Kerron Duncan and Dr. Malika Grayson tied the knot in a beautiful destination wedding at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago.
Both born and raised in Trinidad, it was extremely important for the bride and groom to incorporate their culture into their wedding day. And that went beyond the venue itself, but also in the overall experience.
Malika shares, “About 50% of our guests were international and had never been to Trinidad and Tobago and we wanted to make sure that they left with a plan to return because of their new love for the island.”
To welcome their guests pre-wedding, they hosted a welcome cruise at Pigeon Point, Tobago, to the Coral Gardens, Nylon Pool, and No Man’s Land, ending with a Bonfire and local cuisine.
On their actual wedding day, a local pannist entertained their guests and their wedding menu featured on-island cuisines such as calalloo shooters and saltfish.
“We also had tassa drummers at the reception and ended the night with a snack of doubles and corn soup,” Malika recalls.
From start to finish, their wedding at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago, was everything they dreamed of and more.
Keep scrolling for more details on their love story and wedding day details!
- Couple: Kerron Duncan and Dr. Malika Grayson
- Occupations: Senior Director of Technology (Kerron), Systems Engineering Manager (Malika)
- Wedding date: September 23rd, 2023
- Wedding location: Pigeon Point, Tobago
Quick Facts:
- What gifts did you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: I gave my groomsmen a wooden case with whiskey glasses and accessories, engraved with their names.
- Gifts for one another: Kerron gave Malika a canvas picture with a black and white picture from our engagement photoshoot with the words of the song that will play on our 1st dance during our wedding night (“Stay with You” by John Legend) printed in the shape of a heart. That picture was special because we took that picture on what felt like the coldest winter day in Washington, DC, but at one point we both had our jackets on and were laughing at something we said or saw and a great and very candid photo of us was taken. Kerron also gave Malika a charcuterie board with “The Duncan’s est. 9/23/23” on it. Malika loves wine and nothing makes her happier than spending a beautiful day at a winery nibbling on cheese and drinking vino.
- Malika gave Kerron a comic book documenting their time together in comic-book style but using actual pictures of our adventures with words describing the activity, destination, or some sweet thing Malika wanted to say. Kerron loved comic books growing up and this was a very intimate representation of Malika’s love and the bond she shares with Kerron with their experiences.
- Ceremony entrance song: Bride: Violin instrumental of “Stand By Me” by Ben E King Groom: “Love Me Like I Am” by King and Country
- First dance song: “Stay with You” by John Legend
How did you meet?
Kerron: It began during a virtual planning meeting for an upcoming work conference that would be held on the West Coast.
I joined the call and within seconds I heard a Trini accent and realized that Malika was also from Trinidad. Immediately I started typing an email to her introducing myself as a fellow Trinidadian.
Once the call was finished, I hit send and then several email exchanges ensued between the two of us. We shared a little about our backgrounds and talked about it being a small world.
After those initial emails, I took some time to look her up online… I wanted to learn more about this person I felt immediately drawn toward. I saw that we had similar passions such as STEM advocacy and that she was very involved in promoting and sponsoring Black Women in STEM.
At this point, I was anticipating meeting her at the upcoming conference.
Soon enough the conference date arrived and within the first few hours of the event, I spotted her, we exchanged a hug (I would call it a “very meaningful” hug) and I was immediately smitten by her beauty, intelligence, and presence.
Before the conference ended, we exchanged numbers and agreed to connect when we came back to the East Coast. I didn’t want to let the connection dim in any way, so I texted her several times (and if you know Malika you know she’s not the best texter :) ) over the next week to make sure we had a chance to keep the conversation going.
Soon enough I asked her out on a date (dinner and axe throwing) and the rest as they say is history…
Tell us about the proposal: (Kerron’s Perspective)
Kerron: The proposal was absolutely amazing in every way, even though things didn’t go exactly as planned.
I proposed to Malika while we were traveling overseas in Paris, France—one of the most romantic cities in the world and the perfect location for such a special moment. My plan was to hire a local Paris photographer to capture a surprise proposal at the Pont de Bir-Hakeim bridge, which spans the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower visible on the horizon, creating a picturesque setting.
The photographer and I had everything planned out, confirming the time and location on the day of the proposal. We had a tour of the Eiffel Tower scheduled for a few hours before I needed to somehow convince Malika to take a walk to the bridge. I figured I’d rely on my resourcefulness when the time came.
However, on our way to the Eiffel Tower, I noticed a rip in my pants, so we made a quick detour back to the hotel to change.
With plenty of time left, we headed to the street where we were supposed to meet our tour guide. And that’s when the first (and thankfully, last) thing went wrong—we missed the tour guide! We quickly started speed-walking to the Eiffel Tower, hoping to catch up with the group, but unfortunately, we never did. After hours of searching with no luck, I realized that the time for our prearranged rendezvous was fast approaching.
In hindsight, missing the tour guide turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The Eiffel Tower tour would have taken too long, and we likely would have had a rushed proposal, which would have been disheartening given all the preparation I had put into it. Now it was time for me to put my resourcefulness to the test and convince Malika to walk to the bridge. I explained that it would be a beautiful, scenic spot perfect for Instagram photos. After some persuasion, she agreed.
The entire time, I had been texting the photographer and had sent him a picture of us so he could recognize us.
