MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Summer 2018 Feature: Crystal & Akil
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“Ten years ago on the campus of Howard University, Crystal and Akil were pursuing career paths respectively leading to journalism and architecture. Before long their paths crossed and another kind of pursuit began, the pursuit of each other. Their relationship would be the story of Crystal’s life and the most rewarding construction of Akil’s architectural career. Building from friendship to relationship on a foundation of love, trust and support.”
Continue reading all about Crystal and Akil’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their gorgeous modern glam wedding – featuring Coordination by MunaLuchi Coterie member Victorious Events NYC, Wedding Gown Design by MunaLuchi Coterie member Jean Ralph Thurin, Makeup Artistry by MunaLuchi Coterie member Juicy Looks by Abby, and DJ/Lighting by MunaLuchi Coterie member Mike Music.
Bride & Groom: Crystal & Akil
Occupations: TV Reporter & Architect
Wedding date: 11/11/2017
Wedding location: Maritime Parc and St. Teresa of Avila
Ten years ago on the campus of Howard University, Crystal and Akil were pursuing career paths respectively leading to journalism and architecture. Before long their paths crossed and another kind of pursuit began, the pursuit of each other. Their relationship would be the story of Crystal’s life and the most rewarding construction of Akil’s architectural career. Building from friendship to relationship on a foundation of love, trust and support.
Over time both Crystal and Akil began to realize that they had found “the one.” Akil, with an endless list of positive attributes to describe Crystal, the love of his life, it’s her wonderful sense of humor that ultimately stole his heart. For Crystal, she knew Akil was “the one” after realizing that he understood her on a level that no one else ever has.
Nine years after their meeting, Akil knew it was time to take their relationship to the next level, making it forever. Disguised as an evening out to meet some friends for a concert at their alma mater, Crystal soon realized she was actually taking part in a scavenger hunt. Leading her on a trip down memory lane, Crystal revisited the iconic places of their relationship history. Reaching the end of the scavenger hunt, it was there on the campus of Howard University, the place where their journey together first began, that Akil was waiting with a ring in hand. Dropping to one knee, he presented the ring of her dreams and asked Crystal to spend the rest of her life with him as wife and husband.
Their wedding took place at beautiful Hudson Harbour venue the Maritime Parc, complete with panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan Skyline. Crystal was gorgeous in a custom made Jean Ralph Thurin, off the should modern mermaid dress, diamond white with lace applique. Their wedding featured numerous charming DIY elements, including custom monogram, and a place-themed seating arrangement. Culturally they incorporated Soca music and a money toss to honor their Trinidadian and Nigerian heritage.
Wedding party gifts: Groomsmen: Personalized leather DOT bags with flower lapel pin. Bridesmaids: Custom robes, earrings, makeup bag.
Favorite item on the menu: Salmon with vegetables!
First dance song: “Beautiful Lady” by Gyptian
What is your best memory from your wedding? Akil did a choreographed dance for Crystal before the garter toss. The couple’s first-look was also a very special moment.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Compromise. Akil and Crystal DIY’d a lot of different elements of their wedding. It was very important to both of them to make sure they took frequent breaks from wedding planning to enjoy each other. That took some of the stress away from planning.
Vendors:
Wedding Coordinator: Victorious Events NYC
Wedding Dress Designer: Jean Ralph Thurin
Photographer: 1314 Studio
Videographer: 5801 Weddings
Florist: Diva Blooms
Bridesmaids Makeup: Robin Lynette
Brides Makeup: Juicy Looks by Abby
Bridesmaids Dresses: “Watters” from Brideside
Brides Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Brides Hair: Andrea Johnson
Ceremony: St. Teresa of Avila Summit, NJ
DJ/Lighting: Mike Music
Reception: Maritime Parc Jersey City, NJ
Stationary: Parchment by Dami
Rentals: Evolution Rentals and Lily V Events
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