Fran & Judney tied the knot in a classic chic wedding where they first met at the Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.
Fran and Judney Pierre first met in an unconventional locale: their church’s bathroom! Seventeen years later, they exchanged vows before 250 of their friends and family at the same church!
The theme of their fairy tale nuptials was “The Art of Love” and their wedding hashtag, #LoveisinPierre, perfectly captured their romance. Captured by DLC Innovation and brought to life by Kelly Altier Weddings and Lux Lifestyle Events Inc., their wedding style was glamorous and timeless. Special details included an intricate custom veil with “Mrs. Pierre” embroidered into the fabric, a live wedding painter, and surprise virtual performances by Kenny G and Ky-mani Marley.
Other stand-out moments included their first dance on a cloud, a towering cake featuring imagery of Haitian artwork, and stunning florals by A Lavish Event Design arranged with warm hues of burgundy, burnt orange, and soft champagne blush tones. They also had numerous references to the famous artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. The artist’s infamous crown was displayed on their cake and was also a main focal point of their reception decor backdrop.
More sweet details from their glam wedding at the Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church below!
- Couple: Francesca & Judney Pierre
- Date of wedding: July 9, 2022
- Ceremony venue: Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church
- Getting ready venue: JW Marriott Brickell
- Location: Miami, Florida
Quick Facts From the Bride:
- Wedding theme: The Art of Love
- Wedding hashtag: #LoveisinPierre
- Bride Eau de parfum: Maison Francis Kurkdjian- Grand Soir
- Groom Eau de parfum: Bleu de Chanel
- Bridal Bouquet: A luscious arrangement of cascading Orchids, intertwined with peonies and roses.
- Wedding flowers: Fresh florals of Phalaenopsis Orchids, Roses [Coffee Break, Golden Mustard, Playa Blanca, Sahara, Toffee, Leonidas] Calla Mini, Ranunculus.
- Favorite menu item: THE CAKE! (especially the Grand Marnier and raspberry tier).
- Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids were gifted personally curated “love boxes” that incorporated silk pajamas, cute slippers, makeup, candles, jewelry, and facial masks. Groomsmen were gifted individualized custom gifts.
- Gifts to one another: [Groom to bride]: Judney gifted Fran a Kenny G special tribute; a Metallic foiled map of where they met, got engaged, and their wedding locations; a Spa Day, and Dave Chapelle tickets. Fran surprised Judney with a Ky-mani Marley special tribute, a Movado Watch, and a Big KRIT record.
- Bride ceremony entrance song: Canon in D
- First dance song: “For you” by Kenny Lattimore
- Advice for brides: “Be present in every moment! You are only a fiancé/ bride for such a short period of your life and although the planning phase may be stressful at times, take time to have fun, reflect and appreciate this moment. You have found the one that God has destined for you and will be able to showcase your love before God and all your loved ones! Lastly, hire vendors who have experience in the wedding industry and trust the process!”
The proposal…
Before Judney proposed, there were hints over the years leading to him popping the question. For instance, in December 2019, we were in Vegas at the Venetian hotel and took a romantic gondola boat ride. Then, in February 2020, for Valentine’s Day Jud gifted me a “Love Story” book. The last page had a character on one knee. At the time, I honestly thought nothing of it.
Later that year, on March 17, 2020, we had plans for a trip to Italy to meet with our friends.
The CEO of my company issued a mandate about COVID-19 on March 2, 2020 which indicated that everyone needed to evacuate the building and would return a month later. Needless to say, that did not occur. I became frantic and realized that this virus may have been more serious than I originally thought. I quickly called Judney and told him about the announcement and that he should speak with his professors and devise his plan of action. We also needed to reschedule our trip.
Judney insisted that we still travel {insert confused look on Fran’s face}. He stated: “Fran, Y.O.L.O.!” For those who may not be aware, the term “Y.O.L.O” stands for “you only live once” which translates to making the most of the present moment and not worrying about the future. In all of my years of dating Judney, he has never been a “Y.O.L.O” kind of guy! Laid back and worry free? Yes. Y.O.L.O? Never!
My gut and female intuition should have alerted me that something was up. However, because I was in a frenzy and trying to save our lives, all of my senses were off! Risking our health and potentially being stuck in Europe was not appealing to me. I informed Judney that “Rome will always be there; I’ll see you in Miami.” Thankfully he followed suit. I obviously was not aware that he was being persistent about the trip because he had a huge proposal planned.
One year later…
Fast forward a year and I experienced one of the happiest days of my life!
Judney organized a surprise private boat ride for us (remember the gondola ride in 2019). It was magical! For a split second, I thought maybe he would propose but after a 2 ½ hour ride we simply got off the boat and went home. Thoughtful dates like this are Judney’s norm so I didn’t think much of it. The next day he informs me that he has scheduled a tropical themed photoshoot and since we live bi-coastal it would be nice to have some updated pictures.
