The bride’s puff sleeve dress stars in this modern and elegant outdoor wedding ceremony at the VIP Country Club in New Rochelle, New York!
Shani and Roy first laid eyes on each other at a mutual friend’s birthday party. They had lovely conversations and met again a few weeks later when Roy invited Shani and her friends over to his place for drinks. The pair had an undeniable connection. Even after everyone had left, Roy and Shani couldn’t stop talking.
My friends ended up leaving but I decided to stay because the conversation was just so good! We had so much in common and had a really nice connection.
Shani (The Bride)
Roy’s proposal completely surprised Shani. She arrived at her friend’s rooftop for brunch when she saw flowers everywhere, all of her loved ones, and Roy down on one knee. Without a second thought, she immediately said “yes”!
Shani and Roy’s wedding featured a modern and elegant style, with all-white florals, touches of gold, and refined decor. Wanting to have a “wow factor,” Shani wore an ivory gown with removable puff sleeves, a train, and a thigh-high slit; the perfect combination of romantic and modern design.
See all of the beautiful details captured by Muna Coterie member, Sequoyah Daniel Photography, below!
- Couple: Shani & Roy
- Occupations: Social Worker/Psychotherapist | Senior Technical Program Manager
- Wedding date: September 30, 2022
- Wedding location: VIP Country Club, New Rochelle, NY
Quick Facts
- Gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen: I gave my bridesmaids gold and white sapphire earrings and Roy gave his grooms people top shelf bottles.
- Gifts for one another: I got Roy an Xbox Series X and Roy got me the Samsung Frame TV.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Special Delivery” by G Dep. We did the Harlem shake and all.
- First dance song: “Get You” by Daniel Caesar
How did you meet?
We met through a friend of a friend. I was already living in Philadelphia and Roy had recently moved to the city. We just so happened to be seated near each other at our mutual friend’s birthday dinner and had a lovely conversation that night.
We then met again a few weeks later after Roy invited my friends and I over to his place for drinks. My friends ended up leaving but I decided to stay because the conversation was just so good! We had so much in common and had a really nice connection.
Tell us all about the proposal.
The proposal was a total surprise. Roy gathered all of our closest friends and family to my friend’s rooftop for our engagement party. My friend invited me over for brunch and when I walked up to the rooftop I saw the NYC skyline, beautiful flowers everywhere, decorations, all our loved ones, and Roy down on one knee. He popped the question and I immediately said “yes”!
Describe your wedding style.
I wore an ivory gown with puff sleeves, a train, and a high-thigh slit. Roy wore a forest green tuxedo jacket with a satin black lapel and black slim-cut tuxedo pants.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
My dress-shopping experience was pleasant. I tried on a few dresses at two different wedding dress shops but was pretty set with one of the first dresses I had tried on, so none of the ones after it were impressive.
I was on the fence about wearing a puff sleeve dress, but ultimately went with it for that “wow” factor. Roy’s suit-shopping experience was also pleasant. He ordered a custom suit so he had in mind what he wanted from the beginning.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Roy is a first-generation Jamaican American. We made sure that the food and music selection was reflective of that. Our venue was able to provide Caribbean-inspired dishes including beef patties, jerk chicken, and fried plantain. We requested our DJ to play old-school and current reggae hits.
I am Black American so it was important for Roy and I to do the tradition of jumping the broom at the ceremony. We used my mother’s wedding broom.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
My favorite part of the wedding was definitely the reception. The two most meaningful memories were my mother and I’s dance to Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” It was a beautiful moment! My other favorite memory was listening to Roy’s vows. His words were loving and funny, which mirrored the core of our relationship perfectly.
What is the best advice you can give to engaged couples?
Keep each other’s wants and needs in mind and remember you’re on the same team. Wedding planning can get extremely stressful so remembering your “why” will help ground you through the process and throughout your marriage. And take your photos before the wedding so you can enjoy your cocktail hour.
Looking for more puff sleeve dress inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Wedding Suit: Suit Supply
- Wedding Dress: Designer Loft Bridal
- Venue (Included food, cake, ceremony and reception): VIP Country Club
- Wedding Planner: Events by Sheavonne
- Entertainment: DJ Executive and DJ Royal
- Photographer: Sequoyah Daniel Photography
- Flowers: Bed of Roses
- Hair: NappStar
- Makeup: Melissa Drouillard
- Bridesmaid Dresses and Bowties: Dessy
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