Riccardy and Alicia met in the Fall of 2007 at Florida A&M University’s School of Architecture. One starting a new chapter – Riccardy was entering the university as a new transfer student, while Alicia was on the verge of closing one, as she was beginning the final year of her undergraduate studies. “We encountered each other for the first time when I asked Riccardy to purchase a ticket for an upcoming car wash that Alpha Rho Chi Professional Fraternity, Inc was hosting. He said that he didn’t have any cash on him, but he would come back later to purchase the ticket, which he did” shares Alicia. She also noted that he came back to purchase the ticket because he knew he wanted to marry her from the first time he saw her – or so Riccardy says!
Throughout the semester he continued to be persistent in various ways to gain Alicia’s affections. But while Alicia appreciated his efforts, she couldn’t help to be concerned about his age. “He’s a couple of years younger than me. However, he was handsome, a great student, a gentleman, hardworking and persistent!” says Alicia.
As Alicia continued to contemplate over if she should give him a chance, Riccardy decided to sweetly kick things up a notch. “One night he just kissed me in the middle of a random conversation! I was shocked at how bold and confident he was. He had this way of making me feel like he was the man I had been waiting for. I felt safe with him and soon enough his age was no longer factor” shares Alicia.
And just like the Aaliyah song, age became nothing but a number and Alicia’s love for Riccardy began to blossom and never changed. Steal a behind the scenes glimpse of this beautiful pair’s romantic garden wedding in Pittsburgh by viewing their wedding day trailer created by coterie member, Benjamin and NaTasha Davis of Yamean Studio Films and also read more of their love story.
Tell us about the proposal!
Alicia: Riccardy planned a family photo shoot for my family and I. We didn’t have very many recent pictures of us so he took it upon himself to hire a photographer to capture some nice photos. We took several shots before he eventually asked if I wanted to take some shots with just the two of us. In the middle of one of the shots he got down on one knee and asked if I would give him the honor of allowing him to be my husband. Of course I said yes!
Bride: Alicia Crumbley
Groom: Riccardy Volcy
Occupations: Bride: Project Architect & Groom: Construction Project Engineer
Wedding date: 10/17/15
Wedding location: Mellon Park Walled Garden, Pittsburgh, PA
Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you? My wedding dress had a sweetheart neckline with a two-toned lace bodice, the bottom of the dress was made of light gold tulle that formed large elegant rosettes. My mom went with me to each and every wedding dress appointment. I’m very particular about what I wear so she was nervous that I wouldn’t find anything in my price range (so was I). More importantly, I really wanted a dress that my fiance would love! I wanted him to be in awe when he saw me for the first time on our wedding day. Apparently, he found out which bridal shops I planned to try out and had roses sent to the 1st shop for me. Coincidentally, the bottom of my dress emulates rosettes. In a way, I feel like he helped picked my dress even though he wasn’t there.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Riccardy is from Haiti so we thought it would be a great idea to have a Rum bar that featured various signature rum drinks. We also made sure to include Caribbean ingredients into the reception menu such as ginger, pineapples, coconut, mango, and black rice. The DJ, played various Caribbean songs as we danced the night away.
Quick Facts
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts:
Bridesmaids:
Canvas bags with personalized robes with their initials, jewelry, and monogrammed hangers made by the bride.
Groomsmen: Each groomsmen received a gift box that included monogrammed flasks, a tie, old fashioned whiskey glasses, shades and collar holders.
Favorite item on the menu: Braised Cod in Coconut & Lemongrass. Served with Smoked Eggplant, Tomato Ginger Chutney & Black Rice
First dance song: “Best of Me” by Anthony Hamilton
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Alicia: My favorite memory about my wedding was our first dance. That’s when I really took it all in. All of the people that we love were all in one room with us to celebrate our union as husband and wife. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll never forget.
Riccardy: My favorite memory was watching Alicia walk down the aisle. She was absolutely beautiful. I didn’t want to do a first look because I wanted that moment to be special and it was definitely worth the wait.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Let your personality shine through in your wedding. It’s about the two of you so, don’t worry about meeting anyone else’s expectations. If a super fancy wedding isn’t your style or isn’t something you can afford, be creative and do something that fits your personality and your budget.
We are both very artistic individuals so we chose to DIY our centerpieces, our flower wall, wedding favors, table names, bridal party gifts and the list goes on! The guests absolutely loved the decor and the wedding details. Also, finding a venue that will allow you to bring in your own alcohol helps to cut costs for an open bar.
Vendors
Make Up: Shayla Calvert
Hair: Tasha Church
Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bridal Shop: The White Orchid
Grooms Shoes: Aston Grey
Grooms Tux: Joseph Abboud
Ceremony Location: Mellon Park Walled Garden
Reception Location: The Edgewood Club
Invitations: Cre8tive Soul
Photographer: Weddings by Alisa
Cinematography: Yamean Studios
Caterer: First Class Catering
Wedding Cake: Bella Christie & Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique Bakery (Aspinwall)
Event Decor: Alicia Volcy (The Bride!)
Wedding DJ: DJ Bo Weezy
Wedding Band: Jessie Boyce (Saxophone) & Derric Heck (Singer)
Wedding Coordination: Abstract Elements Management Agency
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