, where fate intertwined their paths over matching broken chain locks. “We walked in with the same problem and walked out chained together from that day forward. It was love at first sight.” From that serendipitous moment, they knew they had found their perfect match. Their wedding day was nothing short of spectacular, blending cultural traditions with timeless elegance. They honored Karim’s faith with a Muslim ceremony, followed by a grand reception infused with joy, love, and meaningful traditions. Every detail of their ethereal and opulent design reflected Alexis’s vision of cascading all-white florals, regal gold accents, and shimmering

crystal elements—creating an ambiance of pure sophistication. Captured by Muna Coterie Member Stanlo Photography, the magic of their day sparkled at every turn. Alexis stunned in a custom ZUHAIR MURAD gown, a couture masterpiece brought to life after five fittings in Paris. The luxurious satin fabric, intricate embellishments, and flowing cape sleeves made her feel like royalty—matched only by her daughter’s custom gown by the same designer. From the breathtaking chapel entrance to the gilded reception space, their vision came to life flawlessly with the help of wedding planner Betsy Jimnez of Style Your Party and florist Rema Premier Events. Even celebrity guests, including Ronald Isley, Chef Melba, and Quavo of Migos, declared it the best wedding they had ever attended. But the most cherished memory? “My daughter keeps asking if we can do it again!”

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

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wedding highlights Favorite item on the menu: We can not say what our favorite item on the menu was because we never left the dance floor. A party was had, and the guests said the food was amongst the star list of this star-studded I do’s.

celebrate their role in our journey and the endless love and support they’ve given us.

Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: For our bridesmaids and groomsmen, we wanted to gift them something meaningful that symbolized our appreciation and the lasting bond we share. We chose infinity bracelets, representing the theme of infinity and forever, a reminder that our connection and gratitude will always remain. It was a beautiful way to

Advice for brides: My advice to brides is simple: don’t stress! Trust your planner, hire a great team, and just enjoy your day. Honestly, I have no idea if any mishaps happened at my wedding because it was the most perfectly curated day of my life.

First dance song: "For the Love of You” by the Isley Brothers

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDINGS

best memories "Our favorite memory from the wedding was seeing the vision we gave our wedding planner, Betsy, come to life exactly as we imagined. It was surreal to watch everything unfold so perfectly. Even Ronald Isley, Chef Melba, and Quavo from the Migos said they had been to plenty of weddings, but this was the best they had ever seen or been a part of. Betsy truly delivered!" Alexis & Karim

vendors LOCATION: Park Château Estate & Garden WEDDING DESIGNER + PLANNER: Style Your Party FLORIST: Rema Premier Events MUA: Yeika Glow HAIR: Senada K Ceka | Hairbyroxan WARDROBE DRESSER: Melvin Styles DRESS: Zuhair Murad WEDDING HOST & DJS: Ayham Rib | DJ Prostyle | DJ Tedsmooth | DJ Flipstar FOOD TRUCKS: Bodega Truck | Carmelo’s Brick Oven Pizza FURNITURE RENTALS: Throne & More | Highstyle Rentals | IDR Rentals PHOTOGRAPHER: Stanlo Photography BTS & DECOR PHOTOGRAPHER: Beemedia BONUS RECEPTION PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER: WJ Photography VIDEOGRAPHER: Knotty Arts Studios VIOLINIST: Vanessa Moreno of HK Production Music Events

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MUNALUCHI BRIDE

D E S T I N AT I O N S

CAMI + JONATHAN PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISL AND J U LY 7 , 2 0 2 4 PHOTOGRAPHED BY LINDA MCQUEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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WEDDINGS

Text by Linda Wallentine

ami and Jonathan’s paths first crossed the summer before their freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania. Their friendship deepened during their junior year after bonding over an obscure Christian folk song Cami posted on Facebook. Though they dated and even got engaged in 2013, they eventually parted ways—only to find their way back to each other. Jonathan’s second proposal was even more meaningful, despite taking place in one of Cami’s least favorite places: an escape room. As she and her family solved the final puzzle, she discovered a cherished book, The Princess and The Goblin, which they had bonded over at a college presentation on living a life of faith. Inside was a letter addressed to Alese from David (their respective middle names and how they always addressed letters to one another), leading her through a trap wall.

