Two decades of love…Kesha and Neallan Lambert went back to one of their favorite cities, New Orleans, to celebrate 20 years of marriage with a vintage glam vow renewal.
Featured in MunaLuchi Bridal Magazine, Issue No. 27, they wanted their vow renewal to be a fun, non-traditional vibe and with the help of her best friends, who happen to be wedding planners and bridal gown designers, they achieved that and more.
Their vow renewal was a sincere reflection of their personalities and the family they have created together. From the multicolored custom suits and dresses her bridal party wore, which consisted of a few of her best friends and her sons, to the neon pink patent leather boots, to the second-line parade with waving Jamaican and St. Lucian flags – Kesha and Neallan’s vow renewal is representative of what weddings should be – authentically you.
Kesha recalls, “The renewal, planned and designed by the exceptionally talented Victoria of Victorious Events NYC, started with a ceremony officiated by Rev. Roxy and followed with one big party. We partied in the streets of New Orleans and then continued the party at Swoop Duggins House. Mike Music kept us on the dance floor. The ladies wore dresses designed by my muse Andrea, founder of Pantora Bridal, and the gents wore custom fits by Garcon Couture. We had an amazing time.”
More sweet details from their vintage glam vow renewal below!
- Couple: Kesha and Neallan
- Occupations: Kesha is a Wedding and Commercial Photographer/ Lawyer and Neallan is a Wedding Photographer / Business Owner.
- Photographer: Shagari Gerard Photography + Nadia Holmes
Quick Facts:
- Date of vow renewal: July 27, 2022
- Location of vow renewal: Maison De La Luz, Swoop Duggins House in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Renewal Wedding style: Vintage rustic glamour
- First wedding date: January 12, 2002
- Location of first wedding: New Rochelle, NY
How they met…
We met in high school and we were the best of friends. We didn’t date in high school. Kesha always says “Neal was friend zoned” and Neal always says “Kesha secretly wanted me all along.” We started dating shortly after college and we were engaged and married 1 year later
Cultural elements…
Neal is St. Lucian-born, and I am of Jamaican ancestry; my parents are Jamaican. We both grew up in The Bronx, NY.
The groom…
Their first look…
Advice for other engaged couples…
Book a professional wedding planner. We gained a new level of empathy for wedding planning couples being on this side of the experience. There are so many moving parts and sneaky things that find their way on to the event planning to-do list; balancing work, life, and event planning can quickly go from fun to overwhelming.
What I also realized in this process is that sourcing vendors and product in this climate can be challenging and complex. Having someone that understands where to look for resources and what questions to ask is clutch. What I learned from our planner Victoria, is that the best way to approach a celebration is to decide what is most important to you personally, as a couple, and then set a realistic budget at the start of the planning process. For us, our priorities surrounded wanting to really spend time with each other and our guests. We wanted to share an experience in a city we love with people we love. We wanted to look great and of course, being photographers we wanted amazing visuals.
Almost every vendor that we booked were businesses owned by friends. We had two photography teams; It was important for us to have Nadia Holmes, an associate photographer from our studio Kesha Lambert Photography. Nadia knows us and is well versed in my philosophy and approach to photography. We also worked with Shagari of Shagari Gerard Photography, a photographer whose work I’ve admired, came on board to capture the festivities in film and digital. Our film team was lead by Sabrina of KUU Productions. Sabrina is a long standing family friend and Neal and I photographed her wedding.
Their first wedding experience…
We got married on January 12, 2002, in New Rochelle, NY. When we tied the knot 20 years ago we had a traditional celebration; I wore a princess gown and Neal wore a tux. It was a beautiful celebration.
What they would have done differently…
Rid ourselves of the notion of obligation. Obligation to observe certain rituals and obligations to look a certain way.
The ceremony…
Favorite things to do as a couple…
We love to travel. With our busy schedules we also love a good staycation.
Cooking…
Neallan is the chef of the household and I am the lead taste tester.
Children…
We have 3 sons, 16 year old, and twins 12 years old
The most important elements for a successful marriage…
Future your friendship, love on each other like you just met, listen more than you rebut, and make space for growth.
Keeping the spark alive…
We date each other. Taking note of the things that make your partner light up and doing more of those things for each other. When you are parents, business owners balancing work and life it’s important to take time to be a couple.
Looking for more vintage glam vow renewal inspiration?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Wedding Planner & Designer: Victorious Events NYC
- Photographers: Shagari Gerard Photography + Nadia Holmes of Kesha Lambert Photography
- Film: KUU Productions
- DJ: MikeMusic
- Florist: Blucid Floral
- Officiant: Rev. Roxanne Birchfield
- Gowns: Pantora Bridal
- Suits: Garcon Couture
- Makeup Artist: Tracie Holliday Artistry
- Hairstylist: Glamour by Shaniqua
- Jewelry: Earring Envy
- Hotel: Maison de la Luz
- Ceremony Venue: The Seraphim House
- Reception Venue: Swoop-Duggins House
- Second Line Band & Jazz Trio: Kinfolk Brass Band
- Stationery: Unmeasured Events
- Cake: Bittersweet Confections
- Umbrellas: Bella Umbrellas
- Transportation: Riverbend Charters
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