Khallilah and Anthony first laid eyes on each other at a top Miami Beach night club. Unable to take his eyes off of Khallilah, Anthony was initially nervous about making his approach – being completely stunned by her beauty. Just as Khallilah was leaving for the evening Anthony made his move, asking her out on what would be the first date of many – becoming inseparable ever after…
Read all about Khallilah and Anthony’s love story, romantic proposal, and experiences in their beautiful scenic wedding at the Diplomat – professionally captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Artistic Vision & Design Photography.
Bride & Groom: Khallilah & Anthony
Occupations: Occupational Therapy & Corrections Sergeant
Wedding date: 4/29/2017
Wedding location: Diplomat Golf and Tennis club, Hallandale FL.
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. I first met Anthony (“Tony”) at the Fontainebleau Hotel. I was walking out of LIV and he was standing at the entrance with a few of his friends. I saw him looking at me through my peripheral view but tried to ignore it. He was able to catch my attention calling out to me but I continued walking acting like I didn’t hear him. So as I walked back into LIV his friend approached me and basically did the talking for Tony. Once, his friend finished I looked at him and asked him, “Are we in High School?” Because he came to talk to me instead of Tony. He chuckled and tried to explain why he was doing the talking for his friend. I eventually ended up walking away once my friend came to get me. On the way out Tony caught up with me again and he asked to take me on a date and I quickly said my number while Tony fumbled for his phone to put my number in his phone. Since then, it’s be the best blessing to our family!
For the proposal… I had just come back from Atlanta, and Tony, even before I left, kept telling me we need a date night and that when I return he wants us to go out for an early mother’s day dinner. So, I obviously agreed but I felt like there was something up his sleeve. So the day finally came for our dinner date and I asked Tony where are we going for dinner? Tony responds, Chili’s South Beach. So I said to Tony, why are we going to South Beach Chili’s when there’s one just around the corner? What was so different. So his response was they have a better menu etc. So I said to him well I might as well change my outfit I had on and put some sandals on since it wasn’t anything fancy, but Tony insisted I kept on my dress and heels. So we drop off our daughter to his mother and I could tell by his mother’s facial expression that there was something up. We finally get to South Beach and he parks quite a distance from Chili’s which made me think that it wasn’t Chili’s after all. He takes my hand and walks me up to Prime Italian. I looked at him with the biggest smile because I knew something was up. We get seated and I see Tony disappear and he’s speaking to the waiter. He comes back and we are talking and then we order our meals. Then Tony asks if we can take a picture and he asks the waiter to take it. So I’m like, really…right now, in front of everyone? He takes me over to a section of the restaurant and I just see Tony start kneeling down and the waiter is there in the background recording and the waiter is crying at the same time because he sees my face. Tony then asks me for my hand in marriage and at this time I’m balling! Of course I said YES!
What was wedding shopping like for you? When I started wedding dress shopping I went to 5 different stores before I found my dream dress at Chernaya. At Chernaya I worked with Renato who was exceptional! I can’t even describe how amazing the whole team was from beginning to end. I wanted the mermaid effect with beautiful lace trimmings. Renato had many selections of gorgeous designer gowns that I tried on. All fit beautifully but didn’t have that, “this is it feeling!” Once I tried on the final dress my mother and cousin had picked out I was in love! That was it for me! The seamstresses were all pleasant, they made me feel like I was part of the family at Chernaya. Renato had even set up one of the seamstresses to assist with my wedding gown the day of the wedding. She was amazing, so helpful. She even walked behind to fix my veil as I walked towards the aisle. I cannot express how amazing they made my wedding gown shopping experience.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Since my family is from the islands and his family is American we wanted to introduce his family and friends to the island side. We had a carnival/travel theme where we showed the traveling side of our journey, from where we were before getting married and up to that moment. We also had island mixed flavor served at dinner.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bride- Marc Jacobs Decadence, and Groom-custom initials cuff links.
Favorite item on the menu: sweet mash potatoes
First dance song: Avant and Kiki Wyatt- “You and I”
What is your best memory from your wedding? The best memory from my wedding is seeing Anthony’s face as I stood at the top of the aisle waiting to walk down. I started crying.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? My best wedding advice for engaged couples is to make sure you both collaborate together on wedding planning and inspirations. Why I say this is because it can be overwhelming to the point that the bride may not show attention as much to her significant other because she’s so overwhelmed! Incorporating your future husband helps take some of that planning off of you both.
Vendors:
Wedding dress designer- Reem Acra
Wedding dress salon- Chernaya bridal house
Bridesmaids dresses- Daisy Tarsi, dress designer- Barijay
Hair/makeup- Cassy styles
Makeup- Natasha Gross
Shoes- Aminah Abdul jillil
Ceremony location/reception- The Diplomat Golf and Tennis club
Photography/videography- Artistic vision and Design
Wedding planner/cake/stationary/event designer/- The design group Miami- Jean Augustin
Congrats again… love you both ❤