Having been initially introduced to her future husband by her future Maid-of-Honor, Shekia would find out just how much they have in common during an hours long conversation following one of Melvin’s performances. The two spoke long into the evening getting to know each other, igniting the sparks of romance that would grow into embers of love – warming the heart of their relationship to this day as husband and wife.
Read all about Shekia & Melvin’s love story, surprise beach proposal in Jamaica, and wedding experiences in their lovely Pennsylvania Inn wedding – beautifully captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Sheronda Seawright Photography.
Bride & Groom-to-be: Shekia & Melvin
Occupations: Bride-Financial Analyst, Groom-Recording artist
Wedding date: March 19, 2017
Wedding location: William Penn Inn, Lower Gwynedd, PA
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Technically speaking, we met in 2009 at our mutual friend (later to be Maid of Honor) Alicia’s birthday party. Mel and I connected through Facebook that night but little did either of us know what the future had in store. It wasn’t again until February 2013 that we would come back together. At my request, Alicia reached out to Mel to solely inquire about his current relationship status but somehow ended up getting us invited to Mel’s next show. So on Feb 22nd, we met at the venue Mel was performing. Alicia had to leave early but after the show Mel and I sat for hours getting to know one another, discovering how much we had in common.
The proposal… May 26, 2016 is when the ending of an incredible vacation turned into a very special, life-changing new beginning! Our vacation to the newly opened Melia Braco Village resort in Jamaica will always be a memorable one! Mel got down on one knee, with a beautiful diamond ring nestled into a snail shell, and asked me to marry him! On the last night of our fabulous vacation, Mel walked me out to the gazebo on the beach, overlooking the ocean and asked me what I would remember the most about our vacation. After I rambled on and on about the delicious food and incredible staff, he said that he wanted to give me one more thing to remember and pulled out an engagement ring from his pocket!
What was wedding shopping like for you? My dress was perfect! I wore an ivory, strapless, fit & flare satin gown with a sweetheart neckline beautifully embroidered with small pearls and bling covering the entire bodice and along the train. I was lucky finding this gown only on my second day of bridal gown shopping. I immediately started to cry when I turned around to see myself in the mirror during the trial. I looked and felt like a bride! The gown was incredibly flattering on my petite frame. Since the gown was being discontinued I couldn’t order it and had to purchase that sample gown if I wanted it. It was miraculously very close to my size with no visible signs of it ever being a sample gown so a win-win and destined to be mine!
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Barney’s faux fur stoles & monogrammed silk robes from Etsy for the Bridesmaids / Personalized engraved flasks for the Groomsmen.
Favorite item on the menu: Filet mignon topped with gorgonzola and sauteed spinach.
First dance song: “Beautiful” by Musiq Soulchild.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We incorporated Jumping the broom into our ceremony. I asked my sister to do a reading beforehand and explain to the guests who may not be familiar with the tradition and the significance it represented. Additionally we placed both of our parents’ wedding portraits along the fireplace mantle during the ceremony and reception. I hope this starts a tradition in the generations to come that our children and grandchildren, etc., showcase the legacy of love & marriage from which they were created! There is a nasty saying in our community that Blacks / African Americans don’t get married. We hope this new tradition shows just how untrue that is!
What is your best memory from your wedding? Mel surprised me with a personalized song that he wrote and produced! I still cry every time I re-watch the video.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Plan the wedding you want and enjoy it! Many will try to influence you during the process but we stayed true to who we are and our budget to ensure the entire day was about us! During your wedding day, stay in the moment, embrace your family and friends, and don’t stress the small stuff! The day will go by so quickly so have fun…and eat!
Vendors:
Wedding dress designer – Couture Collection
Wedding dress salon – Philadelphia Bridal Company
Bridesmaids dresses – Elizabeth John’s
Hair – Shawn Krys Salon
Makeup – Sheena Marie Makeup Artistry
Shoes – Blue by Betsey Johnson “Gina” Dress Sandal
Ceremony & Reception Location – William Penn Inn
Photography – Sheronda Seawright Photography
Florist – William Penn Inn Flower Shop
Cake – William Penn Inn
Stationery – Wedding Paper Divas
Wedding Coordinator – Antoinette Darden of Vision Events
When you think of picture perfect, loving, sweet, and Blessed…I will always remember and think of my sister Shekia and Mel. A lifetime of memories, love, and happiness to continue this journey and continue to let God lead your path.
Love you sis!! Thank you!!