Culture and style collide in this modern romance between Trinidad Bombshell, Monique, and Southern Gentleman, Alphonso, at their lux Biltmore Ballroom wedding in Atlanta, Georgia.
My running joke is that Alphonso stalked me. But in all seriousness, The Lord knew that the man I briefly met in 2011 while road-tripping with my line sisters to Troy, AL was the man He had perfectly made for me.”
Monique (The Bride)
When Alphonso first set eyes on Monique in 2011, he knew he wanted her. He even said it aloud to his friends. However, there was a catch: they were both in relationships. Upon their second chance meeting in Troy, Alabama, they exchanged social media and kept in touch over the years. On separate occasions, each of them shot their shot, but each time one or the other was in a new relationship! In 2017, the stars finally aligned just right.
Randomly she messages me for the first time since turning me down. This woman asked me about using my discount for a rental car. In my head I was saying “not after how you did me,” but my fingers wrote back asking “what size car?”
Alphonso (The Groom)
This random message about a rental car sparked more conversations, trips, and eventually love! They made things official and 5 years later, following a surprise proposal surrounded by their friends and family, they said “I Do” on September 16th, 2022. Their special day featured Monique’s Trinidad culture and Alphonso’s southern background at The Biltmore Ballroom in Atlanta. Glam details include a custom wedding gown (showing off all the legsss!) by Brides by Nona, elegant decor and designs by Truly Ewers Events, gorgeous florals by Sejour Events, and flawless photography by Muna Coterie member, REEM Photography.
More sweet details below!
- Couple: Alphonso De’Shun Lewis & Monique Lenore Mussio
- Occupations: Alphonso is a Task Manager for The Department of Defense;
Monique is an HR Liaison for The Department of Defense
Quick Facts:
- Date of Wedding: September 16, 2022
- Location: The Biltmore Ballroom (Atlanta, GA)
- Bridesmaid Gifts: All the Bridesmaids gifts were intentionally thought out for all things modern yet minimal and meaningful; they also were crafted with woman-owned and/or black and brown business-owned items. Bridesmaids received Proposal boxes with initial charm necklaces, dainty bracelets, body oil, candles, a gold pen and a personalized card.
- Bridesmaid ‘Thank you’ gifts: A Nordstrom moonlight pajama set, a customized handkerchief, Saint Laurent black opium, and Saint Laurent Libre.
- Groomsmen Proposal Boxes: A Cigar, Cigar Cutter, Flask with Initials, Miniature bottle of whiskey, and a Personalized whiskey glass.
- Groomsmen Wedding Day Gifts: Best Men received whiskey decanters. All received a cigar, socks, and a gold brooch of their first initial.
- Gifts for one another: Bride’s Gift – Saint Laurent Crossbody bag; Groom’s Gift – Movado BOLD Verso Gold Bracelet watch, framed picture of our saying “I Love Me Some You”, and a journal titled “Letters to My Person” that Monique started writing in from the week they got engaged up to their wedding day.
- Ceremony Entrance song: “Freestyle” by Lil’ Baby
- First dance song: “Anything for you” by Ledisi & PJ Morton
How did you meet?
Monique’s Version…
My running joke is that Alphonso stalked me. But in all seriousness, The Lord knew that the man I briefly met in 2011 while road tripping with my line sisters to Troy, AL was the man He had perfectly made for me.
After visiting Troy twice in row, Alphonso and I kept up with one another via social media. We reconnected over me needing a rental car and Game of Thrones in 2017; the rest is history. We had a handful of getting to know you conversations which then turned into FaceTimes and then FaceTime dates – given that he was in Alabama and I was in Florida.
Eventually, we decided to venture to Atlanta for our first ‘real’ date and within a few months, I not-so-subtly asked him if I was his girlfriend. Now, 5 years later with life’s twists and turns, we finally said “I Do” to forever.
Alphonso’s Version…
“Love at first sight.” I never thought that it was a real thing until November 13th, 2011 when I saw Monique Lenore Mussio for the first time. I immediately told my friend “I want her” as she was getting in the car to head back to FAMU. That next year she ended up returning for homecoming and we were able to speak but only exchanged social media names as we were both in relationships at the time.
A few years later while speaking on social media she shot her shot. Unfortunately for her, I was still in a relationship but I did let it be known that she’d be the first person I’d pursue if things ended to which she said “a girl can only dream”. Well about a year after I became single, I could hear that very quote repeating in my head. I messaged her on social media to let her know that I was officially single to which she said “good for you” as she was in a relationship now.
After being brutally let down I figured it was over. But God! Randomly she messages me for the first time since turning me down. This woman asked me about using my discount for a rental car. In my head I was saying “not after how you did me” but my fingers wrote back asking “what size car?” That conversation led to many others and eventually to trips. But most importantly it led to the beginning of our relationship together. And there is absolutely no one else on God’s Earth, who I’d want to spend the rest of my life with.
Tell us about the proposal.
Monique told me she wanted a private proposal and everything she would appreciate when being proposed to, so I followed the blueprint and added my own touch. After getting the ring and asking her parents and sister for their blessing I proceeded to plan in collaboration with her sister.