Cami recalls, “Much like the princess in the book I held that had meant so much to us over the years, the princess who followed a thread through a wall in a castle to find her best friend trapped and in need of rescue, I, to my surprise, found Jonathan behind the trap wall of that escape room, waiting with a ring and a proposal.” Faith and Black culture were at the heart of their wedding at Glen House Manor in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. With expert planning by Muna Coterie member Cheryl Yiadom of Lotus Event Management, Cami and Jonathan crafted a celebration that was “moody, romantic, and unquestionably Black.” From hiring Black vendors to incorporating traditions like jumping the broom and a “Black Love Liturgy” featuring excerpts from Black literature, music, and film, their wedding was a radiant tribute to Black love and culture.

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDINGS

wedding highlights Bridesmaids/Groomspeople’s gifts: I gave the girls custom jewelry for the big day, Purple Love candles from Harlem Candle Co., matching gettingready outfits (equipped with scrunchies because we're 80s babies), and Tricia Hersey's Rest Deck (because we want to be whole queens). The groomspeople's gifts were custom socks, ties, and pocket squares for the boys and custom jewelry for the girls. First dance song: PJ Morton's "How Deep Is Your Love" (the live version with Yeba) Advice for brides: Hire a videographer - especially for the ceremony. I didn't think of how much I'd miss because I walked in last, but it was a lot. I'm so thankful to my family members who captured precious moments throughout the day, especially during the ceremony. The day really flew by, and we watched videos shared with us over and over in the weeks after. My younger brother was the real MVP because he had a front-row seat and did a superb recording of our vows, which we treasure.

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D E S T I N AT I O N S

best advice for engaged couples: If you can, write your own vows and find ways to integrate your personality and story into the ceremony - especially if you're having any kind of traditional wedding. Our personal touches - the vows we wrote, the Black Love Liturgy we compiled, and even our cocktail napkins containing various chapters of our love stories were what people remembered. Aside from that, if you can afford it, hire a wedding planner - and a good one! I am a very creative person, usually tasked with planning all the parties and events in my family and friend group, but a wedding proved to be a whole other thing. Our wedding could not have been without our wedding planner, Cheryl. And hire a good DJ. The night flies by, but the DJ sets the vibes in a real way from start to finish. Ours, DJ Exeqtive, was amazing! He and his Emcee made sure our guests had the time of their lives - they are still talking about the party all these months later.

vendors WEDDING PLANNER+ EVENT DESIGN: Lotus Event

Management PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda McQueen Photography FLORAL DESIGNER: Yanique Events DJ: DJ Exeqtive CATERING: Russell Morin Catering and Events VENUE: Glen Manor House RENTALS: Peak Event Services | Ryan Designs MAKE-UP ARTIST (MUA): Jammika Dorcelus of JDMXCV WEDDING CAKE: Montilio’s Baking Company

best memories: Our vows, by far, were the best part of the wedding. I didn't want to write personal vows, but Jonathan was really set on them. In the end, we both agreed that they were the best gifts we gave to one another at our wedding. Jonathan also compiled a "Black Love Liturgy," which was read call-and-response style during the ceremony and was a huge hit with our guests. My personal best memory, aside from our vows, was during the lighting of candles at our ancestor table, where we set up framed photos of dear loved ones who've transitioned. We began our ceremony this way, and at the moment I lit a special candle in honor of my youngest brother who died in 2020, a lone boat floated by and lingered in the harbor for just a moment before going on its way. My brother loved fishing, and a boat was his favorite place in the world to be, so it felt like him letting me know he was there with us on a day I missed him terribly.

