Shamen and Larsz were overjoyed to have their two year old daughter by their side as they said, “I do.” After meeting at work, a relationship bloomed over time. For three years, Shamen and Larsz were faced with long distance but they knew what they had was special and both were determined to hold on. Little did they know that was just the beginning of their ride.
Wedding Date: June 27, 2015
Wedding Location: Viceroy Hotel Miami, Signature Grand
First Dance Song: “Love” by Brian McKnight and “Zouk-la-se-sel-medikaman” by Kassav
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
It was nine years ago this June that Larsz first laid eyes on his would-be bride, Shamen. While in college in Tallahassee at Florida State University, Shamen worked in the ladies department on the second level at Dillards in Governor’s Square Mall. While on a summer break from Tennessee State University, Larsz relocated to Tallahassee to help his youngest brother settle into a new city. During this break, he started working in the ladies shoes department on the first level of Dillards. Then he met a Haitian beauty from the ladies department upstairs. Once she walked down off the escalator in to his department, she entered his heart. It was a tale of two people coming off long-term relationships with broken, but open hearts. After a summer of memorable firsts, Larsz decided to not move back to Tennessee.
The following summer, Larsz went back to school in Tennessee and Shamen graduated from FSU and was starting nursing school In Jacksonville, FL. During those three years of long distance every aspect of their love was tested, but they fought for a love that they wanted to keep.
Larsz proposed on March 1, 2013, four days before the birth of their daughter, Laurel Josiane. Larsz was able to manage to have her family come in from out of town as a last “hoorah” before the baby was to arrive, so that way, Shamen was clueless about his plan. Everyone headed to Las Olas in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale to see Larsz’s friend play guitar where a baby gift was waiting for Shamen. As the gift bag was presented, everyone urged her to open the gift and then to read it aloud. She complied and started to read the baby onesie out loud, but mostly to herself. It read, “Mommy it would be so nice for you to be my daddy’s wife, will you marry him?” Shamen looked up to find Larsz on bended knee.
Memories
Shamen’s most emotional wedding day moment was walking down the aisle in anticipation of seeing Larsz for the first time in 24 hours, knowing that seeing his smile would calm her down. The most anticipated photo moment for Shamen was capturing the look of excitement on her two year old daughter’s face as she saw her mother, the bride for the first time.
Be ON TIME and you will get the best that your photographer has to offer. We were really relaxed and were able to enjoy the moment. There was no rushing from shot to shot. A relaxed atmosphere allows for creativity to flow. AJ of AJ Shorter Photography and his staff are perfectionists and worked tirelessly to listen to our ideas and achieve our vision.
Vendors:
Photographer: AJ Shorter Photography
Planner: Avila Dawn Events
Dress: Bijou Bridal
Shoes: Kate Spade
Rings: Zales
Bride’s Make-Up: Faces by Kay
Bridal Party’s Make-Up: Ladii Lou and Valerie, Be Fabulous Salon
Groomsmen Attire: Vera Wang Black from Men’s Wearhouse
Florals: LeFleur Flowers
DJ: Complete Music and Media
Shamen Woody
Thank you for the feature and showcasing our amazing wedding. This magazine was such an inspiration during the planning process. Larsz and I love the feeling of being in Love and want to share it with the World. Enjoy!