Sheri and Gifford share a love no obstacle can destroy. She knew Gifford was the one when he continued to visit her even after she moved an hour and a half away. He made the long journey every weekend showing his devotion and love for her. For their modern meets vintage wedding they wanted to be sure to create an elegant atmosphere while still keeping it fun for their guests. For their decor they chose a purple color pallet which brightened up the room and showed their vibrant personalities.
Read all about Sheri and Gifford’s relationship as well as their vintage meets modern wedding in Washington, D.C.
Bride & Groom: Sheri & Gifford
Occupations: Attorney & Mechanical Engineer
Wedding date: October 15th, 2017
Wedding location: The Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington, D.C
Tell us how all about the proposal. Gifford planned a surprise birthday party for me that resulted in a proposal in front of family and friends. He knew that I would want those closest to me to witness such a momentous occasion even though the thought of proposing in front of others terrified him. He rented a room at a Tampiano and proposed a toast at the end of the meal. As he began to speak, he dropped to one knee and I immediately started crying. I could barely let him finish before I blurted out yes!
How did you know they were “the one?” When Gifford moved to Abeerden, MD, which was almost an hour and a half away from where I lived, he would drive there every weekend to come visit me. Sometimes he would even come during the week to see me. No burden was ever too big to carry when it came to me and our relationship. I knew that mindset would carry over to our future family.
Wedding Style: I chose a is vintage modern dress to compliment the vintage meets modern theme of our wedding. It was an ivory mermaid dress with just a touch of bling, beautiful lace bodice, and cascading ruffles in the back. My husband wore a classic black tuxedo with champagne and mauve accessories. It sounds crazy but it looked so beautiful when it all came together.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? My husband is Jamaican so we of course had some Jamaican food and music! The menu was Caribbean/Southern fusion since my family is southern. It was delicious!
Wedding party gifts: Jamaican black cake
Favorite item on the menu: Macaroni and Cheese
First dance song: “At Last” by Etta James
What is your best memory from your wedding? I have two favorite memories. The first is our first look. We took our pictures before the wedding and I remember Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed” was playing in the foyer of the hotel when Gifford first saw me. I almost broke down right there. The look on his face was one of pride that said “Yes, that’s my woman!” My second favorite memory would have to be when we saw our two boys. The day didn’t seem to be complete until our kids arrived. We are big on family and those boys are our hearts. Seeing them dressed in their little tuxedos was too much!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Hire a planner! Even if you just hire one for coordination it’ll be the best money you ever spend! There are so many details you will forget and people will call you constantly. You’ll constantly be stressed out if you don’t have a coordinator. A coordinator will handle all the business the day of so all you and your groom have to do is focus on the day and enjoy each other.
Vendors:
Photography – Jerome Fredrick, Capture the Idea
Wedding Dress Designer – Allure Bridals
Wedding Dress Store – The Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Rent the Runway
Groomsmen Attire – Men’s Wearhouse
Reception Venue – Carnegie Institute for Science
Wedding Planner and Designs – Ebony Sparkes, Sparkling Events & Designs
Catering – Gillian de Souza, Caribbean Caterers
Florals – Maryam Flowers
Makeup – Makeup by Dawit
Cake Designer – Fancy Cakes by Leslie
Photo booth & Lighting – Max Powers, I Want Ambiance Lighting and Events
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