Green pastures, bright florals, a classic red barn, and two glam gowns are highlights of this chic barn wedding in Massachusetts.
Harlisa & Paul’s love story began unlike most couples today. Instead of swiping right or matching on a dating app, they met the old-school way: in-person and completely unplanned. One night while out with friends at a bar in Boston, they caught each other’s eyes. They struck up a conversation at the bar and the rest is history!
Following a 5-year courtship and a surprise proposal, the pair said “I Do” at a gorgeous summer wedding in Massachusetts. Surrounded by friends and family, they exchanged vows before sprawling green hills and danced the night away in The Barn at Gibbet Hill. Harlisa turned heads in two dresses (for their first-look and reception, a glam fit and flare gown, and for the ceremony, a surprise a-line ball gown), while Paul sported a classic navy blue tux with black accents. Looking back, they couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to officially start their lives together.
More on their love story and chic barn wedding below!
- Couple: Harlisa Minaya & Paul Ebai
- Occupations: Harlisa is a Human Resources professional and Paul is an Engineer
Quick Facts:
- Date of Wedding: Jul 29, 2022
- Location: Groton, Massachusetts
- Gifts for bridesmaids & groomsmen: Jewelry, Yeti mugs, and day-of hair & makeup for the bridesmaids and watches, socks and ties for the groomsmen.
- Gifts for one another: Harlisa gifted Paul a watch and Paul gave her her first pair of Louboutins to wear on their first date as a married couple!
- Ceremony entrance song: “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” by Flavour
- First dance song: “Power of Love” by Celine Dion
How they met…
We met through mutual friends during a night out at the W Hotel bar in Boston, MA.
The proposal…
Harlisa came down with the flu the same weekend Paul planned an elaborate proposal, so Paul had to kick his plan b into place. It was a low key, but super special proposal at Del Frisco’s Grille. She didn’t see it coming, especially because it was a Tuesday evening!
Their first look…
Wedding style…
It was a chic barn wedding.
The ceremony…
Mr. & Mrs…
Wedding attire…
Harlisa wore a fit and flare dress for the first look and reception, and changed into an A-line ball gown to give Paul that element of surprise during the ceremony. Paul wore a classic tux, but with a touch of personality since the jacket was navy blue and pants were black.
Shopping experience…
A breeze! Harlisa found her gowns on the first shopping trip. Stella Grace Bridal in Salem, NH gave her crew the ultimate VIP experience.
Cultural elements…
We incorporated a traditional Cameroonian ‘money dance’ during the reception. The money spraying while the couple dances is meant to symbolize a blessed and prosperous future for the bride and groom.
Best wedding day memories…
Paul’s was seeing Harlisa come out into the ceremony – her veil was blowing in the wind like something out of a dream, as was the entire day! Harlisa’s was a moment on the dance floor when the two of them were dancing surrounded by all their loved ones having a blast! It was a happy, surreal moment that at the time, felt like life was going in slow motion.
The sweet details…
Wedding advice for other engaged couples…
In all reality no one will notice the small details you’re stressing over so keep the focus: you’re marrying the person of your dreams!
Looking for more chic barn wedding inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Venue: The Barn at Gibbet Hill
- Photographer: Piper Brown Photography
- Hair: The Loft Hair Studio
- Makeup: Makeovers by Ligia
- Bakery: Dolce Amar
- Florist: Rocco Floral
- DJ: Deejay Mothley
- Submitted via Two Bright Lights
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