Isabele and Valere worked in different departments at Bloomingdale’s but came together like a magnet. After hitting it off, Valere eventually told a mutual friend that he had met his future wife. After a proposal surrounded by family and friends, Isabele and Valere were on their way to planning their beautiful summer wedding in Miami, which took place just one month after Isabele’s birthday.
Wedding Date: July 18, 2015
Wedding Location: Ceremony: St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Miami Beach / Reception: Douglas Entrance in Coral Gables
First Dance Song: “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeren (Sung by a soloist, Jessica Juste)
Favorite Item on the Menu: Grilled Alaskan salmon topped with saumeriee sauce
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
Valere and I met in 2008 at Bloomingdale’s in Aventura mall where we worked as sales representatives. I worked in women handbags/accessories and he worked in shoes. At that time I completed my undergraduate studies and was in pursuit of furthering my education as a physical therapist at Florida International University. Valere was in pursuit of completing his MBA in Finance to establish a steady foundation. We both had the same value system, Valere being from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and me descending from Haitian natives, we were instilled with strong morals and beliefs which I believe drew us closer together. Our friendship continued to grow and he even mentioned to a mutual friend of ours, “That is my wife.”
Fast forward to June 15th, 2013, three days after my birthday, Valere decided to make his intuition a reality. Valere, along with the help of my best friend, arranged a surprise birthday dinner at Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant with a few of our closest friends and family. While we were enjoying the dinner and show, the MC sent dancers throughout the audience to select a few people to come on stage and join the dancers. Valere & I happened to be chosen. As we stood there, the MC proceeded to ask me my reasons for coming out that night and if I knew why I was on stage. She mentioned that Valere had an important message that he wanted to share with me. Before I knew it, Valere got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
Wedding Style
I would describe my wedding dress as tastefully sexy and chic. It was an ivory, flared two tiered skirt, silhouette gown with embroidered & fringe lace detail. My sweetheart neckline and straps were accented with crystal beading down to where the low cut back ended.
Surprisingly, with the help of my mom, aunt and maid of honor, my dress shopping wasn’t so difficult. I always envisioned myself in something that was elegant and form fitting with a vintage feel. I found my wedding dress after shopping at three stores and trying on a handful of dresses. As soon as I tried on the one, I remember how blown away and speechless I was by the fit of my dress. I strutted up and down the Merlili bridal store and literally did not want to take my dress off!
Culture
Valere & I incorporated both my Haitian culture and his African Congolese culture into our reception by our cultural blended music selection. From our favorite “Kompa” hits to the sounds of “Fally Ipupa Original,” all of our guests were able to join together on the dance floor and enjoy themselves.
Memories
The best memory from my wedding had to be the reception in its entirety!
Help a bride-to-be out!
- Live in every moment & enjoy the process! Everything will happen so quickly.
- Remember you can’t please everyone so be sure to get what both you and your future husband want out of your wedding.
- Don’t let wedding planning take over your relationship. As stressful as planning a wedding is, you never want to lose sight of why you’re getting married in the first place. Things will all work out the way God intended it to.
- Your wedding is only one day and a couple of hours. Be mindful of your expenses and stick to your budget.
Vendors:
Photography & Videography: AVD Photography
Hotel: Marriott Residence Inn
Event Designer: Alejandrina Events
Wedding Dress : IVORIE Paris by Kitty Chen
Wedding Dress Salon: Merlili Bridal
Wedding Dress Hanger: Get Hung Up
Bride Robe: WeddingPrepGals
Bridesmaids, Maid & Matron of Honor Dresses: The Dainty Yard via Etsy
Hair: Tasha Tresses By Tasha Auguste
Bride Makeup: Face it Artistry by Shirley St. Fort-Nwabuoku
Bridesmaids Makeup: Makeup By Brittany Cierra
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Limousine: Florians Classics
Florist: Ala Flowers
Event Rentals: Contempo Linens
Cake: Sweet Touch Specialty Cakes by Hilda
Favors: Mini Martini Bottles
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas
Wedding Signs: Michael’s Wedding
Card Holder: DIY Vintage Birdcage
Music: DJ Mike Cooley
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