"With an Open Heart" - Nicole and James' Haitian-Themed Wedding in Garner North Carolina -Munaluchi Bride

“With an open heart…” Upon exploring these wonderful wedding images, one quickly discovers the meaning of this beautiful sentiment in the loving looks and blissful smiles of Nicole and James on this most special of days. Having met on a blind date, those initial sparks ignited an ember of love uniting Nicole and James in an official relationship one month later. Over four inseparable years that ember burned brighter into the flame of romance that warms their lives – moving James to the grandest gesture of love. After her graduation from college, James threw Nicole a party of celebrating this monumental achievement and, in an act that would certainly make the night even more unforgettable, asked her to spend the rest of her life with him as husband and wife.
Together, as Nicole so elegantly states, “we have learned that love tends to happen when you just step out on faith with no expectations and with an open heart.”

Continue exploring Nicole and James’ regal and luxurious Haitian-themed wedding, which truly is a “royal affair.”

Bride & Groom: Mrs. Nicole Grace Louis and Mr. James Louis
Occupations: Bride – Lawyer. Groom – Area Manager for a Beverage Company.
Wedding date: September 12, 2015
Wedding location: Grand Marquis Ballroom– Garner, NC

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal: We met on a blind date set up by two of our best friends. One month later, James asked me to be his girlfriend by hiding a note that said, “will you be my girlfriend” on a piece of paper at the bottom of movie theater popcorn. From that moment since, we have been inseparable. Four years later on May 12, 2012, the same day I graduated from NC State, James threw me a graduation party and surprised me with a proposal. All of my family and friends were aware except me. Funny thing is, I thought he had bought me a car because just a week prior he was asking me what type of car I wanted. I guess that was a part of the surprise but I ended up with something even better. We have learned that love tends to happen when you just step out on faith with no expectations and with an open heart. James sees me as his queen and I see him as my king. Hence, the wedding theme of a royal affair also known as “The Louis Affair.”

Wedding Style: My wedding dress was a white ball gown. I’ve always dreamt of having a fairytale wedding since I was a young girl. The first wedding store I went in, I automatically knew that I didn’t want to try on any other type of dress except a ball gown. Though my mother and sisters encouraged me to try on other silhouettes, I knew I couldn’t. The very first ball gown I cried in, it solidified the fact that my dreams were coming true. When I paired my ball gown with a cathedral veil, it was love at first sight.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? My husband is from Haiti and we made sure to incorporate his Haitian culture. We decided to go with Caribbean inspired food such as chicken with rice and beans and mango salsa for one of our meal options. We gave out miniature Haitian flags to be swayed during our first dance song, which was a mix of a Haitian song and an R&B song. We also came out for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Louis waiving a huge Haitian Flag in which my husband wrapped around me as we came out to Haitian carnival music. Throughout the night, our guest enjoyed Haitian music and dancing.

What is your best memory from your wedding? Him: Seeing my beautiful queen walking down the aisle with her dad and thinking she was the most beautiful woman on earth. Her: Being able to have my dad walk me down the aisle. Many didn’t know but my father had just gotten out of the hospital just a week before our wedding from the ICU and we weren’t sure he was going to be able to participate in the wedding.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Hire a wedding planner! If you can’t afford a wedding planner, at least have a friend or family member who can be your go to person. Our wedding planner eased all of our fears. She made sure that we got everything we wanted but also was there to ensure that we weren’t going crazy on our budget. She also wanted to keep our stress at a minimum, which thinking back, we are truly grateful for.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids—Emergency wedding day kit filled with essentials such as hygiene products, medicine, and snacks. Also, the bridesmaids were given turquoise Chinese silk robes. Groomsmen: Crystal Whiskey Glass set with matching glasses.

Favorite item on the menu: Rice and Beans

First dance song: 2 Song Mix of 1) “Share My Life” by Kem and 2) “M’envie di’ou” by Daan Junior