Featured in MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Issue 30, this “Romeo and Juliette” royal romance-themed wedding will sweep you off your feet!
In the summer of 2018, Shawn Oram was living his best life. Traveling and exploring the world, he wasn’t expecting to meet anyone. He certainly didn’t expect to fall in love at first sight.
But then came Juliette…
Standing at the check-in counter of the Grand Celebration Cruise ship, Shawn glanced across the room and glimpsed the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. “Her presence was radiating such an alluring aura I was immediately drawn in,” he recalled. “I knew right then and there that I needed to know who she was and everything about her.”
After an initial failed attempt to talk to Juliette with her friends (who were celebrating her birthday!), Shawn was determined to speak to her. He and his friend, Tae, spent the rest of the night unsuccessfully searching the ship for her. The next day, they landed in the Bahamas. Shawn figured he would never see Juliette again.
But fate had other plans! Out of countless resorts, Juliette and Shawn happened to stay at the same one.
During their first interaction, they instantly connected over their shared Caribbean backgrounds. However, Juliette was still assessing her potential “Romeo.” She friend-zoned him and added Shawn and Tae to their Girls Trip Group Chat. It wasn’t until later that night that her feelings changed.
When none of her girlfriends wanted to see a dance show, Shawn stepped in to be her date. After the show, they walked to the beach and sat in a cabana by the ocean. They talked about everything: goals, family, beliefs… “We sat there all night as if nothing else mattered,” Shawn recalled wistfully.
At the end of the night, they shared a goodnight kiss, sparking the beginning of their forever love.
Looking back on that special night, Juliette shared, “I believe that not only did God give me what I prayed for by placing Shawn in my life, but I also feel that my late mother was my cupid on June 4, 2018, because we met on the same island where she was born.”
On Juliette’s 33rd birthday, Shawn surprised her with a romantic birthday staycation proposal, and three years later (on their fifth anniversary to the day they met in the Bahamas!), they said “I do” in a fitting “Romeo and Juliette” royal romance-themed wedding in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Keep scrolling for more details from their love story!
*Purchase a copy of Issue 30 here.
- Couple: Juliette Saint Louis & Shawn Oram
- Location of Wedding: Crane Club at Tesoro (Port St. Lucie, FL)
- Wedding Date: Sunday, June 4th, 2023
- Photographer for Wedding: Reem Photography
Quick Facts From The Bride:
- Wedding flowers: Our wedding flowers were a mixture of white hydrangeas, roses, spray roses, stock, and greenery designed by our amazing florist Alecia from Artistic Creations by AC
- Favorite item on the menu: We had a very large variety on our menu, especially during cocktail hour. From Conch fritters, Lump Crab cakes, Coconut shrimp, Lobster rolls, Lollipop Lamb Chops, and filet Mignon Crostini. However, I feel that everyone’s favorite of the evening was the Taste of Caribbean table, which included jerk marinated chicken, Bahamian conch fritters, calamari salad, black beans, and rice and plantain chips.
- Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: The bridesmaids received personalized robes, slippers, hangers, wine glasses. Also, wedding day Jewelry included earrings, bracelets, and hairpieces. The groomsmen received personalized money clips, beer openers, and cufflinks.
- First dance song: Tamia & Eric Benet: “Spend my Life with You, Alan Cave: “Se Pa Pou Dat” & Vybez Cartel’s “Yuh Love”
- Advice for brides: Quality over Quantity. Select your tribe carefully. In addition, remember that your wedding day focus should be solely on you and your significant other. Please ignore any other distractions or outside noises, cause there will be a lot.
How did you meet?
Shawn: It all started in the summer of 2018 in June. I was living my best life at the time. I love traveling and exploring, and over time I would purchase vacation packages and save them for whenever I felt like leaving.
One of my vacations was a cruise to travel to the Bahamas for a few days. Realizing it was about to expire soon I decided to take a random trip. With such short notice, I invited my close friend Tae, who loves to travel as well and is always ready to go.
With the cruise all set, the only thing left to do was have a good time with my boy. I went on this cruise not expecting any of the events that transpired. Everyone’s heard of “Love at first sight” and I can truly attest to that.
Before I even boarded the Grand Celebration, I was standing at the check-in counter providing my information. I happened to glance across the horizon and in that moment, I saw the most beautiful woman I had ever seen standing at the entrance.
Her presence was radiating such an alluring aura I was immediately drawn in. I knew right then and there I needed to know who she was and everything about her.