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

D E S T I N AT I O N S

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

D E S T I N AT I O N S

AUDREY + STEWART AT L A N TA , G E O R G I A M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 4 PHOTOGRAPHED BY L A JOY PHOTOGRAPHY

Text by Lily Taylor

udrey and Stewart’s journey started before they even knew it began. They first met while attending University and often had brief but pleasant interactions. In 2010, Audrey had an internship in New York City. At the same time, Stewart was working and attending graduate school in the city. On Thursday night, Stewart and Audrey bumped into each other at a bar they both frequented, along with other college acquaintances. Audrey shares, “As we made our way to the train, Stew and I started a conversation. We chatted about places to go and things to do in the city. When Stew left to catch his train, I thought, "Oh, Stew is kind of cute." Fast forward to 2021, Audrey was living in Atlanta. For years, Audrey and Stewart had limited interactions through social media, until Stewart moved to Atlanta and suddenly became a part of Audrey’s world, proving some things are meant to be. Audrey reminisces, “We ran into each other at a friend’s birthday party, and just like that random night in 2010, we picked up right where we left off as if no time had passed. Before the night ended, I turned to Stew, looked him in the eyes, and said, ‘You should take me out on a date.’” Surrounded by family and friends, Stewart proposed to Audrey during what she thought was a party to celebrate her earning her Master of Public Health Degree. He got down on one knee and presented a beautiful engagement ring along with the customer

punch card they received on their first date at a local Atlanta restaurant. Audrey and Stewart’s weekend-long wedding celebration focused on blending Stewart’s Ghanaian culture with their American heritage. On Saturday, they honored Stewart’s family with a traditional Ghanaian ceremony. They wore beautiful blue kente outfits to signify the throat chakra and its connection to healthy communication. The day was filled with rich cultural traditions, along with dancing, music, and blessings from their elders. On Sunday, they hosted their Western-style black-tie wedding at the Atlanta History Center, with their ceremony at the Swan House and their reception in the Grand Ballroom. Their outdoor ceremony was the epitome of elegance, with a ballerina gracefully dancing down the aisle before the big moment. They focused on bridging the gap between cultures and generations, honoring both their African and Christian spiritual beliefs. For the reception, Audrey and Stewart changed into orange kente outfits, which signified the sacral chakra, the center of fertility, creativity, and intimacy. For engaged couples, Audrey advises, “Enter your marriage being completely honest about who you are, what you want, and what you expect.”

MUNALUCHI BRIDE

WEDDINGS

NO. 33 | MARCH 2025

WEDDINGS

wedding highlights

vendors PLANNER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Gail Johnson

Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids - Saturday and Sunday accessories, jewelry, and a garment bag. I also covered the expenses for their hair and makeup services Groomsmen - I gifted my groomsmen the Ghanaian outfits they wore on Saturday at the Ghanaian wedding and personal care products for the weekend. Ceremony entrance song: “All My Life” by KC & Jojo First dance song: “Prototype” by OutKast

Weddings FLORIST/DESIGNER: Ciao Bella Weddings TRANSPORTATION: Atlanta Limousine VENUE: Swan House at Atlanta History Center DJ: Boogie Lov BALLERINA: Jewel Ballerina LLC AMERICAN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: LaJoy

Photography AMERICAN WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY: The First Look

Photography GHANAIAN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: Staccato

Photography GHANAIAN WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY: The First Look Photography LINENS: BBJ La Tavola LINENS: Atlanta Party Rentals CEREMONY MUSIC: Tyler Hartley STAGE: Atlanta Party Rentals STAGE WRAP: Party Divas CAKE: Dulce Vegan CATERING: Low Country Catering RENTALS: Atlanta Party Rentals PHOTO MAGAZINE BOOTH: Jay Productions Agency HAIR: SC Hair by Starlayna SIGNAGE: IYHTVDesigns BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Yaya Beats Face BRIDESMAIDS MAKEUP: The Contour House LLC BRIDE’S DRESS: Bridal by Lori BRIDE’S SHOES: Badgley Mischka BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: David's Bridal GROOM’S TUX: The Bespoke Room MC: Fresh Impressionz OFFICIANT: D'Marquis Allen ESCORT CARDS: Amanda Mae Studio

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