Stephanie and Reggie’s Romantic Destination Wedding in Hawaii

With both Stephanie and Reggie’s fathers being stationed at the same military base, their families became close acquaintances, creating the opportunity for the future husband and wife to cross paths. Though they existed within similar social circles, their initial conversation took place on Facebook when Reggie reached out to Stephanie, inquiring about her recovery from a out-patient surgery. His thoughtfulness struck a chord in her heart, something that would continue to repeat itself over time; their feelings for each other blossoming with every act of kindness. After a successful first date their connection continued to grow stronger with each meeting until a relationship became official – having remained inseparable ever since…

Read all about Stephanie & Reggie’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their romantic destination wedding in Hawaii – perfectly captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Mosaic by MG.

Bride & Groom: Stephanie & Reggie
Occupations: Registered/Licensed Dietitian & Assistant Vice President/Real Estate Investor
Wedding date: September 20, 2018
Wedding location: Kahala, Hawaii; The Kahala Hotel and Resort

Tell us how you met. Reggie and I met through my father, Charles. Our fathers were both stationed at Offutt Air Force Base and became acquainted with each other while working at STRATCOM. My father invited the Reggie’s family to attend our church. When I came home summer of 2005, my father introduced me to the Reggie’s family on July 24, 2005 at our home church-Salem Baptist in Omaha, NE. Reggie’s family was in the car when I met them, so Reggie and I actually didn’t speak until months later when we connected through Facebook in September 2005. I had an outpatient surgery rescheduled in September due to Hurricane Katrina occurring in August. Reggie was very thoughtful and checked on me after my procedure to ensure everything went according to plan. This gracious act prompted a new friendship between us. Fast forward to December 2005, we had our first date (dinner and a movie) a few days before Christmas in Bellevue, Nebraska. This was the first time I saw Reggie in person! We enjoyed each other’s company and decided to continue to get to know each other even more once we returned back school. I attended LSU and Reggie attended Morehouse, so of course it was going to be challenging to stay in contact since we weren’t in the same city. We started dating officially May 2006 and have been together since then.

Tell us about the proposal. Reggie proposed on December 31, 2017 at Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, IL. Reggie told me we had reservations at Prime and Provisions with some friends for 8:00pm. While we were driving to the restaurant, he surprised me and stopped by my favorite place in Chicago, The Buckingham Fountain. Our song from college, “50 Candles” by Boyz II Men, was playing in the background. He distracted me for a second and once I turned around he had the box opened with a gorgeous ring inside and asked me to be his wife! With tears in my eyes I told him yes! It was a romantic and private moment between us.

How did you know they were “the one”? Reggie: “While her smile made her instantly attractive, the personality I was introduced to so many years ago made her someone I could see myself spending the rest of my life with.”
Stephanie: “I knew Reggie was the one after we started talking consistently in the Fall of 2005. He definitely charmed me! Life happened and I when became very ill in December of 2013. I have a chronic medical condition and was placed on a new medication. It was a big adjustment for me. Reggie was very supportive and took very good care of me. Seeing him manage so much with great finesse, minimal complaints, and wanting to commit to our relationship meant everything to me. At that point I felt we could get through anything together and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.”

Describe your wedding attire. Reggie: “I wore a navy tuxedo with a black bow tie and black suspenders purchased from J. Crew. I completed my look with initial engraved cufflinks which were a Christmas present in December 2005 from Stephanie. I also wore my grandfather’s handkerchief. He wasn’t able to attend our wedding, so it meant a lot to carry a piece of him with me on our special day. Wedding shopping for me wasn’t very stressful for me. I purchased my tuxedo two weeks before our wedding and was able to get it altered in time! I’m sure Stephanie was very stressed out about my attire coming together!”
Stephanie: “I was pretty anxious about shopping for my wedding dress! My mother, sister, and Reggie’s mother and sister, visited Chicago Easter weekend of 2018 to help me find a dress. We went to several boutiques and had an amazing experience at Diana’s Bridal in Skokie, IL. I found the perfect dress, but wanted to check a few more places before sealing the deal. The very next weekend I celebrated my 32nd birthday with close girlfriends and dress shopping was on the agenda! I looked at dresses at Aisle Chic and fell in love with a gorgeous gown, which I purchased a few days later! I had an amazing experience at Aisle Chic! My wedding dress was an Ivory mermaid style dress, adorned with many crystals and beading on the bodice and throughout the whole dress, with a deep sweetheart neck. I opted for a fingertip length veil, so the dress could be the focal point. My veil also had beading along the edge that matched my dress perfectly. My dress was a sample size 12, so I needed major alterations. The Dress Doctor located downtown Chicago helped to ensure my dress fit perfectly on my wedding day. I also purchased the crystal jeweled hair comb I wore from the Dress Doctor. My wedding shoes by Jimmy Choo, were gifted to me by my Mother-in-Law. The Champagne Glitter fabric shoes were the perfect match to my dress. I completed my look with long drop-crystal earrings.”

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We had a traditional unity candle lighting ceremony. This was special and significant to us both as we joined together and united as one before God and our close family and friends. We also offered fresh roses to both sets of parents and thanked them for their love and support. My bother and sister-in-law, Charles and Aniika, sung “The Prayer” during this special moment in our ceremony, which was very special to us!

Wedding Party gifts: Bridesmaids: Pink Floral Robes and Leather Mongram Pouch. Groomsmen: Hawaiian Statue Bottle Opener and Leather Monogram Toiletry Bag.
Favorite item on the menu: Duet of Filet Mignon with Madeira Sauce and Shelled Half Baked Maine Lobster with Macadamia Nut Butter served with Broccolini and Herb Mashed Potatoes.
First dance song: “Giving You the Best That I’ve Got” by Anita Baker.

What is your best memory from your wedding? Stephanie: “Looking into Reggie’s eyes and saying my vows to him.”
Reggie: “Seeing Stephanie walk down the aisle for the first time to marry me.”

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Go to premarital counseling and make it a priority! The wedding is special, but it is one day. You want to have a lasting and successful marriage. Take time to invest and strengthen your bond with your partner.

Vendors:
Wedding dress designer: Martina Liana
Wedding dress salon: Aisle Chic
Dress Alterations : The Dress Doctor
Groom’s Tuxedo: J. Crew
Groom’s Shoes: Jos A. Banks
Bridesmaid’s dresses: JJ’s House
Groomsmen’s Tuxedoes and Shoes: The Black Tux
Hair/makeup: Jessica Jung
Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Ceremony location: Plumeria Grove, Kahala Hotel and Resort
Reception location: Waialae Ballroom, Kahala Hotel and Resort
Photography: Mosaic by MG
Wedding planner: Fred and Kate Events
Florist: Florist Grand
Cake: The Kahala Hotel and Resort
Stationery: Shine Wedding Invitations
Event designer: Kristal Kikumoto
Catering and Conference Service Manager: Kahala Hotel and Resort
DJ/Emcee: Emcee and Bliss DJs