- Quick Facts:
- How did you meet?
- Tell us about the proposal.
- Describe your wedding attire. What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
- Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
- What is your best memory from your wedding?
- What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
- Want more New Year's Eve wedding inspiration?
- Vendors:
Monique and Benedict (Ben) rang in the new year with a glamorous New Year’s Eve wedding in Rockleigh, New Jersey.
The college sweethearts first met at Delaware State University in 2008. Initially introduced by Monique’s roommate, the pair instantly hit it off. “It was clear that we had a special bond,” Monique recalls.
Fourteen years after their relationship first took root, Ben popped the question during a dinner date. Despite Ben’s out-of-character behavior, Monique admits she “didn’t have a single thought or clue about what was coming” until she noticed her mom walk into the restaurant.
On December 31, 2024, the couple gathered their loved ones for a gorgeous wedding at The Rockleigh in New Jersey.
Planned by the bride herself, the festivities were characterized by a sense of elegance and glamour: from a ballerina that twirled down the aisle during the ceremony to the extravagant tablescapes of neutral flowers and hundreds of candles at the reception, there was no shortage of details that added to the romantic and luxurious ambience of the couple’s special day. At the end of the evening, guests rang in 2025 together as the Minnows shared their first New Year’s kiss as husband and wife.
For more details on the couple’s stunning New Year’s Eve wedding, keep reading!
- Couple: Monique & Benedict Minnow
- Occupations: Retail Manager | Assistant VP in Finance
- Wedding date: December 31, 2024
- Wedding location: The Rockleigh, New Jersey
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen: My top love languages are acts of service and gift-giving, so we made sure to shower our bridesmaids and groomsmen with amazing gifts throughout the entire wedding planning journey. From the proposal boxes filled with perfumes, candles, self-care products, and travel essentials, to the day-of jewelry and accessories, we wanted them to feel special every step of the way. As they embarked on this journey with us, we wanted them to know they were forever “locked in” with us.
- Gifts for one another: I gifted my mother and husband engraved YSL perfume and cologne as a special token. My mother’s bottle was engraved with “Mother of the Bride” and our wedding date, while my husband’s was engraved with “Forever and Again” along with our wedding date. It was a meaningful way to show them how much they both meant to me on such an important day
- Ceremony entrance song: I came out to “So Amazing” by Luther Vandross, and my husband came out to “Do 4 Love” by Snoh Aalegra
- First dance song: “For You” by Kenny Lattimore
How did you meet?
I first crossed paths with Ben at Delaware State University in 2008. He was a freshman from the Bronx, and I was starting my second year of college. We met through my roommate at the time, Raesahawn, who had gotten to know Ben during the SGA peer mentoring tour. From the moment Ben and I connected, it was clear that we had a special bond. We spent a lot of time hanging out in my dorm room with our friends, and the chemistry between us was undeniable.
After years of dating, sometimes on and off, we both knew that things were getting serious once we graduated. Our relationship evolved, and we began navigating life as adults together.
Tell us about the proposal.
On December 17th, 2022, Ben invited me to dinner at a “Friends'” new restaurant, Mister French. For years, I’d been imagining how he might propose to me, but for some reason, on this day, I didn’t have a single thought or clue about what was coming. Ben, however, was acting a little off. He wasn’t eating, sweating profusely, and kept blaming it on his food being too spicy. I didn’t think anything of it, since he’s always been a fan of spicy food, but little did I know, he was just trying to cover up the fact that he was freaking out inside.
As we chatted about an event I had at work earlier that day, I noticed something strange: my mom walked into the restaurant.
Still, I had no idea what was going on. I turned to Ben and said, “Aww, why is my mom here?” to which he responded, “For your proposal.”
In that moment, I swear I nearly died from shock! It all happened so fast, and I was completely blown away by how he pulled off the surprise. The whole restaurant was watching, clapping, and celebrating us. It felt like a dream come true—magical in every way. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect proposal. Of course, without hesitation, I said yes!
Describe your wedding attire. What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
My dress was by the brand Blanche, and it was absolutely perfect for my NYE wedding. When I was dress shopping, I knew I wanted something that would highlight my shape, make me feel beautiful yet sexy, while still being modern and timeless. The dress I chose was a mermaid-style gown, beautifully beaded with intricate flower appliqués that added dimension. The sexy yet modest plunging back made it feel even more special, and it was the perfect choice for a NYE celebration.
Wedding dress shopping for me felt like a scene straight out of 27 Dresses, where she showcases all the dresses she wore as a bridesmaid. It was fun and exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. I’m naturally indecisive, so I knew I didn’t have the capacity to go the custom route. Although I loved my dress, I did have a few moments of regret, especially about not choosing the original designer I’d fallen in love with from the start, ALONOKU Bridal.
Ben’s suit was custom-made by his friend and fraternity brother, Craig Johnson, whose brand is called MADESURE. The suit was crafted from a beautiful brocade white fabric with black accents and black pants. Ben worked closely with Craig to incorporate special details into the design. On the interior collar, they embroidered our wedding date and names, while the lining featured photos of Ben’s parents and my father, who is no longer with us but was there in spirit on our wedding day
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
My husband is African, and his family is from Ghana. We really wanted to incorporate a traditional African wedding ceremony, but we also knew that with my grand ideas and love for going over the top, we couldn’t quite pull off both. So, we decided to stick with a traditional American-style wedding, while still weaving in meaningful elements from both cultures. We included the lighting of the unity candle and the jumping of the broom, which felt deeply symbolic for us. And, of course, our families showered us with cash in the traditional African practice of spraying money at our wedding reception, adding a special touch to the celebration.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
I think I can speak for both my husband and myself when I say I don’t have just one favorite moment. Our entire wedding, from start to finish, was magical and special. The overwhelming feeling of love and support from our family and friends was the most incredible part of the day—it’s something we’ll both cherish forever. Like Jackie and Doug Christie from Basketball Wives, if I could do it every year, I absolutely would.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
The best advice I can give to engaged couples is this: This is your wedding—do what is best for you and your husband. Don’t let others tell you that you’re doing too much, what you should or shouldn’t have, or who you should invite. It’s your day, and you should do whatever makes both of you happy. I’d also say—save, save, save! Create a plan and stick with it!
Want more New Year’s Eve wedding inspiration?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Wedding dress designer: Blanche Bridal
- Veil: HAIWEI1699 on Etsy
- Wedding dress salon: Castle Couture, NJ
- Bridesmaids’ dresses: Bari Jay
- Hair: Mohan Jean Mary
- Makeup: Shanise Myrick
- Shoes: Off-White Lollipop Bridal Satin Sandal
- Ceremony location & reception location: The Rockleigh, NJ
- Photography: Steve Williams Photography
- Videography: CW Studios Global
- DJ: DJ Boogz
- Day Of Coordinator: Turning Point Events, LLC
- Wedding planner: I planned my entire wedding – She’s Chiic Events!
- Florist & event designer: Daphnee Lauren Events
- Cake: A Little Cake Shop
- Wedding Invites: MyInvitationColor
- Escort cards and table menus: PrettiestPixel
- In loving Memory Signage: BlackBowStudio
- Custom Napkins: CustomPrintGoodsShop
- Custom Matchboxes: WhiteConfettiBox
- Wedding Menu Template: BlushPaperieShop
- Groom’s attire: By Craig Alexander
- Groomsmen attire: The Black Tuxs
