A little over a month ago Shaquana (Shaq) and Andrew captivated everyone on social media with their hip wedding photos and admirable style. It all started with a simple bachelorette trip planned by her bridesmaids. The girls all wore “bridehive” swimsuits and custom apparel by the Bride Hive. Those first initial photos created an avalanche of social media impressions, putting Shaq and Drew in the spotlight instantly.
The newlyweds met during college at Virginia State University in Petersburg in the Fall of 2006 and have been inseparable ever since. Shaq recalls the day Andrew made her the happiest girl in the world, “It was THE perfect proposal, we were on vacation for Drew’s 30th birthday in St.Maarten. We had just came back from spending the day in St.Barths and was headed to a romantic candle light dinner on the beach.” Drew reminisces, “I had it all laid out, private butler, 3 course meal, champagne and I had her there. I planned it all out as if it was for my birthday, half way through dinner I told her I had to run to the room because the speed boat earlier didn’t settle with me too well. It worked (lol)! I came back with the ring in my pocket. I sat normally and we continued with dinner and conversations. The mood was exactly what I planned and imagined. The beach was dark and the only lights were the torches and candlelight. Towards the end of dinner, I opened the self lit box and that was it! The look on her face was priceless and the feeling in my heart was unexplainable.”
Their stylist, Selina Howard of Vainglorious Brides did a fabulous job pulling together the eye-catching fashion and styling.
Selina dishes on the styling process:
“The couple had two must haves for their wedding on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016. It must be stylish and no dead air-non stop partying. I can happily say we achieved both! Shaq was very particular about how she wanted her dress to be so we decided custom was the best option. We chose designer Jean- Ralph Thurin to execute the design idea. Since the dress was custom, it kind of developed into the dress you see today during the production process. We played around with various fabrics, textures, and designs until it was the dress that Shaq envisioned. A true mermaid silhouette, deep cut v sweetheart neckline, nude illusion foundation, with a beautiful custom 3-D embroidered symmetrical pattern. Jean-Ralph Thurin also created the beautiful custom cathedral length veil.
Designer Britney Deshields created the stunning jumpsuit that has gone viral. The jumpsuit contained intricate beaded details, which were strategically placed to create a symmetrical pattern with a removable skirt. Her shoes were by Tom Ford. Drew rocked a custom ivory dinner jacket with an ivory lapel by Andre Clarke Womack , Tom Ford bowtie, and shoes by Ferucci. The groomsmen wore tuxedos by Michael Kors and loafers from Asos. The BrideHive wore dresses from the Australian retailer White Runway. Their look was chic and timeless. Sleek ponytails and natural but illuminating make-up.”
We are thrilled to be sharing their beautiful wedding photos with you today. Thanks Shaq and Drew for sharing your love story with us. We wish you the best of marriage!
Couple: Shaquaana Williams and Andrew Robotham
Occupations: CPA and Engineer
Wedding date: September 2, 2016
Wedding location: The Gramercy at Lakeside Manor – New Jersey
Wedding theme: Modern Elegance
Favorite item on the menu: Jerk Chicken/ Rice and peas
Wedding cake flavors: Red Velvet
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids Gifts – Personalized gold necklaces with each bridesmaid name engraved on it and the words that comes to mind when I think of them. // Groomsmen Gifts – Initial Monogram cufflinks and lapel pins
First dance song: John Legend You and I
Culture: The venue agreed to prepare a traditional Jamaican meal even the they didn’t offer it as an option. We had jerk chicken, rice and peas, and sweet plantain. The DJ also played plenty of dancehall and reggae music.
Wedding style: From her stylist Selina – Shaq was very specific about the design of her dress and how she wanted it to look. After trying on various designs, we decided to work with Jean-Ralph Thurin to execute her vision.
From the bride: The dress was A chic, modern, true mermaid gown with tons of details. I wanted something that would accentuate my curves but with lots character and also one of a kind. The cross hatch detail was my absolute favorite part of the gown. I loved the deep-cut sweetheart neckline soft-tulle train.
Best memory: Watching drew and his groomsman dance and the sparkler exit it felt so magical.
Best wedding advice: Take your time to plan properly so you can have everything that you want on your wedding day. Also, invest in professional help to execute your vision so you don’t have to worry about anything and can just enjoy the moment.
Other details: It was magical the very best day of our lives. It was everything we wanted chic, modern, elegant black tie wedding. I wanted everything from the venue to the decor to be black, white and mirror and it was just that. It was beyond what I thought it would be and I’m glad we took our time to have our dream wedding. If I could do it all over again I would.
Vendors
Bridesmaids Styling/Custom Robes and Sneakers – BrideHive
Grooms Styling/Custom Suit – @mr_andre_clarke_womack // Bow Tie – TomFord
Mirrored Decor – Ten23Designs
Event/Floral Design – Diva Blooms
Event Furniture/Cake Swing – Evolution Furniture Rental
Custom Chuppah – Custom Ceremony Designs
Wedding Coordination and Bridal Styling – Vainglorious Brides by Selina Howard
Photography – Petronella Photography
Video – Dark Light Media
Hair- Nicky B
Make Up – Robin Lynette
Make Up – Sue Sue
Bridal Gown – Jean Ralph Thurin
Bridesmaid Dresses – White Runway
Groom Stylist/Custom Suit – Andre Clarke-Womack @mr_andre_clarke_womack
Bridal Jumpsuit – Brittany Deshields
Venue – The Gramercy at Lakeside Manor, Hazlet, NJ
Gardens – Deep Cut Gardens – MiddleTown NJ
Funnel Cake Truck – Mr. Coopers Funneland
This wedding was beyond amazing!!! Congratulations to the beautiful couple!
Beautiful!! Congratulations!!
Simply stunning!!!
This is absolutely the most gorgeous wedding I’ve ever seen.
Love it! Beautiful everything!