– Shawn (The Groom)
The embarrassing part of this story is that I actually sparked a conversation with her group of friends without her even acknowledging my existence. I could tell she was a part of the birthday crew because one of the girls made it known it was her birthday!
My friend and I walked past the group sharing a few comments, hyping the birthday girl up for her trip. Meanwhile, Juliette was off to the side glued to her phone and paying us no attention. After settling in our cabin and en route to the Bahamas, my plan was in motion.
I never really had a plan per se but I knew I couldn’t rest until I had the chance to approach her.
That same night Tae and I were prowling the ship. We visited every nightclub and music spot in hopes of finding her. I promise we were the last ones roaming around the deck until we called it a night. Still had a blast though.
To my despair, I never saw her and the cruise landed in Freeport the following morning. We booked our stay at this resort once we exited the ship. Not everyone on the cruise was staying at the resort, as some were only there for day activities and then returning later.
I told myself the chances of me finding her here were slim to none.
Some time had passed after checking in and getting settled. By the grace of God, I saw my Juliette once again.
I caught her in the moment, doing what I learned over time, what she loves most. Which is, being in front of a camera. She was by the beach cabanas looking so good in her swimwear working with a staff member.
From a distance, I was stunned by the way she was capturing every pose with such elegance and fierce demeanor. I thought then she was doing a professional shoot, I just knew she was a model.
Now knowing she was at the same resort with me, my plan was back in motion.
I can be shy when it comes to women so I was not sure how I would introduce myself. I knew for a fact I did not want to embarrass myself spitting game amongst her and a group of friends. So catching her solo was my best and only option.
That afternoon I finally noticed her again and this time she was separated from her friends sitting at a table enjoying her lunch. It was either now or never for me. Just as soon as I gathered enough courage to make my move, an elderly woman slid in beside her. I was close by to hear their conversation but far enough not to be seen.
The older woman just casually shared all her life experiences with Julie and I could tell all she wanted to do was enjoy her burger. I learned how kind she was from that moment. Finally, the woman ended her conversation and Julie was free to eat her food peacefully. Before she even had the chance to take another bite, I jumped from behind the bushes and politely asked if I could join her. Without hesitation she graciously accepted.
Our conversation was like no other, we instantly clicked sharing our Caribbean backgrounds and a few other things.
I even mentioned how I spotted her a couple of times before this moment. I don’t know if she thought it was creepy, but she laughed when I told her I saw the modeling production on the beach. A few more laughs and giggles and I thought I had it all in the bag.
Sike! She “friend-zoned” me and told me to follow her to meet the gals sitting by the beach. I was quite nervous too as I felt like I was being thrown into a pit of raging wolves. Julie passed me off to the others when really all I wanted was to talk to her.
Upon meeting the girls they were feeling my vibe and the conversations were all laughter.
I was able to get acquainted with the crew, even though the birthday girl didn’t remember me from the cruise previously. By that time my friend Tae joined the party and they loved him as well. We were officially initiated into the Girls Trip Group Chat.
We got updated on all the activities that were being planned for the trip. A few hours done passed by and I was back in the room chilling. A text popped up in the group chat from Julie and she was interested in attending the dance show that night.
All of her friends were busy elsewhere so she decided to go by herself. With nobody joining her, of course, I replied and told her I would be her date for the night.
We met at the show and I believe we had a good time. Not the best of shows but just being in her presence made it worthwhile.
After the show, we decided to walk closer to the beach and made ourselves comfortable on the couch. We literally opened up to each other about everything. We talked about life, goals, family, beliefs, and all.
Time was just passing by and we sat there all night as if nothing else mattered. I walked her back to her room and sealed the night with a kiss goodnight. That day was June 4th and it was the day I knew Juliette would be my wife!
I pursued her each and every day and have grown to where we are now.
The Proposal:
Juliette: On my 33rd Birthday December 23, 2020, the love of my life asked me to be his wife. I was under the impression that I was going to a birthday dinner and a staycation but little did I know that this night would change my life forever. I was in complete shock and really did not see this coming at all because so much was going on that year. To start, we were in a whole COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, I was in the stressful process of house hunting, and worst of all; my mother-in-law (Shawn’s mom) was battling breast cancer. Therefore, the mere fact that Shawn was able to plan and execute such a beautiful and intentional proposal in the midst of all the chaos that year was the most romantic gesture ever.
Shawn rented an Airbnb in the heart of Biscayne near the waters with the most beautiful view ever.
He then invited 10 of my favorite people due to strict COVID social distance guidelines. He was so intentional with everything leading up to the proposal, from handpicking and purchasing my dress and shoes. In addition, sending me money for Hair, make-up, nails etc.
