Mariah and Joshua’s Gorgeous Gallery Wedding in Dania Beach

Mariah and Joshua have been in each other’s lives for over thirteen years, having first gotten acquainted in high school and almost entirely by coincidence when Mariah’s friend borrowed her phone to text a friend. That friend turned out to be Joshua, and a text message conversation that began by friend continued between Mariah and Joshua. They quickly realized how much they had in common and didn’t want the conversation to end. The texting led to endless calls, which opened the door to meeting in person. From that evening on they became inseparable, having recognized their soul’s mate within each other.

Continue reading all about Mariah & Joshua’s love story, surprise Easter dinner proposal, and experiences in their gorgeous gallery wedding in Dania Beach – perfectly captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Stanlo Photography.

Bride & Groom: Mariah & Joshua
Occupations: Executive Assistant & Business Development /Sales Manager
Wedding date: February 23, 2018
Ceremony Location: St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Plantation, FL
Reception Location: The Gallery of Amazing Things, Dania Beach, FL

How did you meet? Josh and I have known each other for 13 years. Our love story started in 2005 when a really close family friend/neighbor of mine, sparked an interest between the two of us. One night while on my front porch chatting it up with my close family friend, I gave her my phone to text a friend of hers from school, which happened to be Josh. As the night went on, Josh and I continued texting. We started texting each other every day and night. The texts led to phone calls which eventually led us to wanting to meet.
We had so much in common: we were both Haitian, lived five minutes from each other, valued family and friends. Although we went to different schools we had the same passion and desire to live life to the fullest and have fun while doing it. After a month, we decided to plan a little meet and greet. Josh suggested that I come to his High School Spring Concert. However, he ended up not attending because he couldn’t get off of work that night. (So, yes, Josh stood me up on our first meet and greet).
He called later that night and was extremely apologetic and begged to come and see me at my home. I took a chance and met him out front on a school night, while my mom was in the house. It was worth every second and minute of that beating I would have received from my mother, if caught. From that day on, I knew that Josh was my soulmate. We have been through everything together from going to each other’s high school prom, graduations, family events, and even stayed together when I went off to college. It has been a long, and amazing journey filled with lots of love, laughter and support.

Tell us about the proposal. March 26, 2016. One week prior to Mariah leaving Miami, something deep down inside told me that this is the perfect moment to make her my wife. I already had her parents and my parents blessings so it was just a matter of time before I would seal the deal. Before jumping ahead of myself, I called her best friend to plan the perfect proposal. She was extremely excited and gave some great ideas. I eventually went with what I believed would be a memorable way to make her my wife. On March 26, Easter weekend, I decided to surprise her at her families’ Easter dinner and proposed in front of all of our family and friends. She said yes, and at that moment, nothing else mattered besides my Fiance, me and our future.

Describe your wedding attire. My wedding dress was a White mermaid dress with a train and off the shoulder sleeves by Essense of Australia paired with a white cathedral veil. The dress was also paired with teardrop earrings, a beaded headpiece, and white & silver strappy Christian Louboutins.
The wedding shopping experience was a bit difficult at first because you have all of these different opinions chiming in on what you should wear the day of, and of course you want to please everyone, but the only opinion I went with was my soon-to-be husband’s. After speaking to Josh, I knew exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it. It was just a matter of me finding that perfect dress. During my search, I traveled back and forth from Orlando to Miami just to find the perfect dress which I found at Bellissima Bridal Boutique in Coral Gables, FL.
For Josh, Eaden Myles provided both suits, Black and Blue with brocade designs, and our wedding date inscribed into the collar. His shoes were by Florsheim, and paired his suites with an Invicta watch and cufflinks. Shopping for the wedding was a bit of a hassle due to the tailor being based out of Canada and Josh’s representative living in Texas.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? My husband and I are both Haitian Americans. Our parents were born and raised in Haiti so we definitely wanted to embrace and incorporate our culture in various ways for the wedding. During our engagement shoot with Stanley Babb, we incorporated the Haitian Flag and had our wedding date placed on it. We also had a live Haitian band that played Kompa music during our reception. Last but not least, we incorporated a few Haitian hors d’oeuvres for our guests to enjoy during cocktail hour.

Wedding party gifts: Bridesmaids – I gave my girls, also known as my “Bride Mob Crew,” burgundy off the shoulder rompers to wear at the hotel, a gold and clear makeup bag with their names written on it, and accessories for their dresses.
Groomsman – the fellas received a decanter set with 2 shot glasses with their names engraved into the glasses.
Gifts for each other: Mariah: I gifted my husband with customized silver cufflinks with his late brother’s picture who passed away on one cuff and a phrase that said “Always on my mind, forever in my heart. My beloved brother.”
Joshua: I gifted my wife with a pendant with her mom’s picture to place on her bouquet while walking down the aisle and Christian Louboutin to rock with her beautiful dress. Only the best for my wife.
Ceremony entrance song: Melody composed by the church pianist.
First dance song: “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross

What is your best memory from your wedding? Mariah: My best memory of our wedding is the tribute performance to my late mother, Jeanide Dorvil who passed a month before my wedding. My two best friends did a modern dance piece in remembrance of her to a song called “Show Me Love” by Laura Mvula. It was the most beautiful piece I’ve ever seen. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It just reminded me that my guardian angel was right beside me on our big day. It was very difficult for us but she gave us the strength to continue on with the wedding.
Josh: My best memory is the surprise performance from my wife! I was definitely not expecting her to perform. My wife out danced Beyonce and put on a show! From the outfit change to the dance moves and the song selections. It was perfect and I enjoyed every moment of it.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Best advice we can give to engaged couples is take your time with everything. There’s absolutely no rush! Seize every moment with each other. We waited a year before we started planning because we wanted to enjoy and savor the engagement excitement before diving into all of the planning. Planning can be stressful, so make sure you’re reasonable with everything and that you have the right team executing your vision. Guys, be prepared to see another side of your woman. Learn to rub her feet, run her baths, and free her mind when the going gets tough.

Vendors:
Photography: Stanlo Photography
Wedding dress designer: Essense of Australia
Bridesmaids dresses: Tulle and Chantilly
Maid/Matron of honor dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair/makeup: Human Dollz
Bride & Bridal Party hair: Tyiesha Bridal Specialist
Bridal Party MUA: ChemX Beauty
Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Groom’s Shoes: Florsheim
Ceremony location: St. Gregory Catholic Church
Reception location: The Gallery of Amazing Things
Videography: Miami Wedding Cinema
Wedding planner/Florist/Cake: Jehane Laham & Melissa Caceres of Events on a Budget
Stationery: Basic Invite & Vistaprints
Event designer: Jehane Lehman
Catering: Eden Catering
Event Rentals: Louna and Company
Event Rentals: Dee Production Luxury Party Rentals
Groom’s attire – Eaden Myles Design Studio
Groomsmen attire – Men’s Warehouse