Class, elegance and glamour are words that describe the ambiance of today’s feature wedding. Elike Dougna and Yannick Abba bonded years ago when they struck up a conversation over a textbook and discovered that they were both studying to be industrial engineers.
After a surprise proposal on Elike’s birthday, the couple jumped right into wedding planning. Elike shares, “We wanted our guests to feel as if they were going to a red carpet event. We jokingly referred to our theme as Sparkly purple.” Elike brought the glamour in her fit and flare Pronovias gown, and Yannick opted for a dapper grey tux.
The couple decided to have a traditional Catholic church ceremony. Afterwards guests headed to the Wyndham hotel for the “sparkly purple” reception. The space was transformed by purple uplighting, and ivory flowers and silver candelabras, which were placed upon gorgeous ivory table linens. The reception was full of non-stop fun. Elike and Yannick had the cutest custom cake toppers made in their image, and guests danced the night away on a chic white dance floor. Thirty Three and a Third Photography beautifully captured it all.
Quick Facts
- Date: 12/28/2013
- Location: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort , Orlando , Florida
- Wedding Theme: We wanted our guests to feel as if they were going to a red carpet event. We jokingly referred to our theme as Sparkly purple.
- Wedding Flowers: White hydrangeas
- Wedding Cake Flavor: Lemon with lemon custard; Rhum & Pineapple; Amaretto with amaretto custard.
- Favorite Item on Wedding Menu: Beef Short ribs
- First Dance Song: “Stay with You” by John Legend
- Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: Monogrammed candle holders
How They Met
We met while visiting our mutual friend and best man during Thanksgiving 2004 in Orlando, Florida. We bonded over a school textbook and discovered we were both studying to be Industrial Engineers, we became friends fast and started dating a little while after.
The Proposal
The proposal was at home, and it was the night before my birthday. He had flowers and balloons around the house, cooked for me, had my favorite dessert, favorite songs playing, favorite champagne. Of course I thought it was for my birthday, but then at midnight, he got down on one knees. Afterwards, he took me on a surprised trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Wedding Style
My wedding dress was a strapless mermaid gown with feathers on top. I also had a sparkling belt sewed in. I had two favorite accessories – My veil that my mom ordered for me and the hair accessory I wore at the reception.
Incorporation of Culture
We had a lunch the Sunday after the wedding where guests were asked to wear traditional African attire and we had food from Togo and the Ivory Coast. We had two outfit changes, one that was given to us by my parents and the other by Yannick’s parents.
Most Memorable Moment
I loved every second of our wedding but the best memory was asking our family and friends to be part of the wedding party. We customized wine bottles with personal messages to them, there were some tears and lots of hugs.
Wedding Advice
Make sure you communicate and act as a unit, when you are on the same page it’s easier to face the stressful moments.
Vendors
- Wedding Dress Design and Salon: Pronovias in New York
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo
- Hair: Dale Dees Salon
- Makeup: Toni Nicole
- Ceremony Location: Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden, Florida
- Reception Location: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort
- Photography: Thirty Three and a Third Photography
- Wedding Planner and Event Designer : Bride’s own Company – Lead Events
- Florist: Greenery Productions
- Cake: Party Flavors Custom Cake
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