Kelem and Glenn’s Elegant Ethiopian Inspired Wedding in Cleveland

Kelem and Glenn’s love story began byway of mutual friends. Living in separate states at the time, and both traveling often for work, they were eventually able to setup that classic first date of dinner and a movie. The attraction was immediate and palpable, leaving them both thinking about a second date. Before long, it was clear that what they had was much more than an average connection, it was something special…

Continue reading all about Kelem & Glenn’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their elegant Ethiopian inspired Cleveland wedding  – featuring photography by MunaLuchi Coterie member Jazzymae Photography, and Makeup Artistry by MunaLuchi Coterie member DollfaceDredie.

Bride & Groom: Kelem & Glenn
Occupations: Banking Consultant & Assistant Director of Scouting Cleveland Browns
Wedding date: 7/7/2018
Wedding location: Ritz Carlton Cleveland

How did you meet? We met through a mutual friend in Milwaukee. It was the halfway point between where we were living at the time (Chicago & Green Bay). Kelem was a little hard to track down with her Consultant travel schedule, but eventually we got things figured out and met up for a cool dinner date and classic movie night watching Aladdin.

Tell us about the proposal. Glenn proposed on the most beautiful penthouse rooftop in Cleveland (EY Building rooftop) overlooking Lake Erie. Glenn coordinated all of Kelem’s best friends, his own close friends, and some family to travel in for what Kelem thought was a work dinner that turned out to be otherwise.

Describe your wedding attire. We wanted a black-tie wedding since we were investing a lot of time and money into the experience so why not have everyone look their absolute best! Glenn’s attire was a classic black tux and Kelem wore a beautiful, ivory, lace fit/flare gown with a sheer-bone corset from Stella York.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Yes, we incorporated
both Ethiopian culture (Kelem was born in Ethiopia) and African-American culture (Glenn) to symbolize the union of our two incredible households. For the traditional Ethiopian element, we wore Kabas (black cloak with gold embroidery adorned with a crown for both of us). During the ceremonies our mothers put them on us to make it special. Instead of cutting cake we “broke bread,” Ethiopian bread, to symbolize our partnership. Kelem also had a henna night (an African and Indian tradition) where her bridesmaids got matching Henna as a symbol of faith and unity. For the African-American tradition we jumped the broom to pay homage to our ancestral slaves who symbolized their union by jumping over a broom.

Wedding party gifts: Glenn got his groomsman fun shot glasses for the day of and personalized, monogramed leather toiletry bags with a tag attached to each with a word that Glenn felt described the individual (e.g., Zealous, Courageous, Sagacious, etc.). Kelem got her bridesmaids monogramed beach bags, monogramed jewelry clutch with silver Givenchy dangly earrings and bracelet to match for the day of wedding. Kelem also got her bridesmaids black and gold Moroccan kaftans to wear on the day of during prep to pull in the African theme.
Gifts for each other: Glenn gave Kelem a passport wallet with “The Journey begins,” and a personal scripture, on the inside cover to symbolize her enjoyment of travel and the journey ahead for the both of them. Kelem gave Glenn two shadowboxes, one filled with Glenn’s college football jersey after
playing football at the University of Miami Florida.
First dance song: “Computer Love” (to symbolize the beginning of our long distance relationship) mixed with “Boo’d Up” (Glenn’s choice).

What are your best memories from your wedding?  The Officiant, Glenn’s spiritual mentor, Michael Barrow, besides being a famous former NFL player, is also a comedian, so it made the ceremony so special. Our DJ was phenomenal and played pretty much everyone’s favorite songs all night and the dance floor stayed packed. Lastly family, we value our loved ones immensely and seeing the gelling of two families so seamlessly was priceless.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? If you want a traditional wedding (and have to pay for it yourselves) start saving now. Not only did we pay for our wedding in cash but over 10 months we learned how to save together and now carry that forward into our marriage and at least Kelem can say she has no regrets! Don’t sweat small stuff. Focus on creating a memory and experience that you’ll never forget. I can be a sweat-the-small-stuff person but looking back I’m glad Kelem pushed me to give in certain areas because the memory was worth it. So long as it’s within your budget, go for it.

Vendors:
Wedding dress designer: Stella York
Wedding dress salon: La Blanca Bridal (Cleveland)
Wedding dress alterations: A Bridal Extravaganza
Bridesmaids dresses: Tadashi shoji
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom’s attire: Jos A Bank (Custom Vera Wang Tuxedo)
Groomsmen attire: Jos A Bank (Vera Wang Tuxedos)
Candelabra: Lindsay London
Ceremony location: Ritz Carlton Cleveland – Radiant Room & Ballroom
DJ: the Franchiise 
Floral Décor: The Budding Tree
Hair: Beauty Full You, LLC,
Make-up: DollfaceDredie,
Lighting/Draping: the Ritz Carlton
Linens/Rentals (chargers, napkins, flatware): Event Source
Officiant: Michael Barrow
Photography: Jazzymae Photography
Reception location: Ritz Carlton Cleveland Ballroom
Rentals (sweetheart table, chairs, dance floor): All Occasions Party Rental
Stationery: Invitations by Dawn
Wedding planner/Coordination: Katie Foulds of Kirkbrides
Videography: JV Weddings