Gabriell and Rashid met when they enrolled in the same calculus class at The College of the Bahamas. They spent time studying together and building a relationship as friends before Rashid wrote Gabriell a heartfelt letter asking her to be his girlfriend. Since that day they’ve been inseparable.
Read all about Gabriell and Rashid’s journey to become husband and wife as well as their rustic and elegant wedding in the Bahamas.
Bride & Groom: Gabriell & Rashid
Occupations: Medical Student & Structural Engineer
Wedding date: June 11, 2017
Wedding location: Nassau, Bahamas
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met at The College of the Bahamas in 2009. We always noticed each other in passing around campus, but we didn’t officially meet until we had the same calculus class. We became fast friends, because Rashid always used to help me with my homework. We knew we liked each other, but it wasn’t until Rashid wrote me a beautiful letter asking me to start dating him, that I knew he was one of a kind and we became official.
For my birthday, Rashid asked me to pick my favorite place (Mosaic, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas) to eat and he asked if I can make the reservations because he was very busy with a project at work. I thought it was going to be a very casual birthday dinner, so I didn’t suspect anything. When we got our food, he said lets pray. After the prayer, I opened my eyes and he was down on one knee with the ring in his hand.
What was wedding dress shopping like for you? I am a very organized person. Prior to our trip to Miami, I researched all of the shops and the best places to find what I want. It was a great experience. I went with my parents and everything came together seamlessly. Both the groom and I are very big on tradition, so I chose to go to the same Bridal Salon my mother went to to get her dress 29 years ago, Chic Parisien, Coral Gables Miami, Florida. When looking for my dress, I asked for a dress that was modest, timeless, and with some bling and they found me the perfect dress by Lian Carlo. The dress is a fit and flare dress with a detachable tulle overlay skirt and has a illusion neckline with a sweetheart bust with floral pattern design with swarovski crystal in each flower, simple and beautiful. It was more than I ever expected to find.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? When thinking of a theme for our wedding, we knew we wanted something simple and soft, so we went with a rustic style, because it matched our personalities the best. Rashid loves the beach, so we added drift wood to the table decor and lanterns.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts:
The bridesmaids received personalized totes with wedding day essentials. The tote included matching flip flops for dancing, water to keep hydrated, mints to stay fresh, blotting paper to keep their makeup on point, and snacks for energy. The also received personalized robes. The groomsmen received bow ties and socks.
Favorite item on the menu: Stuffed Chicken Breast
What is your best memory from your wedding? The best memory from the wedding was when Rashid had trouble trying to figure out how to remove my veil. It took a minute or two until i decided to help him.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? I would advise engaged couples to enjoy the planning period together because the wedding is a day you should both enjoy with aspects that you both put time and effort into creating. It helps with bonding and creating good decision making skills before the marriage.
Vendors:
Wedding Dress Designer: Lian Carlo
Wedding Dress Salon: Chic Parisien
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Maid and Matron of Honors’ Dresses: Monique Lluillier
Flower Girl and Petal Droppers’ dresses: Pegeen
Hair: Apryl Weech
Makeup: Fab Faces MUA, Shauna the artist, Erin Simone MUA
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Ceremony Location: Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church
Reception Location: The British Colonial Hilton
Photography: Braxton Gardiner Photography
Videography: Kingdom Hearts Media
Wedding Planners: Jacqueling Gobson, Valyncia Gooding, and Vanria Trotman
Florist and Event Designer: Wildflowers Bahamas
Cake: Eldridge “Chef Ellie” Williams
Stationery: Template Bahamas
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