The love story of Herlene and Khari rings with the serendipity of fate; bringing two people together repeatedly throughout their lives until the truth of their hearts is revealed.
That truth was revealed when both were stationed for work in the UK. It was there that their “conversations moved beyond hello,” and under the grey skies of London, the connection of their hearts shone bright. After eight years together Khari placed them on the path of together forever with a romantic restaurant proposal. That path was completed when Herlene met her groom at the altar’s end during a beautiful island ceremony where they were pronounced husband and wife…
Bride & Groom: Herlene & Khari
Location of Wedding: Anguilla, West Indies
Wedding Date: July 19th 2019
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Khari and I are both energy professionals, having met in high school and our path crossed again in university when we were studying in the same faculty. It was however when we were both stationed in the UK for our respective jobs that our conversations moved beyond hello and the grey skies of London brought us together for our first real date at the Lyceum Theatre for the Lion King. After eight years together Khari proposed in the private dining room of our favorite restaurant, it was just us… When the waiter delivered my dessert with the words “Will you marry me ?” on my dessert plate framing an iconic Cartier box holding an 1895 solitaire ring…that replaced my ordered souffle…
How did you know they were “the one”? He is an amazing human being, his intellect is stimulating, he is persistent and consistent, guides me to focus on what is really important in life and truly brings out the best version of myself. A man who does this without ego focuses on God and tries to make me smile everyday is definitely a keeper.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We are from the Soca island of Trinidad & Tobago, hence we represented the vibrancy of our culture by the entertainment of the Soca Princess – Naliah Blackman.
Describe your wedding style. There is elegance in simplicity, it should be timeless but contemporary, luxurious but not overdone. Our decor and overall vibe were to complement the unspoiled unpretentious beauty of the island; it should just be effortlessly stunning.
Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory. My style is modern & chic with a hint of sexy, the dress was made of Israeli lace and silk and from the Berta Bridal collection. The lace represented my mother and her love for the fabric, silk paid tribute to my modern aesthetic and the plunging neckline added the unexpected hint of sexy. My favorite accessory was my bouquet, the flowers were beautiful and wild, very representative of effortless beauty.
Quick facts from the bride:
Wedding Flowers: the bouquets were king protea heads, champagne garden roses, cafe roses, white obaji anthuriums, white ranunculus flowers with eucalyptus jasmine-green vine and fern greenery. The bridesmaids carried anthurium lilies as a tribute to my late mother. The men’s boutonnieres were white ranunculus with buttonwood greenery.
Cocktail & Tablescapes: Ornamental grass (pampers grass), white roses, white stock blush and ivory roses with lots of natural greenery. White hydrangea flowers, champagne and cafe roses with buttonwood greenery.
Favorite Item on Menu: Our late-night snacks of Kobe burgers with gruyere and Eddies mini donuts.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: Gift voucher from Sophia Webster for the ladies and Miami suit supply for the gents.
First Dance Song: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran & Beyonce
What is your best memory from your wedding? There are too many to single out; the excitement of our guests arriving at the resort; the text message from my husband opening his wedding gift; “my girls” surprise “bridal squad” photoshoot; Nailah Blackman’s performance, and of course the experience with my photography and glam team. They knew how to make a woman feel like a queen for her special day!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Don’t stress yourself to please everyone because you lose the joy of the experience. Focus on each other and remember it’s just one day; your true family and friends invited or not will still be there for you after the last song is played.
Vendors:
Bride’s Dress: BERTA Bridal
Bridal Salon: L’Fay Bridal – NYC
Bride’s Headpiece and/or veil: L’Fay Bridal – NYC
Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bridesmaids Dress’: Monique Lhuillier & Lois-London
Cakes/Desserts: vanilla and chocolate ganache by executive pastry chef – Ed Henin
Catering: Four Seasons
Ceremony Venue: Four Seasons
Event Decor/Design: Black Orchid Anguilla
Entertainment: DJ Yooshe Entertainment; live performance by Nailah Blackman
Event Planner: Tekeyo Bodie
Florals: Black orchid – Black Orchid Florist Anguilla
Groom’s Attire: Miami Suit Supply-Brickell
Groomsmen Attire: Miami Suit Supply – Brickell
Hair: Nina Alcantara Hair
Lighting: Black Orchid
Makeup: Nina Alcanata Makeup
Photography: Yaisa Tangwell
Reception Venue: Aleta – Four Seasons
Stationery: Letterpress Girls Miami
Videography: Yaisa Tangwell
Such a wonderful feature!