Mlé and Anthony met in college and forged a deep friendship that would eventually turn into a lasting love. Anthony planned a perfect proposal in front of journalists and photographers at an award banquet celebrating Mlé’s acting accomplishments. Mlé shares, “When you feel so connected to someone, you cannot imagine spending any extended time apart from them, God makes it so.” Even COVID-19 could not stop them from pledging their eternal devotion to each other in an intimate, chic wedding at a New York Hotel.
- Full Names of Couple: Mlé & Anthony Weatherspoon
- Wedding Location: Kimpton Hotel Eventi, 851 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10001
- Wedding Date: March 20, 2020
Quick Facts
- Wedding Flowers: Cascading White Phalaenopsis Orchids for my bridal bouquet & single stem white orchid bouquets for the bridesmaids, with one single stem blue orchid bouquet for the Matron of Honor. Also, White Dendrobium Orchid boutonnieres for the groom & groomsmen.
- Favorite Item on Menu: We ordered burgers & fries from The Smith due to all the changed plans from COVID-19.
- Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: Bridesmaids – Monogrammed Duffle Bags; Groomsmen – Silk Pocket squares & Monogrammed Cufflinks.
- First Dance Song: Our first dance was in an almost empty Grand Central Station, with no music. Just the hum from the dwindling bustle of New York juxtaposed with the unusual silence. It was beautiful.
- Advice for Brides: The day will never go as planned. If that isn’t an understatement at this point, I don’t know what is. Make plans but be malleable and roll with it. Regardless of what happens, remember the true reason you are there and focus on your partner. Also, always have some very true and strong supportive friends. They will get you through anything.
How did COVID-19 affect your wedding planning?
Mlé: Absolutely. Our wedding was right on the cusp of all the major changes that were happening. We had plans to be married on our date in Brooklyn, NY with about 115 guests, an ASL interpreter, an ice sculptor, a DJ, family style meal and other details that truly reflected who we are and where we are from. We were watching the news intently each day, hoping things would calm but also hoping our wedding would not be affected. We’d planned for almost a year & a half for this day. Each day passed with new updates and mandates, and it seemed every update brought a new challenge or disappointment. We were consistently coming up with alternate plans and contingencies – sometimes two and three versions – for everything we could account for. Once mandates about large gatherings were issued, we decided we would go to the city clerk’s office in Manhattan and be married. This made the most sense, especially after we were down to a skeleton crew of less than ten for our guests and bridal party.
Every day during the week of our wedding, my friend called to make sure the city clerk’s office was open. The office never had news of whether they would be open the following day or not. By the time Thursday night came, we couldn’t wait for Friday. We were prepared to go to the clerk’s office. Late that night, something told me to check the city clerk’s office website. I scrolled down and saw that effective Friday, 3.20.2020, the city clerk’s office would be closed.
So, Tony, my bridesmaids, and I all scrambled to find an officiant to marry us. After a few attempts including reaching out to friends-of-friends who were registered as an officiant, we were able to find an officiant through the miracle of ThumbTack. We were also lucky that given the relatively empty hotel, the hotel staff was very gracious in accommodating us for what we needed.
Even looking back, after every single obstacle we overcame, it’s a miracle we were able to get through it all. There are those that helped us accomplish this, and we are indebted to them.
Best Wedding Memories
Mlé – Our first dance was in an almost empty Grand Central Station, with no music. Just the hum from the dwindling bustle of New York juxtaposed with the unusual silence. It was beautiful.
Anthony – Mlé and I talked so much about not doing a first look but given the pivot we had to make and time, it made sense to do it. Probably a little cliché, but there is something unforgettable about seeing your soon-to-be wife in her wedding dress. I never felt more present in a moment, yet taken aback.
Advice for Engaged Couples
During the planning process, make decisions that are best for you. One thing about weddings, there is no set way to get married or have a wedding. You can tailor it how you see fit. We were fortunate to plan both an extravagant wedding and then also be able to plan a very intimate one. We were constantly reminded of what is important to us – each other. That helped shape our wedding. Our advice is stick to what central idea is most important to you. Also, of course you want everything to be topnotch and beautiful, but focus on a few areas where you want to invest your money to create your own personal dream wedding experience. And lastly, you’d be surprised how helpful it is to actually sit down and talk with each of your vendors about your vision, especially your photographer. They will be capturing moments that you can revisit forever.
Vendors
- Photography: Chadi Mansi of Mansi Studios
- Bride’s dress: WONÁ NYC
- Bridal salon: WONÁ NYC
- Bride’s headpiece and/or veil: Magic Fitters of NYC
- Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade
- Bride’s earrings: Etsy Shop owner: DesertRoseDesigns10
- Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dress The Population
- Cakes/Desserts: BCakeNY
- Catering: The Smith
- Ceremony Venue: Kimpton Hotel Eventi, NY
- Florals: NYC Flower Project
- Groom’s Attire: P. Johnson Tailors
- Groom’s & Groomsmen Accessories: Fine and Dandy
- Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
- Hair: The Bride
- Lighting: Mansi Studios
- MUA: Tanaya J.
- Reception Venue: The Veranda Suite at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi
- Stationery: Minted
- Videography: Mansi Studios
- Officiant: Weddings by Antonia
i am so happy for them
may God bless them
aww such a cute couple wish them whole happiness
they look so great together and happy for them
Beautiful couple and congratulations on your nuptial. The photographer, did an excellent job, capturing beautiful memories.
I saw a lot of website but I believe this one has something extra in it.