Nerilanda and Evens were born and bred in the same country… the beautiful, colorful and richly cultured island of Haiti.
How fitting that years later, after meeting in a church in the USA, fate would bring them back to the place where their lives began. After their engagement, the couple journeyed back to Haiti to capture their love story through the lens of Haitian photographer, Tony Barreau. Their photos are gorgeous- saturated with the rich and vibrant history of Haiti, but capturing these photos was quite an adventure.
Nerilanda shares, “We wanted to experience Haiti in its raw yet beautiful essence. So for the shoot, we jumped in a “tap-tap” (gaily painted buses or pick-up trucks that serve as share taxis in Haiti). The ride was bumpy at times but filled with so much laughter and awe-striking moments as we soaked in the wonderful scenery of the land. The photoshoot was scheduled to take place at the famous large mountaintop fortress, Citadelle Laferrière or Citadelle Henri Christophe, or simply the Citadelle, which is located on top of the mountain Bonnet a L’Eveque. The “tap-tap” dropped us at the foot of the mountain, and we straddled our horses for a 2-hour journey all the way to the top of the mountain.”
It was worth the adventure; their engagement shoot was absolutely stunning! See all of their amazing photos below.
- Couple: Nerilanda Destave & Evens Etienne
- Occupations: Neri (Accountant) & Vens (Environmental Services Manager)
- Location of Engagement shoot: Cap Haitian, Haiti
- Date: 1/29/2019
How They Met
Even in the Darkest Hour God’s way is there to Light your path. Nerilanda and Evens were able to find love in the most difficult time in their lives. Some say friendship is the secret to a long-lasting romantic relationship. They can attest to that. Nerilanda PRAYED for a HUSBAND that has a love for God like none other. The word says men should love their wives as he loves the church/him. She knew if she had found one after God’s heart, he’ll be able to love her and her children the right way.
The Proposal
In February of 2017, while having normal conversations and laughter, Evens stopped and looked into Nerilanda eyes and asked for her in marriage. She was shocked, not taking him seriously he planned a surprise proposal on the Rooftop of Hotel One in Miami Beach with those close to him and her in June of 2017. With excitement, she said YES!
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Going out to dance.
Describe Your Engagement Session
We had 3 days to pull off this task which also included a surprise for Evens parents, who had not seen their son in quite some time. It was secretly arranged that Even’s sister would take their parents to the BnB where we stayed in Cap Haitien, which was 8 hours away by bus from the capital, Port au Prince, where they were from. The reunion was such a tear-jerker. There was not a dry eye in the building. Everyone on the property was caught up in the emotionally charged surprise and reaction between parents & son, who had not physically seen each other in 6 years. You had to have been there to experience such a forever memorable moment.
By now everyone had made their acquaintance… bride to be Nerilanda, groom to be Evens, Evens mom Nativita, dad Francëel & sister Francelène, Tony Barreau the photographer along with his wife Keesha Barreau, the makeup artist. And if you know the Haitian culture you already know that included lots of hugs and kisses.
We wanted to experience Haiti in its raw yet beautiful essence. So the next day, all packed and ready for the shoot, we jumped in a “tap-tap” (gaily painted buses or pick-up trucks that serve as share taxis in Haiti). The ride was bumpy at times but filled with so much laughter and awe-striking moments as we soaked in the wonderful scenery of the land enthralled with a meaningful yet stoic lifestyle.
The photo shoot was scheduled to take place at the famous large mountaintop fortress, Citadelle Laferrière or, Citadelle Henri Christophe, or simply the Citadelle, which was located on top of the mountain Bonnet a L’Eveque. The “tap-tap” dropped us at the foot of the mountain and it was now time to straddle our horses and journey for 2 hours, all the way to the top of the mountain.
So was it worth it? The pictures will be the judge of that.
Vendors
- Photographer: Tony Barreau @avdpics
- MUA: Keesha Barreau @morethanamakeupartist
- Bride to be Dress: @theeboutiqueshop
- Bride to be Hair: @all_about_you_hair_salon
Beautiful scenery and couple. I like how the photos bring out
a rich and different look at another Caribbean Island.
BEAUTIFUL COUPLE. LOVE IT. OH AND BY THE WAY, THAT GOWN IS TOTALLY AWESOME. I LOVE THAT COLOR. MAY THE REST OF YOUR LIVES BE RICHLY BLESS BY GOD AND MAY YOU SEE GOD’S FAVOR FOR THE BOTH OF YOU EVERYDAY.