MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Fall 2017 Feature: Carine and Julius
Print copies available for pre-order here!
Read all about Carine and Julius’s romantic love story, sweet proposal, and experiences in their luxurious wedding Chateau wedding in New Jersey – featuring the photography of New Jersey MunaLuchi Coterie Ambassador Nana Annan, DJ performance by New York MunaLuchi Coterie Ambassador Mike Music, event planning/design/decor/florals by MunaLuchi Coterie member JP Events and Design, Videography by MunaLuchi Coterie member Yamean Studios Films, and Makeup Artistry by MunaLuchi Coterie member Danie and the Bloom. View the entire vendor list below.
Bride & Groom: Carine and Julius
Wedding Location: East Brunswick, New Jersey
Wedding Date: July 5th 2017
For Carine and Julius, theirs is a love story whose paths almost didn’t cross, and it all began at the office. While Carine was presenting her letter of resignation, Julius was being hired to start working his first day. On the verge of leaving, Carine’s co-workers kept telling her about the new guy from Africa just hired in finance. Being from Africa herself, many thought she may easily identify with the new guy.
Still, their paths remained uncrossed, even on her last day when the entire office turned out for her farewell party, Julius was the only one not there. Nevertheless, “being so prudent,” he decided to treat Carine to a special lunch just for the two of them, and she “happily accepted the invitation.”
This lunch date would leave a permanent impression on them both. An immediate connection was formed, realizing that they had more in common than previously thought. Not only were they both from Africa, but also from the same country of Cameroon. At this point the conversation became more personalized, talking of life back home, and feeling increasingly comfortable with each other. Both agreed that they had a very “nice time” and wished the other well in their respective careers while departing.
A month would pass before seeing each other again. Either completely by chance, or perhaps an act of fate, they were both invited to the baptism of a mutual friend’s baby. Completely unaware that they were invited to the same event, it was the most pleasant of surprises when entering the church in Manhattan to find the other also there. After the baptism ceremony numbers were exchanged and from that day on the communication between them “intensified.”
Calling and checking on each other often it seem that circumstances beyond control pushed their friendship to the next level. Slowly they began dating and soon realized they “completed” each other. They found themselves already “identifying the other person as a ‘best friend,’ ‘better half,’ ‘darling,’ and ‘one and only love.’” In Carine’s words, “we can name all the adjectives one can use to describe two people who are actively in love…” A work trip to Cameroon for Julius would only confirm their feelings and beliefs as the difference in time zones and work schedules made it difficult to reach the other, and both felt they “needed the other person so dearly.” This was a definitive sign of the vital role they played in each other’s life.
Upon return from his business trip, Julius knew that his life had to always include Carine. He invited her to the same restaurant in which they had their very first lunch together. As they enjoyed a lovely lunch, relishing each other’s company after the time apart, Julius looked into Carine’s eyes, and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him as husband and wife…
For Carine, wedding dress shopping was not a pleasant experience… “I live near NYC, so it’s not like I didn’t have options. I had plenty of options and I just didn’t have the time and patience to go around trying dresses. So I started dress shopping online shortly after we got engaged. I figured it would be something I could knock off the list quickly, but I don’t think my vision of the day (or budget) was clear enough at this point to really find the dress I wanted. That being said, I just didn’t want to wear a strapless dress ( or anything too poofy), and, surprisingly, that was harder to find than I had thought. I wanted to be different, unique, elegant and sophisticated, of great quality and good price.
I am a true African girl with wide hips and a small waist, so I felt like it would be almost impossible to find my dream dress. No matter how much you clip that dress, it’s really not ever going to look like the real thing when you put it on me…”
After turning to Pinterest and Instagram, Carine found a picture of a bride with a shape similar to her own and a dress she absolutely loved. After a little research she found the designer and style details of the dress, only to discover that it was twice her budget. With the assistance of her event planner Carine was guided to Pantora Bridal Boutique at which all of her wedding dress dreams came true.
Carine and Julius’ ceremony included such cultural elements as prayer and songs in Lamnso and Ewondo – the official languages of the respective Cameroonian tribes from which Julius and Carine stem from. Cameroonian music was featured during the cocktail hours, as well as dancing and songs during the reception particular to their African cultures. A most notable cultural element was the changing into traditional Cameroonian outfits as part of the last phase of the ceremony. For Carine and Julius this, “made us do a true reminiscence of who we are and where we are heading to…to celebrate and dance to our own cultural wedding musics. It was really a blessing and true happiness to have had this part during our ceremony…”
What is your best memory from your wedding?
To be candid, there has never been a day in our lives like this day. Surprisingly, many people get stressed during such events but we were so confident and happy everything was fine. There was no other reason for the stress-free wedding but the fact that we got an excellent wedding planner Johanne of JP Event and Design. She made us go to the event as if nothing depended on us. We both felt we were Royal Highness’s that evening. All memories – inclusive – of the day from beginning to end are best memories. We will want to live the day again.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
The best advice we can give to engaged couples is to do everything within their reach to get married. There is some intrinsic joy coupled with some real happiness when you get married to someone you truly love. Getting married to your other half gives a feel of ecstasy which is given a true meaning in marriage. Being engaged is already a sign you are convinced you found the right person . Do not wait for too long to tie the knot!
Vendors:
bride’s dress: Mermaid Gown
bridal salon: Pantora Bridal
bride’s headpiece: Pantora Bridal
bride’s shoes: INC International Concepts
Flower girls dresses: Elanya Jewels
bridesmaids dresses: Dolly Skeppings
cakes/desserts: Palermo Bakery
catering: Park Chateau
ceremony venue: Park Chateau
event decor/design: JP Events And Design
entertainment: Mike Music
event planner: JP Events And Design
florals: JP Events And Design
groom’s attire: Connaisseur Paris
groomsmen attire: Connaisseur Paris
hair: Jacky International
lighting: Park Chateau
linens: Beyond Linens
makeup artistry: Danie and the Bloom
makeup artistry: Your Face my Canvas
photography: Nana Annan Photography
reception venue: Park Chateau
stationery: Vividesigns by Alero
videography: Yamean Studios
Custom Menus and Table Numbers: Prp luxury group
Furniture Rental: Elite Events NJ
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