Often, love is found where least expected and when not particularly seeking it. For Sharde, in searching for a new Manhattan apartment she ultimately found love, as the listing broker would one day become her husband. Sharde and Ken would form a long friendship, deepening a bond that would blossom into love on a trip to Los Angeles…
Read all about Sharde & Ken’s love story, proposal, and Brooklyn wedding experience – featuring DJ and Lighting services by MunaLuchi Coterie member Finer Touch Entertainment.
Bride & Groom: Sharde Simpson and Ken Douglas
Occupations: Attorney (Bride), Real Estate Broker and Agent (Groom)
Wedding date: 7.30.16
Wedding location: Giando on the Water, Brooklyn NY
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. “The year was 2009 and Sharde had been at Roc Nation, LLC for just a few months. She decided it was time to move from her parents’ home and find a place of her own. Sharde and her girlfriend searched for a number of apartments in Manhattan using street easy and other sites when they stumbled across Nestseekers International, LLC. Here, Sharde scrolled down the list of apartments and saw Ken’s name as the listing broker for 90 West Street, an apartment she was fond of. Ken looked like a nice guy so Sharde reached out to him to set up a viewing.
After speaking on the phone and setting up an appointment to view the property, among others, the two were set to meet in front of Century 21 in the financial district. The day of the appointment the girls quickened their pace as they approached Ken because they were running late (Sharde’s norm). When Ken saw the two he thought they were teenagers playing a practical joke because of both their size and demeanor. Nevertheless, he took them to view the apartment Sharde had called about in addition to a few others.
Even though Sharde liked the apartment she insisted on seeing more. It took her two months to decide that the initial apartment Ken had shown her (90 West) was the right fit. During that time they formed a friendship and they began to adopt each other’s friends as their own. Their friendship blossomed until one year later on a trip to Los Angeles with Sharde’s college friend, where the two decided to make it something more. At that point the relationship took on a life of its own.
Ken proposed to Sharde on her birthday in July 2011 at Scalini Fedeli’s in Tribeca. Ken recalls, ‘the proposal was more of a discussion because Sharde was heading to law school in the fall.’ After dinner and dialogue they decided that they would wait on wedding plans until after she finished law school and passed the bar exam. Since then the two have devoted five years to nurturing their bond.
Ken and Sharde were married on July 30, 2016 at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn, New York. The wedding was filled with all of the love and happiness one could ask for. It took one full year of planning and coordination to complete the wedding of their dreams. The brides thirtieth birthday was July 28th 2016 and the rehearsal dinner, which took place July 29th 2016 was held on a private yacht, “Jacanna.” Jacanna took the bridal party and the bride and groom’s closest family members on a trip along Manhattan’s east river (including the Statue of Liberty and the very location the couple were to exchange vows the very next day). The series of events leading up to and including the wedding made their wedding a dream come true…”
What was wedding shopping like for you? Amazing! I took my aunt, mom and granny, but I ended up finding the dress of my dreams when I was alone.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We jumped the broom!
What is your best memory from your wedding? Our Vows.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Pick your bridesmaids very carefully and plan more than one year in advance.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Necklaces by dogeared/Engraved Single barrel Jack Daniels Bottles.
Favorite item on the menu: Pinkberry Catering
First dance song: “Stand By Me”
Vendors:
Day Of Coordinator – Michelle Newson of Onederland Events
Favors and Event Design – Sheila Williams of She’s Too Sweet
Florist – Vanessa Polanco of Verde Custom Flowers, Inc.
Ceremony and Cocktail hour Music – Jaclyn Duncan Music
DJ and Lighting for Reception and After-party – Finer Touch Entertainment
Photographer – Joshua Frith of Joshua Dwain Photography
Videographer – NST Pictures
Officiant – Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Hair – Mohan Jean-Mary of Modimel Studios
Makeup – Stashes by Stacey
Stationery – Ngrave Solutions
Dress – Crystal Bridal
After Party Deserts – PinkBerry Catering
Cocktail Hour Event: Angelo Cigars
Venue – Giando on the Water
Thanks for including our film in this feature! We’re honored :)