Rebecca and Kevin blended modern elements with tradition and culture at their chic and modern spring chapel wedding! It was not only a celebration of their union, but a celebration of their faith and strength as a couple.
Rebecca and Kevin were introduced through Rebecca’s mom and Kevin’s aunt. After they had each been told that they should give each other a call, they both agreed with no expectations. At the time, Rebecca lived in New York City and Kevin had recently moved to Mississippi. Despite neither having any intentions of getting into a relationship, they connected deeply through the phone and spoke for three hours.
The conversation was fluid, comfortable, easy, and sprinkled with laughs and heart-to-heart moments.
– Rebecca (The Bride)
For a little over a year, as well as during the pandemic, Rebecca and Kevin traveled between states, seeing each other whenever possible. Through all the difficulties of a long-distance relationship, Rebecca and Kevin remained strong and treasured the precious moments they were able to have with one another. On New Year’s Eve, Kevin drove over eight hours to see Rebecca. On January 3rd he got down on one knee and asked Rebecca to be his wife, to which she joyfully replied “Yes!”.
Their chic and modern 2-day wedding celebration combined tradition, culture, and faith, featuring a traditional West African ceremony, a Western-style chapel wedding, and Ghanaian and Nigerian food during the reception.
Read more about their love story and see the beautiful details from their modern-chic nuptials below!
- Couple: Rebecca & Kevin
- Wedding Date: May 28, 2022
A modern love story…
Rebecca received a call from her mother on a cold, winter morning in New York City. She recalls carrying a heavy load of groceries up to her apartment. Her mom mentions a conversation she had with her aunt regarding a nice young man. She asked Rebecca if they could pass along her contact information. Rebecca internally rolled her eyes and rushed her mother off the phone (nearly dropping her groceries) in the process. She ultimately agreed to what her mom was suggesting and responded with “Sure, whatever, you may give him my information”.
The prior week, Kevin received a call from Rebecca’s aunt. During the conversation, she specifically asked him “Are you single?” to which he replied “Yes”. She then proceeded to say, “Well, I think I have the perfect girl for you.” Kevin had recently moved to Meridian, Mississippi, and started a new job. At the time, Kevin was not entertaining a potential relationship, but he took her proposal into consideration.
That afternoon, Kevin and Rebecca had their first phone conversation. They spoke for about three hours. The conversation was fluid, comfortable, easy, and sprinkled with laughs and heart-to-heart moments.
The proposal…
It was a ping pong of travel between states for a year plus, before Rebecca relocated to Dallas at the end of December 2019, for a new job opportunity. More importantly, Rebecca desired to be closer to Kevin and his family. To be in the same time zone and within fair driving distance from each other is a blessing for Kevin and Rebecca, considering the unforeseen pandemic years ahead.
During the pandemic, they had navigated seeing each other when able. They had forgiven the countless flight delays, flight cancellations, and cross-country baggage mishaps, as they truly added color to their story. Despite the challenges, it was completely worth it for these two. Their moments spent together are full and highly treasured. On New Year’s Eve, Kevin drove 8+ hours, amidst many unplanned detours, from Meridian to Dallas. Unbeknownst to Rebecca, he was on a mission that would change their lives forever.
Throughout their dating relationship, God has truly shown up and presented Himself in every little detail. January 3rd, 2021 was no different. God’s presence was present, and Kevin responded in full faith. A prayer of love and adoration poured from Kevin’s heart to Rebecca, as he got on one knee and asked Rebecca to be his wife, with an engagement ring only fit for his queen. Flooding with tears of emotion, Rebecca said “Yes!” In shock by the reality of what just occurred, Rebecca told Kevin that she needed to sit down. They embraced each other before falling to the floor, laughing with excitement.
Their wedding day…
We are both strong believers in God and truly love how He has shown up in each of our lives individually and now collectively as a couple. It was very important to us that our wedding celebration was truly a worship service honoring God. We wanted all who attended to feel the presence of God. In fact, our harpist played The Goodness of God, by Bethel as we exited the chapel. Marriage is truly a gift from God and we desire to honor Him daily with our union.
The food…
We are both first-generation West Africans, who grew up in the South (Kevin, Memphis, TN/ Rebecca, Little Rock, AR).
My parents are from Ghana, Africa, and Kevin’s parents are from Nigeria, Africa. To nod to our West African roots, we incorporated West African flavors as hors d’oeuvres, during the cocktail hour. Vibrant Occasions used my mother’s homemade recipe for Ghanaian meat and vegetable pies and we also had fried plantain bites.
We had a 2-day wedding celebration. A traditional West African Ceremony was hosted by our parents on the evening of May 27th. The food for the plated dinner reception was focused on fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables, with a hint of spice.
Special details…
We did not do a first look and opted to see each other for the first time in the chapel. I was flooding with tears and Kevin did a silent shout of “wow” as the bride entered. When we both met each other’s eyes, we bursted out in giddy laughter (our officiant included).
Also, my brother (Robert Amponsah) played “The Lord’s Prayer” accompanied by the harpist on the flute, which was very special for us. Towards the end of the piece, I was moved to sing along (with her father), as she has the gift of voice and worship and they are a musical family (hence the tambourines as bouquets, for the bridesmaids).
Tips for engaged couples…
Spend where it is most meaningful for you as a couple.
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Vendors:
- Venue: Cold Springs Wedding
- Catering: Vibrant Occasions Catering
- Wedding Planner: Brittany Bloom Events + Design
- Ceremony Harpist: Alisa Coffey
- Ceremony Flutist: Robert Amponsah (bride’s brother)
- Reception Band: Book Even Odds
- Florist: Tanarah Luxe Floral
- Rentals: Eventology
- Officiant: Dr. Kwesi Kamau
- Hair Stylist: Ember ShaNisha
- Makeup Artist: Lavonne Beauty
- Videographer: Fleur de Lis Films
- Photographer: Elizabeth and George
- Invitations: Achiaa Pen + Paper (bride’s stationery company)
- Wedding Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier
- Wedding Dress Retailer: Warren Barrón
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo
- Groom’s Suit/Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
- Groomsmen Suit/Tux: Jos A Bank
- Rings: Juniker Jewelry Co
- Cake: Larissa McKenzie of Butter/Scotch Bakery and Bar
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