Sasha & Donald met over 20 years ago in church. So it was to Sasha’s surprise that the two were able to transition their longterm friendship into love. After a whirlwind courtship, the proposal happened on Christmas. “Every year I attend my friend Danielle’s Christmas Eve Dinner at her house. And I decided to bring him along. At around 12am (Christmas Day) we light candles, read the story on the birth of Jesus, sing carols and each of us say what we are thankful for” shares Sasha. When it came time for Donald (whom Sasha describes as a wordsmith that loves to talk) to speak, he instantly captured everyones attention.
“I just thought to myself: here he goes, typical Donald. Before I knew it, he was talking about me and what I meant to him. He got down on one knee in front of my friends and popped the question. It was so surreal” says Sasha. After recovering from shock, warm tears of joy began to flow – as Sasha couldn’t believe that she was now engaged and getting married to the love of her life.
Originally united in the house of the Lord, the pair wed in a Fall ceremony that incorporated several spiritual elements that celebrated their Pentecostal faith. Their ceremony, coordinated by Coterie member Emma Pierre-Louis of Prestige Affairs Event Production also featured pops of pink and purple that added a vivid feel.
Read on for more from this couple while viewing their wedding day photos captured by fellow coterie member, David Betram of Quintessence Photo and Video.
Full Names of Couple: Bride: Sasha A. Gordon | Groom: Donald E. Gordon Jr.
Occupations: Bride: Accounts Payable Coordinator | Groom: UPS Clerk
Wedding date: 11/22/2015
Wedding location: Sand Castle Caterers in Franklin Square, NY
Describe your wedding dress! What was wedding shopping like for you?
My dress was an Allure Bridal dress. A mermaid style, sleeveless, sweetheart neckline dress. Crystal embellishment outlines the neckline and side of the dress. Wedding dress shopping was a little frustrating because after the 2nd trip I thought I wouldn’t find something I like. The bigger retail stores was a more overwhelming for me. I preferred the smaller bridal boutique where they are more attentive and hands on.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Both of us were raised and continue to practice out Pentecostal Christianity beliefs. Because of our love for each other and most importantly our love for God we decided to take communion in our wedding ceremony. That was the 1st thing that we wanted to do as a married couple.
Quick Facts:
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids: Personalized tote bags & wedding day makeup services | Groomsmen: Colorful socks and name engraved bracelets
Favorite item on the menu: Rack of Lamb
First dance song: “When I First Saw You”, Beyonce & Jaime Foxx
What is your best memory from your wedding?
My best memory has to be when my husband said his personal vows to me. He really has a way with words. When he said, he knew how Adam felt when he realized something was missing because that missing part was me, I literally was in awe.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
The best advice I would give is to enjoy the moments of being engaged. That time only last for so long. Don’t get too consumed with planning that you don’t enjoy that. In terms of the wedding day, take pictures beforehand. Believe me, I was a traditionalist and wanted to see Donald when I walked down the aisle, not before, but the pros outweigh the cons. You get to take part in the cocktail hr that you paid for and have fun with your guests.
Vendors
Wedding Dress Designer: Allure Bridals
Wedding Dress Salon: RK Bridal (NYC)
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Wedding Coordinator: Prestige Affairs Events Production (NJ)
Hair: Ashley Lee Styling (NYC)
Make up: Beauty by Abi (NYC)
Groom’s Attire: Tuxedo, EZ Tuxedo (NJ)
Groomsmen Attire: Black by Vera Wang, Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff
Ceremony & Reception Location: Sand Castle Caterers
Photography: Quintessence Photography (NYC)
Videography: LJR Films (NYC)
Florist: James Anthony Floral
Limo: Camelot Specialty Limo
DJ: DJ I.M
Photo Booth: Hipstr Photo Booth
Menu/Signs: Charlene Humphries-Wilson (NYC)
Ceremony Keyboardist: Jacques Doucet (NYC)
Stationery: Darold J Pinnock
Reception Band: Speakerbox (NYC)
Officiant: Bishop James W. Huntley & Rev. Julian D. Stephen