I met up with him at the Airbnb early that afternoon and the first surprise was a beautifully decorated room with balloons and tons of gifts and $5,000 shaped like a heart on the bed with a note that read “down payment for home escrow”. The second surprise was a private chef who would cook for us. He had me thinking that we were going to head out to a restaurant for dinner but instead, Dinner came to us.
Surprise number 3 was that he also hired decorators and my entire guest showed up in all-white attire to match the beautiful gold and white décor.
We had a beautiful 5-course meal dinner inside the Airbnb. Right after dinner, I went to the room to freshen up, and then 20 minutes later, I was being blindfolded and escorted by my best friend to who knows where ha-ha. We took baby steps to make it to the outside of the Airbnb because my Christian Louboutin heels were so high and falling was not an option for me.
Next thing you know, my blindfold is removed and I hear everyone yell “SURPRISE”. I started looking around and the first thing I saw was the cake that read “Will you marry me?”, followed by the big ‘Marry me’ sign.
Then, to top it off my mother-in-law, who was supposed to be on bed rest at the time, was standing right there cheering us on in that moment. She traveled from Orlando to Miami and said that she would not miss this moment for the world and that not even cancer would stop her.
Shawn got on one knee and popped the question. I SAID YESSS with no hesitation.
How did you know they were “the one”?
Juliette: God is so good. I remember as if it was yesterday when my pastor preached a sermon about intentionality and how we should pray and manifest what we want from God. I believe that not only did God give me what I prayed for by placing Shawn in my life, but I also feel that my late mother was my cupid on June 4, 2018, because we met on the same island where she was born.
Mr. & Mrs…
Describe your wedding style:
The wedding theme was Romeo and Juliet for the obvious reason of my name being Juliette. The Romeo and Juliette era screamed Royal and Romance plus we wanted to include the Fashion/runway part due to my background in modeling.
Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory.
My wedding dress was custom-designed by Kitty Chen Couture and purchased from Brides Of Florida. It was a mermaid-style dress with an overskirt. Kitty Chen dresses are made for tall, slim body types like mine. Her dress collection “IVOIRE” was exactly what I was looking for in a wedding dress. From sexy low cutbacks, long-sleeved ball gowns, fully beaded mermaids, and boho lace gowns.
The reception…
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Our wedding was a mixture of American, Bahamian, Jamaican, and Haitian culture. We incorporated Bahamian appetizers such as conch fritters. Also for our first dance, we included a mixture of R&B (American), Kompa (Haitian), and reggae (Jamaican) music.
Lastly, we had a jam segment on the dance floor where we waived our Jamaican and Haitian Flags with pride. Our wedding planner distributed the flags to everyone. Our amazing wedding host, Yanick Perez, got the crowd amped up and then DJ Haitian Mike played a bomb mix of Haitian and Jamaican tunes during this segment. Everyone had a ball.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Our best memory was definitely our first look that took place prior to the ceremony. Getting to share that intimate moment between just us two before the ceremony was so beautiful. We were both filled with emotions.
Shawn was worried about us doing the first look because he was worried that it would take way from the element of surprise of me walking down the aisle. He also was not sure if we were going to cry twice and he DID. We both cried during the first look and at the ceremony.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
The best advice we would give to engaged couples is to make sure that every decision is a team decision. There is no “I” in team. In addition, marital counseling is very important.
And they lived happily ever after…
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Vendors:
- Photographer: Reem Photography
- Planner: Lavish Royalty Events by Lorry Francois Vargas
- Florist: Artistic Creations by AC
- Wedding videographer: Daka David
- Bride Makeup Artist: YS Beauty Co
- Bridal party MUA: Martine Beauty
- Bridal party MUA: Makeup By Chi Chi
- Bridal Suite Decor: Exquisite Décor by Blonde Souppe
- Brides wedding dress: Brides of Florida
- Brides Robe: Inna Elsie
- Bridesmaids Robe: Vivas Custom Creations
- Brides Hair: Natalie Turner of Picture Perfect Salon West Palm Beach
- Bridal Party Hair: Style Me Pretty by Regine Brutus
- Groom’s suit: Eaden Myles
- Cake: Sweet Tiers
- Harpist: Karina Kusz
- DJ: DJ Haitian Mike
- Host: Yanick Perez
- Production: 5ive Star Entertainment & Services
- Floor wrap and Aisle: MPE Event Group
- Rentals: Imperial Event Rentals
- Venue: Crane Club at Tesoro
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