When Brittni moved into a new apartment complex, she had no idea her new neighbor would end up being the love of her life.
“We ran into each other in the stairwell and made basic introductions and the first thing I noticed about him was that gorgeous smile,” she fondly recalls of her first meeting with Emanuel. A few days later fate would assist in guiding them towards each other when Emanuel, after leaving his phone in a taxi the previous evening, knocked on Brittni’s door to use her phone. They ended up lost in conversation for hours after which Brittni knew that Emanuel would one day be her husband… Read all about their love story and wedding experiences – captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Jeffrey Lynn Media, and featuring hair & makeup artistry by MunaLuchi Coterie member Taya Marin Beauty.
Bride & Groom: Brittni & Emanuel
Occupations: Event Planner & Business Analyst
Wedding Date: November 16th, 2019
Wedding Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
How did you meet? I was moving into the apartment complex and he was my next-door neighbor. We ran into each other in the stairwell and made basic introductions and the first thing I noticed about him was that gorgeous smile. Imagine my surprise when I figured out that he lived directly across the hall! I ran in the house and told my sister Rhetta that I met the hottie across the hall and we gave him the nickname “Neighbor Bae”. A few days later he happened to knock on our door and asked to use my phone because he had gone out the night before and left his in the taxi. We ended up chatting for three hours getting to know each other and as I listened to this handsome charming man laugh this surreal feeling settled over me … by the end of the conversation I knew I was talking to my future husband.
Tell us about the proposal. I wanted to propose to Brittni for a few months before I actually popped the question, but understanding how family talk, I told no one. This was one of the hardest things to keep a secret as I did not tell any of my friends or family members until the week I decided I was going to propose. Thanksgiving is one of Brittni’s favorite holidays, and since we were hosting both of our families in our new home, I knew this would make the proposal even more special. I had planned that once the prayer was over and everyone opened their eyes I would be on one knee, and once the amens were said it was time… I asked Brittni to marry me, and that has been one of the best days of my life.
Describe your wedding attire. Our wedding style was a contemporary romance with a touch of glam. We really wanted to convey a powerful Black Love. For our colors, we chose black and gold. Emanuel wore a rich cranberry paisley tuxedo jacket by Joseph Abboud and I wore a deep V cut mermaid gown with three layers of chantilly and French lace with a horsehair grosgrain ruffled train by Justin Alexander.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? Don’t get me started! I tried on 30 dresses and said “yes to the dress” twice before actually finding my real dress. The first time I went to try on dresses, I took a picture of a floral lace dress on the way out of the store, promising myself that I would come back to try it on during my next appointment. I never ended up going back to that specific store. About a month later I was still unsettled about the dress that I had chosen as I felt like I had settled for a dress that was beautiful but didn’t match my vision at all. On my lunch break one day from work I ran into a bridal shop around the corner from my job. When I walked in I was greeted by a beautiful African American attendant whose nickname happened to be Yaya ( the name of my Matron of Honor and oldest friend). We pulled about five dresses but after trying on the 1st dress I told her to take every other dress back to the racks because I had found the one! A few days later I went back into my phone to look at the pictures of the dresses that I tried on and realized that the dress that I actually chose was the one that I had taken a picture of on my way out the door after my very first appointment.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We made sure that we chose all black vendors as we wanted to pour our money back into our community. Also, we requested that everyone who was able to stand dance the electric slide to “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly & Maze.
Wedding Party Gifts: Groomsmen: personalized flasks and initialed lapel pins. Bridesmaids: personalized stemless champagne flutes, personalized bridesmaid hangers, wedding earrings.
What is your best memory from your wedding? Bride: “We didn’t do a first look before the actual ceremony so when the doors opened for me to walk down the aisle and we saw each other for the first time. And reciting our vows to each other.”
Groom: “Saying our vows to each other and our first dance.”
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Don’t compromise your vision. It’s your day! Things will go wrong but as long as you stay connected with your partner, at the end of the day, all will be well. Also, spring for the videographer!
Vendors:
Photography: Jeffrey Lynn Media
Videography: Good People Visuals
Event Planning: iBee Events
Hair/Makeup: Taya Marin Beauty
Venue: Noahs Event Venue of Charlotte
Bride’s Attire: New York Bride & Groom
Bride’s Attire Designer: Gown & Veil by Justin Alexander
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom: Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsmen: Men’s Wearhouse
Men’s Lapel Pins: Gredeearts
Bridesmaids: Lulus Dresses
Caterer: Seasoned Provisions
Cake: Amelies French Bakery
Wedding Poster, Mirror Illustrations, Programs, Wedding Favors: VG Draws
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