You know you’ve met the one when they inspire you to challenge your preconceived perspectives. Growing up Danica “never wanted to get married.” That is until she met Dueren. In her own words, “meeting Dueren changed my perspective.” Marriage now became seen as the ability to spend the rest of her life with her soulmate. Danica knew she “wanted to get to know him as soon as [she] saw him walking up to” the house of a party hosted by a mutual friend…
Learn all about Danica & Dueren’s love story, and wedding experience in this heartfelt cinematic feature by MunaLuchi Coterie member Yamean Studios Films – with stationery by Coterie member Ijorere, Inc., event planning & design by New York Coterie Ambassador Victorious Events NYC, DJ performance by New York Coterie Ambassador MikeMusic, and custom decor by Florida Coterie Ambassador Ten23 Designs.
Bride & Groom: Danica & Dueren
Occupations: Bride – Transaction Monitoring Analyst, Groom – Parking Garage Attendant.
Wedding date: July 23, 2016
Wedding location: Edgerton Park, New Haven, CT
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met at a party through a mutual friend and I knew I wanted to get to know him as soon as I saw him walking up to that house. We were introduced and started spending time together ever since. Later on we started driving back and forth from the Bronx to New Haven. Almost 2 years in and he wanted to move to Connecticut, my parents used the “but you’re not married” line and my answer to that was “what’s a piece of paper going to do?” I never wanted to get married growing up, but meeting Dueren changed my perspective. Either way, when I told him what they had said, he said “well let’s get married then.” That was it, no fancy proposal, but it did it for me. We went to city hall two months later and our wedding day marked our 3 year anniversary. Doesn’t get any better than that people.
What was wedding shopping like for you? My wedding dress was a drop waist ball gown with sweetheart neckline and embellished bodice. Shopping for a dress was a little difficult, because there were so many styles I liked, but once I was ready to go to the actual store, I picked out 3 that I loved, tried on 1, loved it but it was too heavy. The second was my dress. I loved it and didn’t want to take it off. I knew it was the one.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Yes, through music. We’re both from the Caribbean and it was important to us to hear music we love and have listened to our entire lives.
What is your best memory from your wedding? Aside from marrying the love of my life a second time on our 3rd year anniversary… the slow-mo-booth and the amount of dancing I did
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Have fun while planning, it’s your day and no one else’s. Do what you can with what you have and enjoy every moment of it.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids – Personalized tote with their names that included; pink floral robes, personalized champagne glasses with names and roles, personalized tumblers with first initial, cosmetic bag with manicure essentials, wipes, advil, earrings and necklace, heel protectors, M&M’s, honey roasted peanuts, mini Barefoot Pink Moscato wine, gold flip flops, personalized rose gold hangers. Groomsmen – bow ties and pocket squares, socks, personalized scotch glasses with names and roles.
Favorite item on the menu: Seafood risotto salad.
First dance song: Alaine – “Love of a lifetime”, Tory Lanez – “Everyone falls in love”
Vendors:
Wedding dress: David’s bridal
Bridesmaid dresses: Etsy – Renz Ragz store
Hair: Renee Griffin
Makeup: LaToya Santos
Shoes: Betsey Johnson (bride); Cole Hahn (groom)
Ceremony location: Edgerton Park, New Haven, CT
Reception location: The Country House. East Haven, CT
Photography: Abbey Domond Photography
Videography: Yamean Studios
Day-Of-Coordinator: Victoria Nee-Lartey of Victorious Events NYC
Florist: Candi’s Floral Creations
Cake & Truffle favors: Wildflour Confections
Stationery: Ijorere the Invitation
Nails: Vi Nail Art & Design
DJ: MikeMusic
Decor: Ten23 Designs
Photo Booth: Capitol Photo Booths
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