Shanay and Marrita held a unique garden chic wedding at the historic German Society of Pennsylvania Library!
Their choice in wedding venue was the perfect romantic nod to the first time they met. After being introduced by a mutual friend, Shanay and Marrita went on their first date and ended the night at a bookstore in which they shared their first kiss among the rows of books.
Shanay planned to propose to Marrita on Valentine’s day of 2021, but on Christmas Eve she decided she just couldn’t wait any longer. She proposed on one knee in front of their living room couch and Marrita immediately said “yes!”.
Although it wasn’t easy pulling off a 100 person wedding at a non traditional venue, Shanay and Marrita were more than up for the challenge and the final result was absolutely worth it. Their charming wedding had a vibe all of its own. The classic architecture and wooden details of the library complimented their garden chic theme, adding a unique depth and richness.
Be unique and celebrate your love the way you want to, where you want to, with the people you want to celebrate with- no rules, obligations, or traditions have to apply.”
Learn more about their love story and see the beautiful details below!
- Couple: Shanay & Marrita
- Occupations: Non-profit Administrator & Defense Analyst
- Wedding date: July 2, 2022
- Wedding location: Philadelphia, PA, The German Society of Pennsylvania
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen: Our wedding party received tote bags, robes, and ceremony jewelry as a gift.
- Gifts for one another: Ceremony jewelry.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Love is You” by Chrisette Michelle
- First dance song: “You Make Life So Good” by Rahsaan Patterson
How did you meet?
We were introduced by a mutual friend and had our first date in the park. We were so smitten with one another we decided to head to a bookstore once the sun went down. It was in an aisle full of books where we shared our first kiss. A year later, we walked into the German Society of Pennsylvania (GSP) library, and we both knew we would be married there. Considering GSP is not a traditional wedding venue, it was evident that pulling off a 100-person wedding there would be a challenge. One that we gladly accepted. Although this was challenging, Covid granted us extra time to plan the perfect wedding at the historic venue
Tell us about the proposal.
Shanay proposed to Rita on Christmas Eve 2020. With plans to propose on Valentine’s Day 2021, Shanay couldn’t hold on to the ring any longer. So on one knee, in front of the living room couch, she popped the question. Rita immediately said yes and called her parents with the great news.
Wedding Style
For our wedding attire and décor, we were going for a ‘garden chic’ look. Shanay’s dress was light and flowy while Rita’s suit was a light color and fabric.
Culture
While there were no blatant cultural practices during the ceremony, the couple put together a team of all-black and/or queer vendors. This was an important detail that was non-negotiable for the couple.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The best memory of the wedding was watching our parents dance while entering the reception space. It was such a blessing to see them so happy and supportive of the union.
What is the best advice you can give to engaged couples?
Don’t let wedding planning consume you. Continue to love each other and schedule romantic date nights! Don’t lose sight of the commitment you are making to each other. Be unique and celebrate your love the way you want to, where you want to, with the people you want to celebrate with- no rules, obligations, or traditions have to apply.
Vendors:
- Venue: The German Society of Pennsylvania
- Food: FoodHeadz Catering
- Photographer: Swiger Photography
- DJ: DJ Gadget – DJ – Philadelphia, PA – WeddingWire
- Mixology: Jellykisses Mobile Bar Service
- Coordination: Blue Lily Wedding Services
- Decor/floral design: Wine Garden West
- Table/Chair Rental: DuBois Rentals
- Cake Design: Sweet Tees Treats
- Suit: The Suit Shop
- Hair & Make-up: SK Glam
- Nails: Jenny of Tran’s Nailery
- Gown: The Dress Matters Couture
- Hair: ShayButta Locs
- Make-up: Beauty by Dezzie
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