When Karen and Herman met in college, an immediate spark was felt between the two. It didn’t take long for these two to begin dating but education came first and that took them to different universities in neighboring states. Long distance brought upon a break between this Southern couple but God is always on time. Five years after growing up apart, the two were brought together, more ready than ever before to walk the path they were always meant to, which led to a beautiful fall Charleston wedding .
Wedding Date: September 26, 2014
Wedding Location: Charleston Towne Landing, Charleston, South Carolina
First Dance Song: “Alone Together” by Daley ft. Marsha Ambrosius
Favorite Item on the Menu: Mini crab cakes!
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
Our love story began almost 12 years ago in our hometown of Charleston, SC at a mutual friend’s birthday dinner. Herman was 19, a freshman in college and I was 17 and a senior in high school. Herman had recently ended a 2 year relationship, while I was still new to the dating game. When I arrived to the dinner, he immediately caught my eye. Once dinner concluded, he approached me, walked me to my car (in true gentlemen fashion), and asked for my number.
We dated for 2 years while we were both in college. I attended North Carolina A&T State University and he attended The University of South Carolina. Sharing an innate drive to make something of ourselves, we both pursued our passions towards securing our degrees since neither of our parents had done so. As life and timing placed it, we both ended up pledging the same semester in 2005. I became an AKA and he a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. both being first generation Greeks. Unfortunately, the long distance got the best of us and we decided to end it. We kept the friendship alive since we always had the other’s best interest at heart.
Fast-forward to May of 2010, Herman self-published his first book and began plans to debut it at a signing in November of that year back home in Charleston, SC. Having talked recently, Herman decided to invite me to his book signing. I of course accepted to be a support to a great friend on a major accomplishment, but also to show him in person the “woman” that I had become over the past 5 years. From the the moment I walked in, I knew there was something different…the pieces were finally fitting together.
In June of 2011, we decided to become an item once again. Still long distance, we decided to take the relationship to yet another level with me moving to DC to truly see where we were going. It was this Thanksgiving that Herman set his plan into motion (unbeknownst to me) to make me his wife. Nine months later, Herman proposed to me on the beautiful island of Montego Bay, JA on his 30th birthday. There was nothing more perfect than seeing him on one knee with the soft waves of the Atlantic Ocean serenading us as he asked me to share his life’s journey with him.
Wedding Style
My wedding dress experience was not what I had anticipated. I had imagined that it would be just like any other shopping day, but it was way more involved! My mother and sister were my shopping companions, and we were initially on a search for a slip-like gown. Simple and elegant. What I actually fell in love with was a beautiful Jenny Lee guipure lace and blush satin gown that accentuated all of my curves and highlighted my natural beauty on my special day!
Culture
Yes! Both my husband and I are from Charleston, South Carolina. I also am part Trinidadian. We incorporated both our Southern and West Indian heritage in everything from the decor to the favors which were tastings of Black cake (a traditional West Indian cake) and praline pecans (Southern sweet delicacies). We even had a steel drum player for the cocktail hour!
Memories
My best memory from the wedding was toward the end of the ceremony when both my husband and I were able to look into each other’s eyes, breathing a silent sigh of relief, knowing that all the hard work in planning the wedding had come to fruition with the help and love from our friends and family. A truly beautiful moment!
Help a bride-to-be out!
Build a friendship first! This was something that my husband really wanted for us. By having such a strong friendship, we have been able to face all levels of life together, knowing that our best friend would always be there as a comfort for the rest of our lives.
Vendors:
Photography: FOKAS Photography
Venue: Charleston Towne Landing
Decor &Coordination: Inventive Environments
Bridal Salon: Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Wedding Dress: Jenny Lee
Bridesmaids Dresses: Condon’s Bridal
Mothers of Bride & Groom Dresses: Deborah’s Bridal
Hair: Salon N’Vee
Makeup: Makeup by Lisa-Priscilla
Groomsmen Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Florals: Flowers by Eddie
Dessert: Cakes by Karsada
Lighting & DJ: Queen City DJs
Entertainment: Hear to Steels Drums Play by Minsky Delmonte
Stationery: KMP Fashion Consulting, LLC
Thank you very much for sharing your story and beautiful pictures with us. You were a lovely bride and your gown was everything! May you and your Honey Do experience many wonderful years of love, happiness and prosperity.
Thank Diedre for the kind words!!
You too make such a beautiful couple!
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201506/marriage-commitment/