Fall Haitian Wedding in Brooklyn

Dorothy and Reginald, both in real estate, held quite the rustic glam ceremony in the picturesque Brooklyn cathedral of St. Joseph’s after meeting through a mutual friend while Dorothy was on the apartment hunt. After a very historical proposal, the couple was thrilled to incorporate their Haitian culture into the wedding of their dreams as they celebrated making a bit of history of their own.

Wedding Date: October 17, 2014
Wedding Location: Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph and The Greenpoint Loft
First Dance Song: “Let’s Chill” by Guy
Favorite Item on the Wedding Menu: Crab Cakes and Diri Djon Djon (Black Rice)

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!

Reggie and I met in the fall of 2009. A friend referred me to him because I was looking for an apartment so we set up an appointment over the phone for the following morning. I went to see the apartment with my sister and after leaving the appointment, I told her, “I’m gonna marry him.” I can’t explain it…I just knew. He eventually found me the perfect place, conveniently located right across the street from him, in March 2010. Reg finally asked me out in June. He took me to an art show, dinner and a Sweet Mickey concert – it was the best date ever. Reggie says, “As soon as I saw Dorothy I knew there was something special about her.” He adds, “I knew she was the one. I found my Haitian princess.”

Reggie proposed to me in Washington, DC on the National Mall. I was completely surprised and emotional…it was a really sweet moment.

Wedding Style

Our wedding style was Old Hollywood meets Brooklyn Bashment. It was a big party! We loved the idea of using a raw event space and adding sophisticated elements throughout.

I would describe my dress as classic and elegant. Shopping was way easier than I thought it would be. I went with my mom, sister and two close friends and we found the dress on our first shopping trip. It was the second dress I tried on and when I put it on, everyone cried… even the bridal shop consultant!

Culture

Reggie and I are both Haitian, so incorporating our culture was really important to us. Our menu and music reflected that. We had diri djon djon (Haitian black rice), lot’s of kompa music, and we handed out miniature bottle of Haitian cremas (a sweet, creamy alcoholic beverage) as favors.

Help a bride-to-be out!

Make the best choices for your wedding within your budget and let your wedding reflect who you are as a couple. And hire a wedding planner! Victoria was a breath of fresh air! Not only was she able to bring my wedding vision to life, she helped me stay calm and focus on all of the items on our to-do list, which is so important as you get closer to the big day.

Vendors

Wedding Planner/Event Designer: Victoria Nee-Lartey, Victorious Events NYC
Photography: Jide Alakija, Alakija Studios
Ceremony Location: Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph
Reception Location: The Greenpoint Loft
Wedding Dress Designer: Justin Alexander
Wedding Dress Salon: RK Bridal
Hair: Mohan Jean-Mary, Modimel Studios
Makeup: Khadeen Ellis, Kolor & Kontour by Kay
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Florist: The Rose Garden of Park Slope
Catering: Bon Soir Caterers
Cake: Heavenly Crumbs
Stationery: Michelle Tee Design Studios
Entertainment: DJ Ricky Bonds