MunaLuchi Bride’s Muna Love Affair returned to Brooklyn on Monday, April 10th, 2023, at The Atrium Event Space by Bond Gather with wedding vendors, designers, hors d’oeuvres, custom cocktails, and an exclusive fashion panel.
Following a 3-year pandemic hiatus, our Muna Love Affair boutique bridal show is back to kick off Bridal Fashion Week in Brooklyn, New York, and it did not disappoint!
Upon entering The Atrium’s sparkling glass doors, guests were greeted by the tunes of the ever-talented Chevy Chevis live band, stunning fuchsia floral arrangements by NYC Flower Project, and a modern wall graphic designed by Danielle Flowers.
Creative Director Toni Antrobus of HerKreations conceptualized all design details while Wedding and Event Planner Tiffany Chalk Events and Shades of Grey productions (along with our own fabulous Muna team!) helped bring Muna Love Affair Brooklyn to life!
Throughout the evening, attendees filtered between two floors where they had the chance to mix and mingle with exhibiting wedding vendors ranging from couture fashion designers, photographers, caterers, florists, event planners, and more.
Both levels were filled with elegant decor and furniture provided by Long Island Party Rentals, giving guests ample photo opportunities!
Each floor also included an open bar where folks were served signature Muna Love Affair cocktails including a tropical rum punch drink and a refreshing watermelon concoction crafted by WSJ Bartenders.
Light bites like mouth-watering salmon skewers, teriyaki chicken Asian tostadas, and other delicacies were meticulously prepared on-site by Delivering Experiences and The Fork Goes on the Left.
An elegant-chic outdoor patio area was not only a photo-op moment but also a place to unwind and relax with La Casa Grande Cigars providing a unique live cigar rolling experience.
Keep scrolling for more photos from Linda McQueen Photography covering our first Muna Love Affair event of 2023! And don’t miss out on details from our fashion panel, featuring couture designers Kosibah, Garcon Couture, and Andrea Osei Bride.
Stay tuned for future MLA announcements and check out our exclusive MLA Brooklyn recap video by Luxor Wedding Films below!
(Pssst… we’re heading to Miami next! Find out more on how to exhibit or attend here).
- Date of Event: Monday, April 10, 2023
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Host: The Atrium at Bond Gather
Muna Swag:
Bolden Skin Care & Curl Mix
Florals & Decor:
Crystal K Events
Lunaluxe Events
B. Luxe Blooms
Donna Nolisa Designs & EbonyCattouse Events
The Pop Factor
HerKreations
Hair & Beauty:
Makeup by Felicia Graham & Felicia Graham Beauty Team; Hair by The Key Look
Bridal Gowns:
Suits & Tuxes:
Garcon Couture
Fashion Panel:
To chat about all things fashion, MunaLuchi’s CEO/Editor in Chief, Jackie Nwobu, welcomed three Couture Designers to the stage: Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah, Andrea Osei of Andrea Osei Bride, and Ilbert Sanchez of Garcon Couture.
Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah
Since a very young age, Yemi Osunkoya had a knack for drawing. His parents noticed his talent and encouraged him to continue following his passions. Over time, imagining wedding gowns, drawing them, and making them a reality became his forte.
Fast forward to today, in September of this year, Yemi will be celebrating 32 years of his couture wedding brand: Kosibah. He first started his atelier in London, United Kingdom, and after moving to the States in 2016, he is now world-renowned for his form-flattering custom-made wedding gowns. He is based out of Dumbo, New York.
overcoming adversity:
My clients are my friends. Very early on, I made an intentional decision to lean into the idea of equality, acceptance, and respect.”
– Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah
As a Black Designer, Yemi noted the importance of not letting yourself get tied down by negativity. Instead, he focuses on creating a sense of community and friendship (along with gorgeous gowns, of course!) that all brides can feel comfortable and confident in.
Design Process:
Trained in “old School couture,” Yemi’s process is entirely from scratch and typically takes between 6-9 months.
Preferring first-time consultations to occur in person, he starts by discussing what the client is looking for and taking their measurements. He then sketches their dream gown in real-time. Throughout this initial phase, Yemi admits, “I am always thinking about fabric, embellishments, and color.”
Once he has all the details, he creates a body block (a 2-D pattern) and then a mock version of the dress. “This helps the client see the gown and make it feel like a reality.”
The final step is simply making the gown!
trends to lookout for:
- Brides will seek more experimentation.
- Skin-tone-mesh for all complexions is on the rise and brides will have more confidence wearing mesh.
- Higher necklines, sleeves, and exposed corsets.
Andrea Osea of Andrea Osei Bride
Based in East Orange, New Jersey, Andrea Osea’s brand (Andrea Osei Bride) has seen immense success in a short period of time – she only launched her brand last October! But her talent is rightfully earned.
Originally working as a pharmacist, Andrea realized fashion and design were her true calling. She changed her entire career path and taught herself how to sew! She now has 10 years of design experience behind her and a successful couture brand.
overcoming adversity:
Andrea’s ambition for her company has always come from a deep desire and inherent need to populate the fashion world with more images of Black Brides.