We ventured to a secluded area where Judney had a picnic setup. I was so excited! Then, typical Miami weather sets in! We experience a 15-minute torrential down pour. The picnic blanket and food are now drenched. I try to be a good sport about it but on the inside, I just wanted to reschedule the whole event.
He lightens the mood by pulling out a relationship card game that we love to play and then asked me to walk with him near the water. My brain became foggy as he bent down on one knee. I started to tear up but when I saw the ring and how those diamonds were glistening, I instantly came back to my senses! JK! I, (of course) said YES! He ended the night with fireworks to symbolize our first date on July 4th. My siblings and a few friends (the fireworks and camera/ videography crew) came out from behind the bushes, and we met with our families later that night.
How they knew they were “the one”…
Groom’s perspective: I have always been a sapiosexual my entire life. After our initial conversation which lasted 8 hours, I knew Francesca was going to be my wife. That conversation gave me insight into her mind, and I never wanted the discussion to end. Its what I love the most about her, which is her ability to intrigue me intellectually on a regular basis.
Bride’s perspective: I knew Judney was the one when I realized that I felt comfortable and safe with him. I enjoyed his company and always wanted him around. Judney is my best friend, supporter, foodie partner, motivator and confidante. From high school sweethearts to working professionals, we have experienced several high and low emotions together. Our connection is deep, and every moment spent with one another is a gift. Judney’s boundless and self-less love continues to prove why I know he is my forever.
Best wedding day memory…
The moment we laid eyes on one another at the altar.
Wedding style & the dress…
Our wedding style was Black-Tie, Artistic, Romantic, Extravagant, Timeless, Glamorous, and Elegant.
My wedding dress was a custom one-of-a-kind gown that was elegant with tons details and bling! I knew that I wanted to have a lot of jewels on my wedding dress.
I loved my dress so much that I knew I didn’t want a second dress but wanted to feel as if I did. To achieve this, I had a detachable train that could be removed at the reception so I could have more freedom and dance the night away!
Favorite accessory…
My favorite wedding accessory was my customized veil. As a surprise from my soon-to-be-husband, I had my new last name. “MRS. PIERRE” embroidered on my veil.
Cultural elements…
We are both of Haitian descent and wanted to honor our heritage throughout our wedding by incorporating several elements. Our ceremony took place at Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church and several of our scriptures and musical selections were in Haitian Creole. Judney’s brother was the deacon and performed the homily, which was a special surprise for us both.
We had a unique cake that included photos of Haitian artwork. One of the artists was Jean-Michel Basquiat. His infamous crown was in center of the cake and was also the main structure of our backdrop. In addition, the chairs for our royal tables had the fleur-de-lis symbols to incorporate our Catholic faith.
We gifted each guest with a bottle of Cremas, a traditional Haitian drink enjoyed on momentous occasions that paired nicely with the cake. Lastly, the groom’s first dance with his mother was a traditional Haitian song that pays homage to mothers and what’s a Haitian wedding without Kompa music to get the dance floor jumping!
A first dance on the clouds…
Advice for other engaged couples…
You don’t count: Don’t count what you do in the relationship or what the person has done to you. You should be selfless enough to put them first.
Looking for more glam nuptials like this one at the Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church?
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Vendors:
- Wedding/Decor/ Designer/Production: Lux Lifestyle Events Inc.
- Photographer: DLC Innovation
- Wedding Planner: Kelly Altier Weddings
- Florist: A Lavish Event Design
- Custom production/Stage/Floor/Backdrop: MPE Event Group
- Live performances: Kenny G & Maestro Marley
- Draping: Just By Designs
- Cake: Lux Cakery
- Catering: JW Marriott Brickell
- Bridal suite: Pretti Parties
- Rentals: Decora Event Rental & Imperial Event Rental
- Cold sparks/ Dancing on clouds: Epik Entertainment
- Dj: Jazzy Jeff
- Hairstylist: Ab Beauty Co.
- Makeup: YS Beauty Co.
- Videographer: Unleashed Vizuals
- Violinist: Ian Bmann
- Venue: JW Marriott Miami
- Desserts: Eddas Cake Design
- Custom making rings /table numbers: Lux Lifestyle Events Inc.
- Surprise live painter: Event Painting by Julie
- Bridesmaid hairstyles: Touched by Fabulous
- Mariachi band: Mariachi los Mensajero
- Ceremony venue: Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church
- Bridal suite: EAST Miami
- Bride headpiece: Su Reina Bridal
- Bridesmaids makeup: Beauty EnVee & Exquisite Maquillage
- Bridesmaids’ dresses: Jessica Angel Collection
- Groomsmen attire: Men’s Warehouse
- Harpist: Lady of Harp
- Bride robe: Privada Official
- Entertainment: Hora Loca Entertainment Inc
- Limo: Aralimo-Classic Rolls Royce
- Linens: Apple Events
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