The plan was for him to capture the proposal, with me down on one knee, without being noticed. As we approached the bridge, I spotted the photographer, who was with a couple pretending to be tourists enjoying the view. The photographer was hidden behind a column on the bridge. I started by taking pictures of Malika and then asked the couple to take a photo of us together. They agreed, as planned. After a few shots, I suggested Malika take a picture on her own and I pointed out something on the horizon.
As she looked away, I dropped to one knee, pulled out the ring box I had hidden, and opened it. At that exact moment, Malika turned back to me, and time seemed to stand still. I don’t remember exactly what I said—I just remember tearing up, hearing her say yes, and hugging and kissing each other with tears flowing freely. With the Eiffel Tower behind us and the setting sun casting a golden glow, we said yes to each other and sealed it with a kiss.
Malika: I had no idea what was going on but remember being so annoyed that his pants ripped and we missed the tour after which he was asking me to walk towards a bridge. My exact response was: “The Eiffel Tower looks just fine here”.
In hindsight I laugh at myself and my attitude all the time! It was a magical moment. I remember thinking how much God loved me to send someone who complimented me so perfectly and to be in this moment with them.
Describe your wedding attire.
Kerron: I wore a cream suit from Sartoro with a Terracotta-colored tie and pocket square.
I also had a gold brooch with our names on each end of the chain along with a gold watch from Diesel and several gold bracelets.
Malika: For the ceremony, I wore a dress by Martina Liana and a veil from Essence of Australia.
My veil had so many details because of its length and I loved it! The dress had 3 different looks:
- Full sleeveless (first look)
- Off-the-shoulder lace sleeves (ceremony)
- Mesh traps with a bow tie (reception).
I also had a late-night reception dress – white beaded spaghetti straps with rhinestone sneakers and a “Mrs. Duncan” jeans jacket.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
Malika: For my wedding dress shopping experience, my mother, my aunt, one of my good friends, and I went to Kleinfeld in NYC.
We also had a full virtual house of support from aunts, cousins, and other friends. I felt more “giddy” than emotional. I remember watching “Yes to the Dress” and thought to myself that one day I couldn’t wait to do it – then I decided that it was special enough to get that Kleinfeld experience with those who were dearest to me.
It was a moment for the floor room when I found my dress as the party next to me was also celebrating with us once I got the big question – “Are you saying yes to the dress?” An experience I will never forget.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
We did! It was really important for us to incorporate elements of Trinidad and Tobago in our wedding as this is “Home” for us both. We both grew up there.
It was really important that who we were was reflected in more than just the venue but also in the experience. About 50% of our guests were international and had never been to Trinidad and Tobago and we wanted to make sure that they left with a plan to return because of their new love for the island.
To welcome guests who arrived before the wedding, we hosted a welcome cruise at Pigeon Point, Tobago, to the Coral Gardens, Nylon Pool, and No Man’s Land, ending with a Bonfire and local cuisine for ~60 guests.
On the wedding day, we had a local pannist and incorporated several cuisines such as calalloo shooters and saltfish. We also had tassa drummers at the reception and ended the night with a snack of doubles and corn soup.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Kerron: I have a lot of “best” memories from that day and it is hard to choose just one.
But I would say my favorite and certainly the most emotional was the first-look experience. It was the first time I had seen my soon-to-be bride in all her splendor and raiment. I was nervous, excited, and anxious to see her.
Throughout the past few weeks leading up to our wedding, we had been so busy and preoccupied with preparing for our wedding and honeymoon that we really hadn’t spent much quality time together.
For me, anticipating seeing her, kissing her, and holding her, (even for a few precious seconds) before we had to separate again and go off to the ceremony, was exactly what I needed. The tears were flowing and I just let them flow.
Seeing her walking down the aisle was also very special and emotional as well but the first look still resonates with me to this day. But I can’t not talk about getting dressed and the very intimate moments I spent with my cousin who was also my best man and my two youngest kids. I’m glad that those moments were captured in pictures and now on the walls of our home.
Malika: Getting dressed with my mother and best friend from age 11 who was my maid of honor was so special to me.
Also first look will forever be one of my favorite moments. Once I was all dressed and I saw my bouquet which had a locket of my grandmother’s and aunt’s picture in it, I became emotional but it was also peaceful because I knew how much they would have loved the day and loved my groom.
Then seeing Kerron for the first time and just seeing his reaction filled me with so much joy. The house was serene because everyone had left and it was just us in a bubble – took me back to the early days of our relationship, especially during Covid when we literally felt like that together. These were such intimate moments that made it surreal and then it finally hit me, ” I am getting married today!”
Of course, I cannot forget seeing the entire wedding party on their feet waving their napkins to the soca – while I was outside waiting for my entrance I might add! – A core memory!
The Reception…
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Cherish each planning meeting, dance practice moment, and all the memories leading up to it. But also, do not let wedding planning consume your time, be intentional about date nights during the process – a reminder of the partnership that is taking you down the aisle in the first place. Finally, take five snapshots in your mind on the day of your wedding so that you put those in your core memories.
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Vendors:
- Wedding Planner & Event Décor: Emerald Designs & Event Services Ltd
- Photographer: Celeste and Reese
- Master of Ceromonies: Marlon Callender
- Wedding Videographer: Rink Films
- Bar Services: ECJ Professional Bar Catering Services
- Bridal Hair Stylist: The Portuguese Mariposa
- Makeup Artist: Jodi Balfour
- DJ: Mighty Krush Entertainment
- Venue: Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago
- Welcome Reception Cruise: Waterholics Tobago
- Caterer: Artfully Delicious
Best wedding ever.