It is said that music is the sustenance of love, for music professionals Belinda and Vincent, this couldn’t be more true. Having both just come out of “toxic relationships,” neither was actively in search of love, but love had plans of its own. Hired to the same Orchestral tour, he a lead trombonist and she singing alto, the two immediately locked eyes from across the ensemble. As the tour progressed, so did the romantic tension between them, and before long the harmony of their love would become the music of their lives.
Read all about Belinda & Vincent’s love story, surprise proposal in Toronto, and wedding experiences below. Featuring the photography of MunaLuchi Coterie member Regina Fleming Photography. View the complete vendor list below.
Bride & Groom: Belinda & Vincent
Occupations: Belinda – Professional Singer, Songwriter, Vocal/Performance Coach, CEO BeBeGirl Enterprises, Co-Founder of Jazz Houston, Inc.
Vincent- Professional Musician (Lead Trombonist for Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), Composer, Music Educator, and Artistic Director of Jazz Houston.
Wedding date: March 19, 2017
Wedding location: Surf Club on The Sound. New Rochelle, NY
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal: In 2013, Belinda and Vincent were at crossroads in their lives. Having just come out of toxic relationships, neither one of them was looking for love. However, love found them in the midst of their passion, MUSIC! Vincent, the lead trombonist for the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra was preparing for a tour of a piece that Wynton Marsalis wrote commemorating the 200 year anniversary of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. Belinda, an international Vocalist was hired to sing in the choir for that same tour. As Fate would have it, Belinda, a natural Soprano was asked to sing Alto in order to even-out the sections. Lucky for Vincent, the Alto section was positioned directly beside the Trombone section, giving Vincent a direct eye-view of Belinda during rehearsals. They were instantly drawn to each other and as the tour progressed, so did the realization that there was definitely something special between them.
In March 2016, Belinda was in her hometown of Toronto Canada visiting family, while Vincent was back in NYC rehearsing for an upcoming tour. He decided to fly out to Toronto and surprise Belinda before leaving for tour. They had a wonderful night out on the town which ended at Belinda’s favorite dessert place where Vincent got the owners to transform the restaurant into the perfect setting for him to get down on one knee and ask Belinda to make their love last forever. She in return said “YES!”
What was wedding shopping like for you? Shopping for my dress was very easy because I knew exactly what I wanted going into the store. My friend Jatali accompanied me to JK Bridal where I found my dress after trying on 3 dresses. The only thing that was missing was something unique! Being an entertainer and always in the spotlight, I don’t like buying dresses off the rack. I always try to add some detail or something that will distinguish my dress from the rest. So I decided to have my friends at 5001 FLAVORS for Harlem Haberdashery in NYC alter and customize my dress with a beautiful Lace-up corset.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? My parents are from Grenada and Vince’s parents are from Mississippi and Chicago. Throughout the wedding we added little touches that incorporated both of our cultures. The cocktail hour had a Caribbean station and a Southern station with a variety of delectables. Our favors were “Black Cake,” a Caribbean tradition, and Personalized CDs of our recorded version of our first dance. We entered the reception to a Second Line of New Orleans music provided by groomsman Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra along with Nate Lucas and his All Stars.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: The bridesmaids and mothers received personalized platinum silk robes, wedding day makeup & jewelry. The Flower Girls received fur shawls. The groomsmen and fathers received handmade platinum lapels, pocket squares and cufflinks.
Favorite item on the menu: Groom – Chicken in the Puff Pastry. Bride: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe.
First dance song: Ashford and Simpson’s “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Which was re-recorded by the bride and groom and given as favors to the guests.
What is your best memory from your wedding? Groom: The look on my brides face before I took her hand from my father-in-law. Bride: My father-in-law coming out of a three year retirement to play the trumpet for his son.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Remember to enjoy yourself on your wedding day. Eat. Dance. Let loose! You’re paying for it, so why not enjoy it!
Vendors:
Wedding dress designer: Allure Couture
Wedding dress salon: RK Bridal
Brides Headpiece: Andre M. Baxter of Christine Designs Millinery by Andre
Brides Hair & Beauty Coordinator: Claudia Johnson
Bridesmaids Dresses: Infinity Dresses by Dress and Charm
Bouquets: Amore Weddings
Bridesmaids Hair: Charmaine Halley
Makeup Coordinator: Denise Tavarez-Cerbelli
Bride shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom: 5001 FLAVORS for Harlem Haberdashery
Groomsmen: Brooks Brothers
Rings: Custom-made by Edward Ford Creative Jewelers Chicago, IL
Ceremony/Reception location: Surf Club on the Sound New Rochelle, NY
Florist/Corsages/Centerpieces: Toni Lisa Gaglione of Amore Weddings
Photography: Regina Fleming Photography
Videography: Rick Hollman
DJ: Antoine Debrill
Orchestra: Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Band: Nate Lucas All Stars
Vocalists: Vivian Sessoms, Anthony Dixon
Ceremony Vocalist: Marvin Lowe
Officiant: Reverend Keith Campbell
Airport Transportation: Ernest Gregory, Raymond Murphy
Wedding Guest Shuttle: J&R Tours
Wedding planner/ Coordinator: Bride’s Cousin, Karen Munro
Event designers: Karen Munro & Belinda Munro
Absolutely Beautiful my Friend!