Inside Najie & Asher's Autumn Chateau Wedding: From Formal Details To a Dazzling Bespoke Gown by Haute Couture Designer Ese Azenabor

This glamorous wedding by Christine Ferguson Events had lavish details with nods to the couple's Haitian and Vincentian roots.

Our connection was instant, sparked by our shared sense of humor and an undeniable chemistry.
– Najie

Everything about Najie and Asher’s glamorous autumn chateau wedding, which took place surrounded by French formal gardens and French-inspired architecture, was a full-circle celebration of their dynamic relationship centered around their sense of joy and connection to one another.

Since the very beginning, even while they were on their first date at IHOP, the future bride and groom could tell this was going to be something special. The pair sat and enjoyed their breakfast date and chatted for longer than either of them expected. Sparks were flying between them. With love and the future on their minds, we can’t blame Asher for wanting to spend his forever with Najie, which led to his heartfelt proposal at the couple’s absolute favorite restaurant: Blend on the Water.

To bring their vision to life, Christine Ferguson collaborated with the couple to bring luxury details to the ceremony and reception, with each one boasting a beautiful assortment of white florals, touches of black and gold, and fun nods to the couple’s heritage.

To prepare for our big day, we even took a Konpa dance class, which was a fun and meaningful experience for us.
– Najie

Everything about this chateau wedding was pure magic, which Stanlo Photography captured in the gorgeous photo gallery below!

Couple: Najie and Asher Kennedy
Occupations: Najie- Vice Principal | Asher: Financial Services
Wedding date: November 11, 2024
Wedding location: Park Chateau Estate & Gardens

Quick Facts:

Gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen: For my bridesmaids, I wanted to give them something special that they could cherish and enjoy. They received beautiful bridal robes, cozy bridal slippers, personalized jewelry boxes, and a few other thoughtful items to show my appreciation for their support and friendship. As for the groomsmen, we opted for custom decanters, which not only made for a stylish gift but also served as a lasting keepsake.
Gifts for one another: In terms of gifts for one another, I surprised Asher with elegant cufflinks to complement his attire. In return, he gifted me a stunning tennis bracelet and matching earrings, which made me feel extra special on our big day.
Ceremony entrance song: To set the perfect tone for our ceremony, we chose a mix of meaningful songs: “Carnival Jumbie” by Problem Child, “Love of My Life” by Brian McKnight, and “4 Kampe” by Joe Dwet Filé. Each song holds a special place in our hearts and beautifully reflects our cultural backgrounds.

How did you meet?

Asher and I met through mutual friends during our college years in December 2013. Our connection was instant, sparked by our shared sense of humor and an undeniable chemistry. It all began in a casual group chat, where Asher, with his charming style and grace, boldly asked me out on a date. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I admired his confidence.

Getting ready with Najie…

Our first date in May 2014 took us to IHOP, where we found ourselves engrossed in conversation for hours. It was as if time stood still, and we both felt there was something special blossoming between us. Just a couple of months later, on July 10, 2014, Asher formally asked me to be his girlfriend, and without hesitation, I joyfully accepted. That breakfast date at IHOP turned out to be the beautiful beginning of our extraordinary journey together.

The bride was sensational in this pretty feather-trimmed floor-length bridal robe…

Haute Couture designer Ese Azenabor personally collaborated with Najie to create her incredible gown…

My wedding dress was a bespoke creation by the talented Ese Aźenabor. The shopping experience was truly special; I had the privilege of curating my dress with Ese herself.

This glamorous chateau wedding by Christine Ferguson Events had lavish details with nods to the couple's Haitian and Vincentian roots.

Tell us about the proposal

From that point forward, Asher and I became inseparable. Each birthday and anniversary turned into a special occasion for us, and we loved celebrating at our favorite restaurant, Blend on the Water. It’s where we created countless cherished memories and deepened our love for each other.

