There are two sides to every love story but when a Munagroom tells us how he fell for his bride, we pull our chairs up a little bit closer. Read how Adanna caught Irani’s eye as told by the groom himself.
For me it all started the winter of 2001 at an Indoor track and field event in New York City. To her, I was invisible (lets just say I was a better football player then track runner) and it didn’t help that I couldn’t muster up the courage to say two words to her. So I was just an admirer from a distance, but who knew that our paths would cross again.
In August of 2003, athletics reunited us as members of the University at Albany Football and Track & Field teams. Typically the track team is housed in one dorm and the football team in another but thankfully for some reason she was placed in my dormitory. It wasn’t necessarily love at first sight since she thought I was too much of a ladies man (where she got that idea I do not know lol) but with her residing in the same dorm, it was all the opportunity I needed to steal her heart. From there an unexpected friendship grew into something special.
The couple wed in a beautiful rustic blush wedding at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, NY. Infusing Irani’s Brazilian culture, the event was a splendid mix of sweet love and carnival-like fun. Take a look at their big day with photography by Coterie member Kesha Lambert and read the rest of their unbreakable love story below.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on the wedding menu: “Bem Casados” (“Married Well” in Portuguese) a little treat that is given out at Brazil weddings, which represents to parts coming together as one.
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids received DIY customized gift boxes; groomsmen received ties, lapels and personalized socks.
First dance song: “Put That On Everything” by Brandy
Bride: Adanna Andrews
Groom: Irani DeAraujo Jr.
Wedding date: 07/19/2015
Wedding location: The Grandview – Poughkeepsie, NY
Tell us all about the proposal!
During our senior year of college, Irani proposed to me at a surprise birthday party (which he put together) for my twin sister and I. I said yes, but we both knew we were too young and not quite ready for the responsibilities of marriage. After graduating, several relocations, a long distance relationship, and the pursuit of individual career goals our love literally stood the test of time.
Fast-forward a few years later (7 to be exact, but who was counting lol) on April 11, 2014 and Irani proposed (again, but for real this time). That night couldn’t have been more special, even though the day didn’t go as planned. Originally, Irani had planned to propose over a candlelit birthday dinner overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. However numerous unforeseen events and the rain had other plans. It was the morning of my birthday and Irani gifted me with a day at the spa and a hair appointment. Everything was going great and then it started to rain, which seemed to throw everything off track. I was in the salon chair longer then I wanted to be which delayed us from leaving Albany on time. In a rush, we stopped at the mall to get last minute items for my birthday outfit and I left Irani to pay for my shoes while I went to buy mascara to save time. At last, we were on the road and 45 minutes out of Albany when I reached for my shoes and let out the biggest GASP! Irani didn’t realize that the clerk put the shoes that I didn’t want inside the bag. So back we went to get the right pair of shoes in the pouring rain! Needless to say, by that time, my impatience was at an all-time high and I was frustrated and over it. Irani tried his best to keep me calm (as he always does) during the 2.5-hour ride to the city, even though we were going to miss our dinner reservation. Luckily, he had additional plans for us to meet up with family and friends that evening, all the while he was contemplating when and if he should propose that night. Finally, while at a lounge celebrating my birthday amongst family and friends the stress of the long frustrating day was quickly forgotten. It was then that Irani took the opportunity to drop down on one knee and ask for my hand in marriage. I don’t remember anything that he said while he was down there lol, but the moment couldn’t have been more appropriate or us…and of course I said YES!
Describe your wedding dress. What was your favorite accessory?
My dress is a custom made design by Andrea Pitter of Pantora Bridal. It has a classic feel to it and features lace! My favorite wedding accessory is my engagement ring and wedding band. My fiance designed it with the help of his fraternity brother at Luma Diamonds. It is a rose gold, solitaire, emerald cut diamond ring that is simply beautiful and so very me.
Best memory
His – Seeing the joy in her face, after she was able to decorate the venue and see her design and dreams realized for our wedding come to fruition.
Hers – Sharing those first stolen moments alone together where we had the chance to reflect on our new life as husband and wife. Knowing that we were now ONE was truly my best memory! *2nd best memory is when my nephew Justin took the mic during the ceremony to tell a joke! This was definitely NOT planned and made everyone laugh. That moment truly showed his personality!!!
How was culture incorporated in your wedding day?
My Fiance is from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and we wanted to incorporate some of the traditions and culture from his country into our wedding. We went on vacation to Rio a couple of years back, during Christmas and New Year’s, and I just fell in love with the people, the culture, the art, the music and especially the food! It was such a freeing and spiritual experience to be in a country like Brazil and if I could I’d probably stay there forever. Needless to say, for our wedding we are trying to bring a little bit of Rio to New York!
What advice do you have for engaged couples?
The best advice I can give engaged couples is to not procrastinate, be sure to start researching vendors as soon as possible and to get/accept as much help as you can! Everything seems to be happening so fast and we are glad that we have people who are there for us and are willing to help us out when we need. Also, be realistic with your wedding budget. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of it all, but when the moment is gone you don’t want to look back and regret spending so much money. Just keep in mind what the end result is, and a “Need/Want” list might not be a bad idea!
Vendors
Ceremony/Reception – The Grandview
Photography – Kesha Lambert Photography
Wedding Dress Designer – Pantora Bridal
DJ – Music Speaks Volumes Entertainment
Lighting – Hourglass Lighting
Officiant – Carissa Ceremonies
Bride’s Bouquet and DIY flowers – A Night In Bloom, Kingston, NY
Bride’s ring – Luma Diamonds Consultants
Bridesmaids dresses – David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux – Moss Bros.
Groom’s ring – Staghead Designs
Groomsmen – Men’s Wearhouse
Makeup – Lash to Lens, New Rochelle, NY
Hair – Crowned by Queen, Raleigh, NC
Videography – Honest Vision, NYC
Entertainment – Casa Brazilia, NYC
Travel agent – Maplewood Travel, Maplewood, NJ
Accommodations – Holiday Inn Express & Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cake Topper – Milk Tea by Bthanari, Etsy
Invitations – Wedding Paper Divas
Planning, Design & Decor – Adanna Andrews (The Bride)
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