The expectation was for it to be private and intentional and then to have family and friends around later. Monique and her sister had a planned sister’s trip to Atlanta to visit Chateau Elan for wine and a girl’s getaway…well I hijacked that. Along with planning the actual proposal, I also planned an event after for us to go to where family and friends would be waiting.
The big day…
So, on the big day, I arrived an hour before their wine tour to make sure everything was set up and in place, and that the videographer was there. I also posted a pre-recorded video to my Instagram story of me playing the game to throw her off. When they walked in for their tour I called Monique, as if I was home, to check on her and see how the tour was going but she was short because she had just gotten her first glass.
After hanging up, the videographer and I walked to the top of the steps and her sister told her to turn around and look at the stairs. She saw me and began walking towards me as I was walking towards her. Caught off guard with nervous joy and excitement on her face she could sense the moment. I walked her up the stairs and to the balcony where we could be alone and I could look her in her eye and express my intention to love and care for her for the rest of our lives. She quickly said yes with tears in her eyes and we embraced and sealed it with a kiss.
A special surprise…
After enjoying the moment, we went back to the hotel because I told her we had reservations for dinner. I proceeded to pull out a suitcase of half of her closet for her to change and we were off to the restaurant. Unaware of where we were going, we arrived at 5 Church in Midtown Atlanta. After walking up the stairs to the rooftop, she was surprised and greeted with hugs by friends, family, and food and proceeded to celebrate the night away.
Wedding Style:
Modern Minimalist that sets the mood. Our colors were Oxblood red, black, with hints of blush and off white. We were intentional about every detail and making sure our wedding was something that we and our guests have never experienced. From our black colored cake to the Orchestra Noir playing throughout the day, our day was truly all encompassing of our Modern Minimalist vision.
Mr. & Mrs…
The dress:
I was never the type of girl who dreamt of my wedding, but once it was my reality, I knew I wanted a custom dress! I had come across Nneka Alexander’s designs in 2019 – way before a ring was even a thought – and fell in love with her artistry. Honestly, she has found her ministry! From the moment I got engaged, (legit) 1 hour later, I was emailing Nneka requesting a consultation and sharing how it’d be a dream to have her design my dress. Once I was in the room for my consultation, I fan-girled and said “I just want to show my money maker – these legssssss,” and she made my dream become an absolute vision!
The Suit:
I knew exactly what I wanted for my tux. During the process of planning the proposal I looked at options and ended up liking one above all the rest. After doing research to find who designed the tux, I was led to the Miguel Wilson Collection. The company was black owned, in the city of the wedding, and the owner was a member of my fraternity. Upon doing our consultation I came to him with the idea in mind of one of his previous creations, we made a few minor tweaks for personalization. The print on the fabric along with the velvet touches came together to make my imagination a reality.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
Much! We swore that the invoices would never end, but it was also rewarding and so fulfilling as we got to see everything we planned and prepared for – nearly 1.5 years – take its shape. Our day was honestly more than anything we could have ever expected or imagined.
Reception space & decor…
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Monique: My father is from Trinidad, so we split up the Father/Daughter dance into two parts – the first was the traditional sappy slow song and then we cranked up the Soca and danced to Skinny Fabulous x Machel Montano x Bunji Garlin’s Famalay with Trinidad flags in hand.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The emotions felt throughout our day are indescribable. Of course, starting forever with your person while being surrounded by your loved ones is always going to be our best memory.
But another moment we value and are thankful for was being able to partner with Kristin Fabrizio, Founder & CEO of nonprofit – ReFlowering. We both believe that service is the rent you pay for your time here on Earth. Being able to repurpose our wedding flowers and donate them to the Philips Tower, a senior and assisted living community in Decatur, GA truly filled our hearts.
It’s easy to reflect on our wedding and name this or that, but knowing that we were able to also bring smiles to others’ faces with a nice gesture is also super fulfilling.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Always remember that you two are on the same team! Hold firm to what you and your partner want for your special day, and when things appear chaotic and people are trying, know that it’s okay to pause and give it to God.
Looking for more inspiration like this wedding at The Biltmore?
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Vendors:
- Planner: Paula Ewers of Truly Ewers Events
- Ceremony Site and Reception Site contact: Carrie Hopson of Biltmore Ballroom
- Catering: Three Sisters Catering
- Bakery: Sweet Details
- Officiant: Rev. Szymanski Fields
- Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Orchestra: Orchestra Noir
- Florist: Sejour Events
- Photographer: REEM Photography
- Videographer: Unleashed Vizuals
- DJ: DJ Black Haze
- Groom’s Suite: Miguel Wilson Collection
- Bridal Dress: Brides by Nona
- Bridal Makeup Only: Color du Jour
- Bridesmaids Hair: Shareeka Mitchell of My Beauty Reflected
- Bridesmaids Makeup: Face Boss Beat by Corey Rodriquez
- Transportation Bridal Party Pre-Ceremony: Father of the Groom
- Stationery: Taylored Designs Company by Deandrea
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