It would be across the entire country where Nakhia and Wesley, having grown up just fifteen miles away from each other, would meet for the first time. On a business trip that would turn out to be the journey of a lifetime, Wesley was invited to a small game night, to which Nakhia, in third year of law school, was also attending. Over the course of the evening they realized just how much in common they shared, and that perhaps their meeting was more than mere coincidence. A few weeks later they were sharing daily conversations that neither ever wanted to end. From there a highly anticipated first date officially started them on the path to happily ever after.
Continue reading all about Nakhia & Wesley’s love story, romantic surprise proposal, and experiences in their elegant and intimate manor wedding in Maryland – captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Yanair Photography.
Bride & Groom: Nakhia & Wesley
Occupations: Regulatory Attorney & Litigation Associate
Wedding date: 9/3/2017
Wedding location: Oxon Hill Manor, Oxon Hill, Maryland
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Wesley and Nakhia met in 2009 in San Diego, CA. Wesley was in town for a business trip and Nakhia was in her third year of law school. They were each invited by friends to attend a small game night at the home of a host they did not know. Over the course of the night, the two became acquainted and found out that they grew up a mere 15 miles from one another in Prince George’s County, MD. They said their goodbyes that evening, but a couple of weeks later began talking on the phone every single day. Their first official date would not occur until about a month later but would start their journey to forever.
Wesley proposed a week before Nakhia’s birthday in a suite at the Gaylord Resort at National Harbor. Nakhia was in the D.C. area for a business conference and decided to extend the trip through the weekend to see family and friends. Her best friends took her to the spa and then for lunch and drinks at the Harbor. Unbeknownst to Nakhia, Wesley was also in town making plans for the proposal that evening. Deciding to meet up with a “friend” at the Gaylord, Nakhia’s friends guided her to the suite where Wesley was waiting for her. When she opened the door she was surprised to see Wesley standing in a suit surrounded by rose bouquets. He led her inside and played a video montage of photos from their lives together over the past seven years. When the song, “Spend My Life With You” by Eric Benet finished playing, Wesley got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She said “yes!” and they embraced. Then, Wesley brought out the meal they shared on their first official date. Later, he took her to her mother’s house for a “surprise birthday party” where their friends and family were waiting. They made the announcement that they were engaged and danced the night away.
How did you know they were “the one”? Nakhia: I knew Wesley was the one because I prayed for someone to come into my life with his specific characteristics. Funny. Intelligent. Spiritual. A little rough around the edges! He was so intentional about his pursuit, so I never had to guess his intentions. Even on this day, I love his determined pursuit of any goal he sets for himself.
Wesley: I knew Nikki was the one when I realized that she was always my first choice for who I wanted to experience things with. I have always been big on friendship and love, spending time with my friends. As my relationship with Nikki progressed, it became strikingly clear that she was my best friend. Nothing seemed as fun when Nikki wasn’t around. I realized that I never wanted to be without her.
Describe your wedding attire. Nakhia: My wedding dress is flowy and romantic. What I love most about it are the lace details and illusion neckline and back. It was perfect for a garden wedding.
Wesley: I wore a deep blue tuxedo with a navy blue satin shawl collar along with a black bowtie and black Ferragamo patent leather loafers. I chose a deep blue tux because I wanted something less traditional than a black suit, but not flashy. Further, our wedding colors were blue and purple and the wedding party were all wearing grey and/or purple. I was very pleased with how it turned out.
What was wedding shopping like for you? Nakhia: Shopping for a wedding dress was not bad at all because I did a lot of research online beforehand to narrow down the looks I’d like best. I went to three shops and found “the one” at the third shop.
Wesley: I knew what I wanted as far as the tux but I took a while deciding who I wanted to make it. Trying to find the perfect tie, shoes, and socks was a longer affair. I ended up buying my shoes, tie, and socks a day or two before the wedding. It required a shopping marathon with my Best Maid (I had a Best Man and a Best Maid).
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We incorporated “jumping the broom”, “tasting of the four elements” and the “unity sand” rituals into our wedding ceremony. We thought they were all important and also fun rituals to incorporate in order to commemorate our union.
Wedding Party gifts: Bridesmaids – Monogrammed flask and mirror (monogrammed flask and lighter for bridesman); Groomsmen – Monogrammed Decanter and Whiskey glass.
Favorite item on the menu: Crab Cakes and Cupcakes (It’s a tie!)
First dance song: “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever” by Maxwell
What is your best memory from your wedding? Nakhia: Wesley’s vows were some of the most beautiful and affirming words I’ve ever heard.
Wesley: There were two memories that stood out for me: First, we started the wedding with a private family/wedding-party prayer led by my grandmother. My wife and I still were not supposed to see each other, so I was kept in the groom’s suite and just stuck my arm out the door to hold my wife’s hand. I couldn’t see anything but could feel my wife’s hand and hear my grandmother’s voice. My wife squeezed my hand and I could hear my grandmother’s voice cracking as she began to cry while saying the prayer. That was the first time the gravity of the day really hit me. Second, was when my wife got to the front of the altar. She looked so beautiful. The clouds literally parted and the sun started to shine directly on us. The whole crowd noticed and let out a collective sound of amazement.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Start planning early and stick to a budget. Also, on the day of, just let it happen and enjoy the moment while it lasts. It flies by!
Vendors:
Wedding dress designer: Pronovias
Wedding dress salon: Jade Bridal
Brides Shoes: Jewel Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Suit: Bzach Clothiers
Groom’s Shoes: Salvatore Farragamo
Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
Groomsmen suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Makeup: Blessed and Beautiful by Monica
Ceremony and reception location: Oxon Hill Manor, Oxon Hill, MD
Photography: Yanair Photography
Videography: Positive Visions Media
Wedding planner/decor: Too Blessed To Be Stressed Catering & Decor
Caterer:Too Blessed To Be Stressed Catering & Decor
Florist: Mary’s Crafts and Rentals
Cake/Cupcake stand: Pro Cakes
DJ: Daryn “DJ Suave” Sessoms
Stationery: Mingle, Posh Paper Boutique
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