When Halston Shannon proposed to Ruth in April 2024, the question arrived on a sign written in Haitian Creole: “Marye avè m.” On September 19, 2026, the couple answered it with a Haitian wedding at Gran Paraiso Gardens in Homestead, Florida, where timeless style met personal detail and a joyful, high-energy reception. Halston, a MunaCoterie member and the founder of HALSTON, a cinematic wedding invitation studio, designed the invitation suite himself. It combined their monogram with ivory, white and gold details and footage from their engagement film, giving guests a preview of the celebration to come.
Ruth wore a gown by La Poise and changed into a second look by Meshki, while Halston wore a tux from RichMen Looks. The day included an emotional First Look, a playful Flower Man entrance, and décor inspired by the evening’s “Heaven on Earth” theme.Guests were invited to wear jewel tones and arrived in emerald, ruby, plum, teal and burgundy. Haitian flags printed with the couple’s monogram, Konpa on the dance floor, and meaningful expressions of Black American heritage made the celebration distinctly theirs, and a Brazilian steakhouse-style dinner added a memorable finish. As Ruth and Halston put it, “We were sure about each other from Day 1.”
Quick Facts: The Wedding Soundtrack
Ceremony Entrance Song: “Me & U” by Tems
First Dance Songs: “Forever Mine” by The O’Jays and “Pou Ou” by Mebel Brun
Tell us about your occupations.
Halston is the founder and creative director of HALSTON. Ruth is a Registered Behavior Technician.
How did you meet?
We met on Instagram in mid-April 2019. Our first date was the following week, and we became official a month later. We were sure about each other from Day 1.
Tell us about the proposal.
Halston proposed on April 14, 2024. He told me he wanted to try a new brunch spot he had found, and I agreed. I had no idea he had booked the private room, invited a select group of our closest friends, and worked with my best friend on the décor so it would feel as special as possible. The most meaningful piece was the “Marry Me” sign written in Haitian Creole: “Marye avè m.” Read their engagement story here.
Tell us about your wedding attire.
I wore a gown by La Poise, and Halston’s tux was from RichMen Looks. The shopping experience was straightforward because we already knew who we wanted to work with. Like any bride, I found that creating the dress took consistent, clear communication to achieve my vision, and La Poise delivered exactly that.
How did you incorporate your culture into your Haitian wedding?
Our 125 guests received Haitian flags printed with our wedding monogram. I am a Konpa dance enthusiast and instructor, so our first dance had to include it, especially since I have been teaching Halston since we met. For our entrance, Halston chose to carry the Black American Heritage Flag, created in 1967 to give Black Americans a distinct symbol of cultural pride and representation. He is always proud of his roots and the history of Black Americans, and he made this element a priority.
What is your favorite wedding memory?
The First Look. We were not sure we would do one until the week of the wedding, but it was such an intimate moment, and we are so glad we went through with it.
What advice do you have for engaged couples?
Keep God at the center of your relationship and eventual marriage. Pray together constantly, prioritize your date nights, and always remain a team, especially in the toughest moments. Wedding planning was one of the most stressful things we have ever been through, but we picked each other up when it seemed we had nothing left. That same approach will carry us through our marriage, and we encourage every couple to embrace it.
Wedding Team
Photography: @photosbyreem
Cinematic invitations, stationery and creative direction: @halstonshannon | Halston Shannon
Videography: @unleashedvizuals
Wedding content: @theemaidofcontent
Venue: @granparaisogardens
Planning / groom’s concierge: @a.vibe_lux
Event design: @nleightonevents
Décor and florals: @veneventsfl
Furniture: @classicaleventrental
Officiant: @jeffreycomperesr
Host: @zoepoze
DJ: @jstyletally
Violinist: @ianbmann
Bride’s dress: @la.poise
Bride’s second dress: @meshki
Hair: @favorglam_bridal
Makeup: @sidneysartistry
Nails: @nails.by.solbeauty
Groom’s tux and groomsmen suits: @richmenlooks
Video guestbook / message board: @saintandcelebrationco
Ballerina: @ladanseatelier
