It’s no secret that a solid friendship is one of the keys to a successful relationship. “The great and unique thing about me and my husband’s relationship is that we were truly friends before anything romantic started between us. We would joke as friends, give each other support and advice about the relationships we were in at the time and were always a shoulder to lean on for each other,” Sherline says. The pair denied their connection at first but what’s destined can never be denied. Eventually they let their guards down and opened their hearts and their minds to the idea of being together.”We were friends for over 5 years before finally making things official between us. We never looked back,” she shares.
The couple had an elegant Haitian wedding that emphasized their rich culture. From waves of their native flag to jars of Cremas, it was a beautiful and proud affair. Take a look at their Haitian wedding with photography by Coterie member Lady Iman Photography.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on the menu: The wedding cake was our absolute favorite item on the menu. Each layer was a different flavor. It was moist, beautiful and delicious. AMAZING!
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Groomsmen: Custom flasks that had their names engraved on it with matching shot glasses. Bridesmaids: Bridesmaids jewelry, satchel handbag and makeup bag.
First dance song: “Un Bout de Mon Amour” by Alan Cavé ft. Teeyah
Bride: Sherline Louis
Groom: Renaud Louis
Wedding date: July 18, 2015
Wedding location: Downtown Raleigh Marriott City Center
Tell us all about the proposal!
Renaud proposed to me at my surprise birthday party that he planned. I was surrounded by friends, family, and great food! The thought of a proposal never crossed my mind. Towards the end of the night, he pulled me up to the front of the room to open my gift from him. I unwrapped the gift and opened the box, to my surprise, there was another box. I opened that box and found another box, by that time, I looked at him like, “you play too much,” still not realizing what trick he had up his sleeve. I opened the second box and found a ring box, my heart drops! I opened the ring box, only to find that it was empty. When I looked back, he was down on one knee, confessing his love for me, in front of family and friends, then asked me to marry him. It was the perfect proposal and a day I will never forget!
Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
I was obsessed with my wedding gown. I was very intimidated by the thought of wearing a wedding gown all night, but it was super comfortable and flowed very nice as I walked and danced the night away! My gown was from the Mori Lee Blu collection 5101; a sweetheart neckline, fit and flare style dress. It fit perfectly in all the right places. To add a little bling to the gown, I purchased a custom bridal sash on Etsy to complete the look I was going for. The icing on the cake for my wedding ensemble was my veil. It was a custom cathedral veil, beaded all along the edge and the top of the crown with Swarovski crystals, it was a show stopper! Wedding shopping was a breeze. Walking into any store, I knew exactly what I was looking for and the vision I had for the big day. I was a very hands on bride and planned the big day with the help of family and close friends.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The moment I read my vows to my step-daughter. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Accepting her as my daughter before God, family, and friends is a moment I will never forget. As a symbol of my vow to her, I presented her with a Things Remembered charm bracelet. “I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll forever love you,” is engraved on the charm.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Yes we did. We are both Haitian and it was important to us to incorporate our Haitian culture. We had Haitian flags for all of our guests and bridal party for the reception. We were welcomed as bride and groom by over 100 Haitian flags swinging side to side and Haitian music. It was awesome! Our wedding favors were a well-known Haitian drink made by my mother, bottled in mason jars with a picture label of us on the lid. The drink is called Cremas. DELICIOUS!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Shop around for the best deals available. Be sure you are happy with the photographer you decide to book. The wedding day goes by so fast and you’ll barely remember what happened. The pictures are what you’ll use to reflect on that special day for years to come. Most importantly, try to enjoy every minute of your special day!
Vendors
Photographer: Lady Iman Photography
Wedding Dress: Mori Lee Blu
Wedding Veil: Pure Blooms Handmade Bridal Veils & Accessories
Bridal Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Bridal Salon: Bridal Mart, Burlington, NC
Bridesmaid Dresses: Mori Lee
Groomsmen Tuxedo: Vera Wang, Men’s Warehouse
Make-up: Sharon Davis Makeup Artistry
Hair Stylist: Marcia Placide owner of All About You Hair Salon, Miami, Florida
Florist: Embellished Blooms
Cake: Cinda’s Creative Cakes
DJ: 360 Elite Entertainment
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Downtown Raleigh Marriott City Center
Day of Wedding Coordinator/Emcee: Velonda Calloway of 360 Elite Entertainment
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