Latania, in Design/Leather Research & Development has her Delta Sigma Theta sister to thank for meeting Anwar, in Finance Project Management who has his middle school best friend to thank for meeting her. After hearing about each other for ages through their friends, finally meeting each other was quite a memorable moment. But the two took it slow and were open to a long distance relationship until they couldn’t stand to be apart from each other any longer. Which brings us to their gorgeous summer wedding in the oh so sunny paradise of Montego Bay, Jamaica. A place very close to both their hearts.
Wedding Date: July 12, 2014
Wedding Location: The Tryall Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica
First Dance Song: “All of Me” by John Legend
Favorite Item on the Menu: The cupcakes were so good!
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: The bridesmaids received monogrammed robes, MantraBand bracelets, and bridesmaid survival kits while the groomsmen received monogrammed whiskey glasses and handkerchiefs.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
Thanks to Alyse, Latania’s Delta Sigma Theta line sister and one of Anwar’s best friends since the sixth grade, they would always hear stories about the other before being able to match a face to the name.
Because of their linked social circle, Latania and Anwar actually met several times before they started dating. The timing never seemed to be quite right, so it took three encounters over a four year period before Anwar finally asked Latania to dinner, where she proceeded to give him the runaround.
On their first date, they discussed everything from their favorite birthday memory, dream wedding destinations, and Anwar’s pending transfer to Hong Kong for work (Latania was actually quite encouraging towards the idea of his move). Sadly, there could be no second date in New York as Anwar had to quickly return to London, where he was living at the time. Fortunately, Latania was able to visit him in London for a proper second date. Little did they know, the instant chemistry and free flowing conversation would lead to multiple lengthy emails and a series of four hour “phone dates” each Sunday.
Once Anwar moved to Hong Kong, the couple was sure they had something truly special and began a long distance relationship. Several high phone bills, expensive plane tickets, and skype dates later, Anwar moved home.
Wedding Style
The strapless, ivory gown had a sweetheart neckline and a slightly vintage feel. The fabric was a heavy guipure lace with an under layer of iridescent sequins for a touch of sparkle in the sunlight. At first it seemed a little heavy and over the top for an island wedding, but in the end, the overall look fit perfectly with the romantic feel of the day.
I went to three bridal salons in NYC prior to finding “the one” at Bridal Reflections in NYC. When I stepped into the sample, it fit like a glove, and the moment I saw myself in the mirror, there were waterworks. That was my sign and the search was over. It brought me to tears immediately, so this had to be my dress!
Culture
We performed a Unity Candle ceremony, with our mothers lighting our individual candles before we lit the unity candle together. We both have family roots in Jamaica, so it was nice to bring our family and friends “back home.”
Memories
I remember having so much fun! After a year of planning and stress, it was such a good feeling to bring everyone together for a day of celebration and a night of endless laughter and dancing.
Help a bride-to-be out!
Remember the wedding is about YOU! Family and friends will all have their opinions, but in the end, it’s more important for the bride and groom to be happy and enjoy their day in whatever way they want.
Vendors:
Wedding Dress: Angel Rivera
Wedding Dress Salon: Bridal Reflections, NYC
Headpiece/Necklace: Headpiece Heaven/Etsy
Shoes: Custom Ralph Lauren Collection
Bridesmaid Dresses: Weddington Way
Hair & Makeup: Joni Powell, Gourmet Makeup
Groom’s Suit: Calvin Klein
Groomsmen Suits: Jos. A Banks
Wedding Planner: Ophellia McKnight, Bridal Affair Destinations
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Tryall Club
Florals & Decor: New Levels Decor
Cake: Cakes by Noida
Photography: Dwayne Watkins, Team DWP Studios
Entertainment: Kevan Stewart, Jamaica Wedding DJ
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