Barbara and Jamal's Classic Wedding with Caribbean Flair in Ohio -Munaluchi Bride

Barbara and Jamal first met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. They spent time talking and getting to know each other but afterwards they parted ways. A few months later they were brought back into each other’s lives when Barbara was invited to spend Thanksgiving dinner at Jamal’s family’s house. They have been together ever since.

Read all about Barbara and Jamal’s relationship as well as their wedding in Ohio which was exquisitely captured by MunaLuchi coterie member Jazzymae Photography.

Bride & Groom: Barbara and Jamal
Occupations: Professor & Network Engineer
Wedding date: September 30, 2017
Wedding location: Cleveland, OH

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met at a mutual friend’s birthday party almost six years ago. We hung out for a little bit and had a great time but parted ways afterwards. A few months later, I was invited to Thanksgiving dinner at Jamal’s family’s house. We reconnected, exchanged numbers this time, and we’ve been together ever since.

Jamal proposed on a weeknight after a long day out. I had gone to get drinks with a few colleagues. When I got home, I changed into pajamas, washed the makeup off my face, and started working on the couch. He came to sit next to me and we chatted for a bit. After telling me how much he loved me, he popped the question. In the moment I thought he was joking, but when he put the ring in my lap, well…that was it. I started cracking up at how true to us it was, comfy and very low-key, and I said yes!

What was wedding shopping like for you? (Barbara) I knew early on that I wanted to look grown for my wedding day. I went shopping back home in Atlanta with my mom, grandma and bridesmaid. I stood firm: no strapless and no princess ball gown. Both the saleswoman and my mom paid close attention to what I wanted. My mom actually picked the perfect dress. It was a fit and flare with halter neck line and lace back. I only went to one shop and tried on four dresses. Once I knew, I knew. My mom kept commenting on how my eyes lit up once I tried it on. (Jamal) I have always felt it imperative that a man knows how to carry himself in a suit, so, when it came to choosing for my wedding day, I already had a strong idea of what I wanted to see. Me and my guys were going to look like this was what we do every day. I chose a slim fit suit that would make us all stand out, with colors to complement my wife and to make all of the guys feel good.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We share Caribbean heritage (my parents are from Haiti, and Jamal’s from Guyana), so we wanted our wedding to include aspects of both cultures. At our church ceremony, there was Scripture read in Haitian Creole. Our first look pictures and introduction included our flags, and our guests danced all night to soca, reggae, zouk, and kompa. There is a Guyanese tradition that the groom’s cake is black cake which we had served to our guests, and they could take home as favors.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: The bridesmaids each received a monogrammed tote with a personalized hanger, jewelry for the day (earrings and an arm cuff), a pashmina, and a handwritten thank you card. The groomsmen each received a monogrammed decanter and glass set and monogrammed cufflinks.

Favorite item on the menu: Salmon with lemon buerre blanc. The sauce was amazing.

First dance song: “Stay with You” -John Legend

What is your best memory from your wedding? (Barbara) Our send off picture in front of the church is my best memory. It was amazing to see all of our loved ones smiling and clapping for us after our ceremony. (Jamal) Our introduction as Mr. & Mrs. James at the reception is my favorite memory. We grabbed our flags and danced in to Jidenna’s “Little Bit More.”

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Make sure to continue to commit to each other during the planning process. It gets overwhelming, but remember that love is what brought you to this point. Also, do a lot of research on your vendors, and trust them to do their job.