Brianna and Sancho have known each other since elementry school.
They reconnected after college, started dating in 2015 and the rest is history! Sancho proposed outside of the Eiffel Tower during a trip to Paris. Everything went as planned and they happily jumped into planning their wedding, when Coronavirus hit the states.
Briana shares, “We couldn’t imagine having our wedding anywhere else but New York, since it’s a central location for our guests and also the beginning of our love story. We planned to host our wedding ceremony and reception at Chateau Briand, but once NYC became the epicenter of the Coronavirus Pandemic, things changed drastically. As the number of cases continued to rise and local government mandates on social distancing, we knew our big day would look different. After much prayer and many tears shed, we decided to keep our wedding date, knowing that our loved ones would not be in attendance physically. It certainly wasn’t an easy decision, but the unfortunate circumstance brought us closer together than ever before.”
They had a small ceremony at their friend’s home and they asked friends and family to join them via Zoom. Within a week, they gathered together some minimal, though chic decor, and created a beautiful poolside wedding that was absolutely stunning. And, to top it all off, they enjoyed fireworks after their champagne toast.
See all of the gorgeous details below.
- Full Name of Couple: Sancho & Brianna Barrett
- Location of Wedding: Tampa, FL
- Wedding Date: May 2,2020
Quick Facts
- Wedding flowers: Peonies & Roses – Mostly white, with hints of soft pink
- Favorite item on menu: The Lobster was amazing!
- First dance song: “Turn Your Lights Down Low” – Lauryn Hill & Bob Marley
- Advice for brides: Do what makes you happy and don’t try to please everyone – it’s literally impossible, so save yourself the hassle. Hire me as your wedding planner/coordinator to make your life easier. I’ve got you covered sis!
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal.
We’re both from a small town in Long Island and have known each other since elementary school. We reconnected after college, started dating in 2015 and the rest is history!
The Proposal
Sancho planned the most beautiful Parisian proposal. We’d spent a few days being tourists, taking in all the amazing sights the city has to offer. On Christmas morning, he popped the question under the Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge with the Eiffel Tower standing majestically in the distance. To my surprise, there was a photographer hidden in the background who captured the entire moment! From there, we went straight into a photo shoot. It truly was magical!
How did you know they were “the one”?
We knew we were a perfect match because we share similar values, deeply rooted in Christian faith and our Jamaican heritage.
What were you initially planning for your wedding, and how did COVID-19 affect your wedding plans?
We couldn’t imagine having our wedding anywhere else but New York, since it’s a central location for our guests and also the beginning of our love story. We planned to host our wedding ceremony and reception at Chateau Briand, but once NYC became the epicenter of the Coronavirus Pandemic, things changed drastically. As the number of cases continued to rise and local government mandates on social distancing, we knew our big day would look different. After much prayer and many tears shed, we decided to keep our wedding date, knowing that our loved ones would not be in attendance physically. It certainly wasn’t an easy decision, but the unfortunate circumstance brought us closer together than ever before.
Describe your wedding style.
Modern & Romantic
Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory.
My favorite accessory was the charm I wrapped around my bouquet that had two beautiful pictures of my Grandma and Uncle, who passed away just months before our wedding day. It was a gift given to me from my cousin, who was also my Maid of Honor. We shared that moment with my mom on FaceTime and my aunt, who was also our officiant. (Talk about waterworks!)
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Alexa, play ‘Find Someone Like You’ by Snoh Aalegra. Exchanging vows with the love of my life, in front of our family and friends on Zoom, was the best memory from that day. Other notable moments- We had the best Chantilly cake from our local Publix bakery and we even had fireworks after our champagne toast! All in all, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples planning for their wedding during the COVID-19 epidemic?
Enjoy this season of engagement and don’t let wedding planning consume your life! Even if you don’t get to go on a bachelor/bachelorette trip or have a bridal/wedding shower, do your best to be flexible and figure out how to make the most of your situation. During this time of so much uncertainty, it’s important not to lose sight of why you said YES. Also, I HIGHLY recommend premarital counseling!
Vendors
- Photographer for Wedding: Greta Green of Green Pearl Photography
- Bride’s dress: @allurebridal Allure Bridal
- Bridal salon: @rashawnrosebridal Rashawn Rose Bridal Boutique
- Bride’s shoes: @toryburch Tory Burch
- Cakes/desserts: @publix Publix Bakery
- Catering: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- Ceremony venue: Private Residence
- Event decor/design: @briannabarrettdesigns | Brianna Barrett Designs
- Event planner: @briannabarrettdesigns | Brianna Barrett Designs
- Florals: @carollwoodflorist | Carrollwood Florist
- Groom’s attire: @asos Asos
- Hair: @brianna_mercedes (myself)
- Linens: @fiestasolutionspartyrental Fiesta Solutions Party Rental
- Makeup: @brianna_mercedes (myself)
- Reception venue: Private Residence
- Rentals: @fiestasolutionspartyrental | Fiesta Solutions Party Rental
- Stationery: @zola | Zola
- Videography: @the12thstudio | The 12th Studio
- Barber: @gcuts | Gary Thomas of G Cuts Barbershop
- Officiant: Reverend JoAn Spence
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