Amanda met the love of her life, Emmanuel, on a girls’ trip to Haiti. Years later, they would return to Haiti to have a chic and glamorous outdoor wedding with 150 guests.
Amanda shares, “Once we were engaged I figured it would only be right to tie the knot where our love story began. Haiti is so rich in culture and all the vibes we wanted to be incorporated on our wedding day. Our dream was to bring that positive exposure to our beautiful country. I hope our wedding can inspire others to say I do in Haiti.”
Their outdoor wedding was full of gorgeous couture, stunning wedding attire, and memorable moments as guests danced the night away under the stars to the rhythm of the Raboday and the Kompa.
See all of the details below.
- Couple: Medeus Amanda and Emmanuel
- Location of Wedding: Jotel El Rancho Haiti
- Wedding Date: 11-28-2021
Quick Facts
- Wedding flowers: Orchids & white roses.
- Favorite item on menu: Lambi (Conch)
- Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts:
- Bridesmaids: Personalized boxes with navy blue robes, personal bottle of rose, personalized champagne flutes and body butter.
- Groomsmen: Tuxedos & bow ties.
- First dance song: Only for you- Phyllisia Ross
- Advice for brides: Enjoy the planning process! Keep in mind that everything won’t always go as planned but you will be surrounded by people who will be there to help and support you.
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal.
We started off as a simple girl’s trip turned into their biggest blessing. They say the best things in life come when you least expect it & their love can attest to that. Neither of them saw it coming, yet here we were choosing to love, grow and strive together. We are in this for the long run!
How did you know they were “the one”?
I can probably choose from 100 different moments but I knew he was the one when I noticed that he was paying attention to the little things I enjoyed. He would randomly pop up with my favorite foods, and would randomly play my favorite songs just to put a smile on my face.
What were you initially planning for your wedding, and how did COVID-19 affect your wedding plans?
I was initially expecting 220 guests and only about 150 were able to attend. A few months prior to our wedding we hosted our Haitian lakay (home in Haitian Creole) themed wedding shower. We were able to bring a little bit of Haiti to our shower with vibrant colors, hibiscus flowers and even a Haitian Rara band which mostly consists of horns and drums for that festival feel. We celebrated with our close family and friends who knew they wouldn’t be able to attend our ceremony.
Describe your wedding style.
I’d definitely say we had a classic/chic wedding from the bridal party attire to the decor. We were able to incorporate our Haitian culture with the location, music, food, and with an officiant who spoke both Haitian Creole & English during our ceremony.
Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory.
Once I got engaged I knew I wanted to support a black-owned business & I knew I wanted it to be Nneka, owner of Brides by Nona. That was the best decision I could have ever made. She paid attention to every detail I requested and executed beyond my expectations. My wedding dress was made to perfection with embroidered 3D lace, and Swarovski crystals that you can see shining from a mile away. My favorite accessory would have to be my headpiece custom-made by bridal styles boutique. My headpiece was made with Swarovski crystals which paired perfectly with my wedding dress.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
While my father walked me down the aisle he said to me “I know you’re about to be a married woman but you’ll always be my little girl, don’t ever forget that.” Those words resonated with me & my tears started flowing instantly. It was at that moment my father realized I was transitioning to a new life and may not need him as much as I did in my adolescence. The reassurance that my father gave me on my wedding day will be cherished for a lifetime.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples planning for their wedding during the COVID-19 epidemic?
Planning weddings are generally stressful but planning during a pandemic brings that stress to an all-time high. My advice to engaged couples would be to put themselves first and always have a plan B. While planning my wedding I did everything in my power to accommodate the needs of others just to be disappointed in return. If I can go back in time to change anything it would be just that. We’re living in unprecedented times so having a plan B gives you other options to fall back on and can possibly save you money.
Vendors
- Photography: @@frederickalexis
- Wedding Planner: @ayiti_deco
- Wedding Designer: @ayiti_deco
- Venue: @nhhaiti_elrancho
- Hair: @janelasealysmitheditorial (Janel Sealy Smith)
- MUA: @badgyaltai (Thaina Fritzie Toussaint)
- Dress: @bridesbynona (Nneka C. Alexander)
- Hair accessory: @bridalstylesboutique
- Earrings: @oliveandpiper
- Bridal Robe: @Mondenoble
- Shoes: @Aquazzura
Wedding date is noted as
11-28-2021, which hasn’t happened yet! Did anyone not catch this?
What year did Amanda & Emanuel wed in Haiti?
I saw that and was thinking the same thing lol