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In search of their individual piece of the American dream, this lovely couple found each other and began the first chapter of their Afro-Caribbean love story together. Born Marie-France Likanje; the second daughter of John and Michelle Likanje proud natives of Cameroon; the bride graduated from Stony Brook University with a B.S degree in psychology. Currently Marie France is a graduate student preparing for a career in the medical field. The groom, Wednaud Ronelus (known as Johnny) born in Croix-de-bouquets, Haiti and raised in Brooklyn New York obtained his B.A degrees in biology and biochemistry as well as M.S degrees in Biology and Science education from the Lehman College in New York. The Afro-Caribbean love story of Marie-France Likanje, of cameroon descent, and Wednaud(Johnny) Ronelus, from Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, began with exchanged innocent smiles and hellos in the elevator of the building where Marie-France lived with her family and Johnny lived with his roommate. A childhood crush gradually blossomed into a meeting of hearts that sustained an eight-year romantic relationship between the two. For Marie-France, July 4, 2008 will always hold a special place in her heart. It will not only commemorate six years of courtship with the boy next door and the man of her dreams but more importantly, it will remind her of the moment he promised to love her forever and presented her a piece of his heart for a lifetime. In cahoots with her mother, Johnny set out to make this day truly special for Marie-France. Under the pretense of a celebration for his move into a new apartment and their anniversary, Johnny convened the couple’s closest friends and family and an unsuspecting Marie-France at the Sea Restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In response to a make believe toast done by Marie’s parents congratulating Johnny on his move, Johnny seized the opportunity to ask Marie-France to be his life partner by presenting a red ring box on bended knees. A peek in the ring box revealed a beautiful ring Johnny had purchased from Michael C. Fina and the exact engagement ring style Marie-France had requested some months prior. Amidst the applause from their eager audience, a tear stricken Marie-France accepted Johnny’s proposal to be his queen, his partner, his wife. The couple’s perfect evening was topped off with a lovely cake and champagne, arranged by Marie-France’s older sister Helen. Friends and family toasted to the couple under a mid-summer’s night sky, lit with the spectacular glow of the July 4th celebration fireworks display. After a lovely dinner, the festivities continued at a trendy New York City nightclub where the couple was joined by more friends and well wishers as they danced the night away. The couple opted for a scenic outdoor wedding. Inspired by their recent wine tour, they settled on the Macari Vineyards in Mattituck, NY as their wedding venue. Due to the untraditional choice of venue, the couple decided to enlist the expertise of Christine Brower of C. Brower & Co. and Corrine Statia of Absolute Events by Corrine as their esteemed wedding planners. Marie’s wedding vision involved the fusion of both African and Caribbean cultures to create an Afro-Caribbean ambiance laced with elegance and modern style. Her color palette of orange and blue transformed the venue into a tropical sanctuary of bliss. The ceremony was held outdoor amidst the calming ever green forage of the vineyard, artificially enhanced with the pristine hue of the orange and blue decor. Invited guests looked on as the bridal party proceeded down the make shift aisle, framed by the vines, towards the chuppah draped with blue organza. Finally, Marie-France graced the aisle, hand in hand with her father as they were serenaded by the lovely harmony of ‘Time after time’ being played on violin by her violin teacher and amazing musician, Tarrah Reynolds. Marie-France personified elegance and class in her sweetheart bodice tiered gown. To the left of the chuppah stood her bridesmaid ensemble looking equally elegant in their custom-made asymmetrical orange gowns. Her sister Helen stood bold and beautiful in her chic blue strapless gown as she took on her maid of honor duties. On the right of the chuppah, Johnny and his groomsmen stood confidently suited in the Classic collection by English Laundry. The orange-blue tint of the fading horizon played perfectly into the wedding colors, as if it was nature’s way to conform. The ceremony was conducted by the couple’s counselor, Pastor Kevin Brown. It gave the couple added sentimental appeal to know that Pastor Brown knew both of them on a more personal level as such his message was well tailored to their specific needs. A sand ceremony was performed to further solidify the vows they made to each other as husband and wife. The violin duet by Tarrah Reynolds and co-violinist gave the ceremony an extra romantic appeal. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour the couple rightfully dubbed a ‘Bob Marley’ cocktail hour. This was to celebrate their joint love for Bob Marley songs. The DJ kept the audience entertained with the sweet calming music of Bob Marley during this hour. Finally, the guests were welcomed to the reception area that overlooked the scenic view of the vineyard. The reception space had been transformed into a tropical paradise that exuded an Afro-Caribbean appeal. The color blend of blue, orange and green décor further enhanced the illusion of a perfect vacationing spot. From the custom made African fabric dinner napkins and guest table linens; contributed by Homeland Authentics, an African online specialty boutique, to the African Djembe drum inspired wedding cake, Marie-France’s Cameroonian roots were well represented. The festive carnival atmosphere was invoked as guests took to the floor with Haitian and Lion of Judah flags and whistles during the soca and reggae dance sessions to pay homage to Johnny’s Caribbean heritage. Dining was one of the couple’s main concerns as they wanted to maintain the same tropical appeal yet provide their guests with upscale options. The culinary expertise of Lucmann Pierre of LePierre Caterers was solicited, who in turn delivered an exotic menu selection and mixed drinks that kept the couple’s guests well satisfied. Entertainment for the evening included a special song, sang and written by the couple’s mutual friend, Antonio. He lyrically celebrated the couple’s love and connected the dots of their eight year relationship. All in all, the couple acheived their ultimate goal, to share their culture, their love and some of their favorite things with their closest friends and family.