Eternal Elegance: Simply Chic Wedding in NJ

Alicia and Frederick first met as co-workers where they enjoyed each other’s company for over a year, building a strong friendship of mutual respect and admiration. When a career change for Alicia had them going their separate ways Frederick invited her out for drinks with friends. Neither of them thinking anything of it, it would end up being the evening that put them on the path towards together forever. In Alicia’s words, “after that night out with friends, we began talking every day and honestly the rest is history…”

Read all about Alicia & Frederick in their classic ballroom wedding in New Jersey – beautifully captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Sheronda Seawright.

Bride & Groom: Alicia & Frederick
Location of Wedding: The Merion 
Wedding Date: 10/7/2018

Tell us how you met. Freddy and I met while working at a restaurant in South Jersey. He was a manager there and I was picking up a second job to supplement my income as a foster care case manager, completely intending on buying my first home – on my own – within a year and accepting that there were no good guys out there, HA! We worked together for almost a year and we’re always just really cool. We got along great, had great conversations, and that was it—just a good working relationship. After about a year, I ended up making a career switch that allowed me to quit my second job and after I stopped working at the restaurant, Freddy invited me out with a couple of friends for a drink. Neither of us really thought of it as much more than that going into it. After that night out with friends, we began talking every day and honestly the rest is history. We came into each other’s lives at the perfect time and it truly felt heaven sent how things fell together. Now here we are, married, both careers elevating and living in NYC. We’ve been inseparable since one casual night out at a bar with some mutual friends!

How did you know they were “the one”? We can talk to each other about anything. We are truly best friends and have so much fun together. Pretty early in our relationship, I told Freddy things I had never told anyone. We’ve always been able to be open and be honest with each other without judgement. I knew for sure he was the one when I brought him to meet all of my family for the first time. I come from a huge family and we’re VERY close. Freddy came to a cookout at my aunt’s house and the way he interacted with everyone, especially my little nieces and nephews, he just fit right in. I didn’t have to babysit him, he was just himself and everyone loved him (including my dad, who before Freddy thought no one in the world was good enough for his princess). I just felt a calm and sense of peace that I had never felt before. There was no doubt in my mind he was the one.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We didn’t want to follow too many traditions because we didn’t want a scripted wedding, we really just wanted to be able to let loose and enjoy our family and friends. We were sure to mix in some Kompa music as Freddy is Haitian and it was great to see his mom and aunts and uncles out on the dance floor!

Describe your wedding style. Our wedding was classic, chic, and simple. Nothing over the top, just classy and most of all FUN.

Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory. I wore a fitted Martina Liana dress with a low back and long train. It had beautiful crystals all over the top. It was beautiful, classy, and not too much, while also being a bit sexy. My favorite wedding accessory were my shoes, although they didn’t last long because the minute the ceremony was over all I wanted to do was dance.

Favorite item on menu: chicken oscar
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: I got my bridesmaids earrings to wear on wedding day with a personalized message in each box, along with a robe that said “bridesmaid” and their initials, and also paid for a portion of their hair/makeup. We got our groomsmen personalized whisky glasses and cigars.
First Dance Song: “Spend My Life With You” by Eric Benet and Tamia

What is your best memory from your wedding? I wish I could relive the whole day but my top 3 would be: impromptu slow dancing with my husband while dinner was being served. It was just the two of us in our own little world; my dance with my dad, who is my best friend and had been dealing with some health issues so to have him there with me and to not miss a beat meant the world to me; and when the DJ played the Swag Surf. I’m pretty sure all 175 of our guests were on the dance floor!

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? ENJOY THE PROCESS! Everyone says it, but it really does go so quickly. And while you’re planning this one day, don’t forget about putting in the work for the lifetime you have to spend together when that day is over.

Vendors:
Bride’s dress: Martina Liana
Bridal salon: Bridal by Cyndi
Bride’s headpiece and/or veil: Bridal by Cyndi
Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka
Cakes/desserts: Sunflour Bakery & The Merion
Catering: The Merion
Ceremony venue: The Merion – North Garden
Event decor/design: Our planning with rentals from Alisha Simone and Albanian Party Must Haves
Entertainment: DJ Stakz
Event planner: (the Bride) (Day of Coordinator by the Merion – Stephanie)
Florals: Alisha Simone
Groom’s attire: Giorgenti Custom Clothing
Groomsmen attire: Giorgenti Custom Clothing
Hair: Alicia Rose
Lighting: The Merion
Linens: The Merion
Makeup: Jessie V (Bride, MOH’s, and Mother of bride and groom) and
Shelly Mayfield (Bridesmaids)
Photography: Sheronda Seawright Photography
Photo booth: Instaglamour Photo Booth
Reception venue: The Merion
Rentals: Alisha Simone and Albanian Party Must Haves
Stationery: Minted.com