“It’s a white-washed world,” she says, and unfortunately, she isn’t wrong. To honor her passion for diversity and inclusion, she always uses multicultural models.
In addition to navigating the racial adversity presented in society, Andrea also faced adversity from within. “Overcoming imposter syndrome was a major part of my growth and journey as a designer,” she shares.
To overcome self-doubt, she dedicated herself to studying all things business in the bridal world and fashion industry.
Design Process:
From start to finish, a custom Andrea Osea Bride gown takes up to 6 months to create. She always starts with a consultation and asks her clients to create a Pinterest board for inspiration.
I aspire to bridge the gap between vision and brand.”
– Andrea Osea
From there, she sketches 2-4 gowns for the client to choose from. Once they establish a design, choose materials, and take measurements, she creates a mock-up version. If the bride approves, the final gown goes into production!
Trends to lookout for:
- 2-in-1 looks for easy transition between ceremony and reception.
- Super minimalist designs or emphasis on accessories.
Ilbert Sanchez of Garcon Couture
Launching Garcon Couture in 2017, Ilbert admits he “fell into fashion accidentally.”
However, with his original background in graphic design, his inclination toward crisp suiting details and careful attention to color makes his progression into the fashion world feel like a natural one.
Staying excellent in every thread.”
– Ilbert Sanchez of Garcon Couture
Overcoming adversity:
With a focus on serving Black Men and Women, Ilbert strives to create a safe space for his clients through excellent service. He is dedicated to providing the best product paired with equally seamless operations.
Additionally, he notes that the planning process is incredibly stressful for couples. His job is therefore not only to create really suave suits but also to calm couples down and help them feel great on their most special occasions.
Design process:
In an ideal timeframe, a Garcon Couture suit takes anywhere between 3 – 6 months to be made. But this isn’t always the case. Particularly with last-minute grooms. “With men, turnaround time can be 2 weeks to a month sometimes.”
In spite of whatever timeframe he’s working with, Illbert is extremely intentional throughout the entire creative process. For grooms, from their very first consultation, “I am styling them the entire time. Speaking to the bride a LOT normally.”
His goal is to always complement their partner and he is meticulous about achieving “the perfect fit.”
Trends to lookout for:
We don’t follow trends, we fit personality.”
– Ilbert Sanchez of Garcon Couture
Catering:
The Fork Goes on the Left
Delivering Experiences
Cake inspiration:
Sugar Fetish Cakery
Cocktails:
WSJ Bartenders
Photography:
Nana Annan Photography
Sequoyah Daniel Photography
Photo booth:
VinceTrice Photobooth
Entertainment:
Muna Coterie member Harold Johnson of Finer Touch Entertainment was DJ and Emcee, keeping the energy high and getting guests moving throughout the night.
Downstairs, DJ Spynfo and his team added to the good vibes with a mix of Afrobeats and hip-hop music.
Looking to exhibit or attend our next Muna Love Affair event?
Click here to secure a ticket.
MLA Brooklyn Partners:
- Host venue: The Atrium at Bond Gather
- Planning: Tiffany Chalk
- Creative Director: Toni Antrobus – HerKreations
- Production: Shades of Grey
- Rentals: Long Island Party Rentals
- Florist: NYC Flower Project
- Pillows: The Spilled Tee
- Printing: EMG Prints
- Balloons: The Pop Factor
- Photography: Linda McQueen Photography
- Cinematography: Luxor Wedding Films
- Makeup (models): Felicia Graham Makeup & Felicia Graham Beauty Team
- Hair (models): The Key Look
- Entertainment: Chevy Chevis
- MC/DJ: The Finer Touch
- Catering: Delivering Experiences & The Fork Goes on the Left
- Mixologist: WSJ Bartenders
- Cigar rollers: La Casa Grande Cigars
- Swag bag sponsors: Bolden Skin Care & Curl Mix
- Graphics/Printing: Danielle Flowers
- Tourism Board: Cayman Islands
Exhibiting Vendors:
- Photo Booth: Vince Trice Photobooth
- Photographer: Sequoyah Daniel Photography
- Photographer: Nana Annan Photography
- Event Design/Decor: Lunaluxe Events
- Gown Designer: Andrea Osei Bride
- Menswear: Garcon Couture
- Gown Designer: Kosibah
- Entertainment: DJ Spynfo
- Cake: Sugar Fetish Cakery
- Event Planner: EbonyCattouse Events
- Florist: Donna Nolisa Designs
- Makeup artist: Felicia Graham Beauty
- Florist: Crystal K Events
- Florist: B. Luxe Blooms
- Tourism Board: Cayman Islands
Thank you for this recap of the most incredible bridal show, ever. I almost want to follow this event around the country to see how it plays out in each city. You will see and try the best of everything not just from our people but, period. Food, gowns, suits, flowers, drinks, photography, music… simply the best. Brides, families and industry professionals: you MUST attend this event. You will always remember this special night. Thank you, Munaluchi!
Thanks so much for reading and for your lovely comment about our Muna Love Affair event! So glad you enjoyed it! Check out our next Miami MLA event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/muna-love-affair-miami-fl-tickets-609326711597?aff=ebdsoporgprofile