One day, while we were listening to music, Snoh Aalegra’s version of “Do 4 Love” came on the car stereo. I turned to Asher and said, “This would be a beautiful wedding song.” Little did I know that this casual comment would set the stage for a momentous occasion in our lives.

On November 11, 2022, we arrived at Blend on the Water after a wonderful day spent with our closest friends.

As we engaged in meaningful conversations and enjoyed our meal, suddenly, “Do 4 Love” started playing loudly in the restaurant. I tried to grab Asher’s hand to share the moment, but as I did, he laughed and stood up. Just then, our waitress placed a plate in front of me. To my astonishment, it held a chocolate cake with the words “Will you marry me?” written on it, and there was Asher, down on one knee with a ring in hand. Overwhelmed with emotion, I said “Yes,” and in that beautiful moment, our journey together reached a new milestone.

Taking inspiration from 007 himself, Asher’s wedding day fit evoked the sophistication of James Bond with its impeccable tailoring and bespoke design…

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?

Our wedding aesthetic beautifully blended sophisticated romance with a celebration of black excellence. We incorporated a variety of classic whites and warm ivory shades, complemented by lush greenery and elegant accents of black and gold. This combination created a timeless and luxurious atmosphere that perfectly reflected our personalities and cultural backgrounds.

The first look…

For our wedding, we chose a formal all-black attire theme that perfectly captured our style. My wedding dress was a bespoke creation by the talented Ese Aźenabor. The shopping experience was truly special; I had the privilege of curating my dress with Ese herself, alongside my mother, my mother-in-law, my sister, my maid of honor, and my sister’s best friend, as well as our wonderful wedding planner, Christine Ferguson of Christine Ferguson Events. It was a collaborative and joyful process, and each fitting felt like a celebration! My shoes were by Christian Louboutin, adding a touch of elegance to my look.

As for Asher, he had a fantastic experience at Suit Supply, where he worked closely with his personal consultant—someone he’s known for over a decade. He focused on finer details to achieve the perfect look, opting for a custom tuxedo that embodied his love for earth tones. With a nod to his admiration for James Bond, he chose tasteful accessories that were refined rather than flashy. His shoes were by Crockett and Jones, and he completed his ensemble with a classic Omega timepiece. Together, our attire reflected our personalities and our love, making our special day even more memorable.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?

Absolutely! As a proud Haitian American, I wanted to honor my roots alongside my husband Asher, who is Vincentian. We made our entrance to the vibrant sounds of “Carnival Jumbie” by Problem Child, a song that holds special meaning for us since we experienced the joy of playing mas in St. Vincent in the summer of 2024. It truly captured the spirit of our celebration.

Ceremony details…

To pay homage to my Haitian heritage, we also danced to “4 Kampe” by Joe Dwet Filé.

To prepare for our big day, we even took a Konpa dance class, which was a fun and meaningful experience for us. We proudly showcased our cultural backgrounds by coming out with our flags, celebrating the beautiful blend of our traditions. It was a day filled with love, joy, and cultural pride!

The newlyweds with the amazing Rev Roxy…

What is your best memory from your wedding?

Our favorite moment was definitely the first look. It was incredibly emotional and a beautiful moment just for the two of us. Seeing each other for the first time in our wedding attire felt magical, filled with anticipation and love. Immediately after, we had the chance to see the ballroom before guests arrived. It was so rewarding to witness the stunning results of all our hard work and investment come to life! We
couldn’t help but laugh and smile, realizing just how beautifully everything came together. It truly made all the planning worthwhile!

Every luxurious detail of the reception was brought to life by premier luxury planner Christine Ferguson…

Reception details…

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?

The best advice we can offer engaged couples is to prioritize open and honest communication. Building a strong foundation is essential—it should be as solid as stone. Remember to enjoy the little moments and the journey you share together. Focus on creating a lasting partnership that continues to grow well beyond the wedding day. Cherish each step of the process, and don’t lose sight of what brought you together in the first place!