Love does not follow a uniform timetable. Some love connections are formed instantly, and some take time to develop.
Carmen and Erik had an immediate attraction to each other when they were introduced at a sports bar, but they remained acquaintances for about a year. When they finally connected and started conversing by phone, their relationship progressed quickly. They went on their first date and subsequently became inseparable.
Almost seven years after they met, Erik proposed in 2017 on Christmas Eve. They shared the exciting news with family and friends on Christmas Day.
Wedding planning started soon after. The bride and the groom worked with MunaLuchi Coterie member Frankie Leland Events, LLC to create a beautiful ballroom wedding that was timeless and elegant. MunaLuchi Coterie member LaJoy Photography captured all of the stunning details from Carmen’s regal ballroom gown, to the chic cream and gold decor with mirrored accents. See all of the lovely details below.
- Couple: Carmen & Erik
- Occupations: Erik- Construction Site Manager; Carmen: Non-profit Administrator
- Wedding date: January 19, 2019
- Wedding location: Mission San Luis- Tallahassee, FL
Quick Facts
- What gifts did you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: Bridesmaids received their wedding jewelry in bridesmaids canvas bags. The groomsmen received groomsmen socks, which served as scarves around the necks of pint-size Remy Martin bottles.
- Gifts for one another: Erik bought Carmen a Kate Spade handbag.
- Ceremony entrance song: “A Thousand Years”- Christina Perri (piano cover)
- First dance song: “Forever Mine”- The O’Jays
How They Met
In August 2010, Carmen relocated to Marianna, FL. The couple was introduced at a local sports bar by one of Carmen’s cousins, who was one of Erik’s friends. Although there was an immediate attraction, the two did not readily start dating. They remained acquaintances for about a year, and eventually starting conversing by phone and went on their first date. After the first date, they subsequently became inseparable.
The Proposal
The night of Christmas Eve 2017, Carmen was wrapping last-minute gifts, and Erik came to sit with her. He started small conversation, and asked her to stop wrapping for a moment. He began to recap the years that the couple has spent together. Under a guise to help him get more firewood out of the garage, Carmen followed him. Once they got in the garage, Erik knelt on one knee and asked Carmen if she’d marry him. Of course, she accepted.
Prior to proposing, Erik told his family and Carmen’s family that he planned to propose at the Christmas dinner that the couple would host. On Christmas Day, all of the family shows up, expecting to witness a proposal that took place the night before. Before dinner, it was announced, and the family eagerly celebrated the long-anticipated union.
Wedding Style
We wanted the wedding to be timeless and elegant. Wedding dress shopping was phenomenal. Our fantastic planner led me to a dress shop that would outfit my bridesmaids, and me too! Over the course of three day-trips, which included both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom, we settled on the perfect dress. It was perfect for me, in that it wasn’t white or off-white. It had lace and Swarovski crystals. It was an Allure Couture new arrival in the bridal shop and exhibited the timeless essence that we wished to capture. Erik’s tuxedo was timeless, but it exhibited his personal and inimitable flair. Erik selected a black tuxedo with long tails, with a pique shirt and vest, with a bow-tie.
Incorporation of Culture
After the wedding rehearsal on the eve of the wedding, the bride and the groom did not see one another until the bride came down the aisle at the start of the wedding. On the wedding day, the bride traditionally carried something old, new, borrowed and blue. During the wedding ceremony, in lieu of lighting the unity candle, the officiant led the bride and groom in the unity sand ceremony.
Best Wedding Memory
Our best memory was the wedding and the reception as a whole. We believe that the wedding and ceremony undoubtedly captured everything we dreamed. A good time was had by all, and our wedding served as a space to unite people from various walks of life, who all came to celebrate our union.
Wedding Advice
There will be a lot of pressure and varying opinions from others regarding your special day. Make sure that the wedding day you plan (hopefully with a very skilled planner who takes the time to get to know you), is about the two of you, and is what will make you both happy. No one else matters.
Vendors
- Photography: LaJoy Photography
- Wedding Planner & Designer: Frankie Leland Events, LLC
- Venue: Mission San Luis
- Florals & Design: Posh Stems
- Event Rentals: EP Luxe Event Design and Rentals
- Cake: Katie’s Cake
- Catering: Andrews Catering
- Videography: Unique Video Creations
- Photo Booth: Cheese Me Photobooth
- DJ: Vertz House
Beautiful featured wedding! Loved the color of the bridemaids dresses….and the bride’s gown was beautiful. Thank you for sharing…
Have a wonderful life together! Love 💘