Shawanda and Shawn’s Contemporary Glam Wedding in Baton Rouge

Shawanda and Shawn’s love story first began under the glow of Christmas lights during a holiday party. The mistletoe was certainly calling out to them as their eyes connected from across the room. That evening they would receive the greatest gift of all – each other. A conversation started that night, continuing nearly everyday after, bringing them closer together with every shared commonality. Friendship blossomed into love and soon Shawn was planning their perfect proposal in Jamaica…

Read all about Shawanda & Shawn’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their contemporary glam wedding in Baton Rouge.

Bride & Groom: Shawanda & Shawn
Occupations: Mortgage Banker/Staff Sgt. US ARMY & Process Operator
Wedding date: June 2, 2018
Wedding location: Living Faith Christian Center
Baton Rouge, LA

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met at a Christmas party! For the proposal, we were invited to attend a birthday celebration in Jamaica with a few other couples that were mutual friends. Shawn secretly reached out to the birthday boy to inform him about his plans to propose, and asked for his consent and blessing to do so while we were all in Jamaica. Our friend enthusiastically agreed and shared the secret with his wife. His wife immediately got with the other couples to orchestrate the perfect setting for the proposal. One night during dinner, the birthday boy stood up to express his love and appreciation to his wife, and to let her know how much she meant to him. Then one by one each husband stood to do the same with their wives. When Shawn was given the opportunity to speak, I immediately said “Oh well, we’re not married so you guys can just skip us.” Shawn began to say how much he loved and appreciated me and how he was thrilled to have me in his life. He then unexpectedly dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife. I tearfully and joyfully said yes!

Describe your wedding attire. The grooms suit was custom made by The Masters Touch Clothier. He wanted to surprise his bride by not letting her see his suit until the day of the wedding. The Brides dress was classy and elegant. She wanted to take the grooms breath away when he laid eyes on her.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? The shopping experience was always fun. And because of the brides personality she kept a smile and enjoyed every minute of it.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? This wedding was a celebration of urban contemporary culture, style, music, and decor. We also incorporated a fusion of rustic design elements and earthy colors, mixed with elegant and natural textures. These style and design elements which were accentuated with bold colors created a cosmopolitan vibe as the reception was held at a very non-traditional venue for a wedding reception.

Wedding party gifts: Everyone in the bridal party received gift bags filled with items that represented themselves as well as the bride and groom. The women’s bags with their wedding day jewelry, perfume, jeweled note pads & pens. The guys received bags which included cologne, pints of their favorite drinks, shot glasses and cigars. Everyone in the wedding party received a miniature home-made pound cake made by the brides mom.
Ceremony entrance song: “The One He Kept for Me” by Maurette Brown
First dance song: “You and I” by John Legend

What is your best memory from your wedding? The exchanging of the wedding vows!

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Create a REALISTIC Budget! Dismiss all negative energy from the first sign of it.

Vendors:
Event Designer: Quintina Ricks with Flare Event Design
Event Planner/Coordinator: Quintina Ricks with Flare Event Design
Assistant Coordinator: Chris McKinley
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Master’s Touch Menswear
Bride and Bridesmaid’s Attire: David’s Bridal Boutique
Ceremony Venue: Living Faith Christian Center
Reception Venue: The District
Photographer: Christopher Palmer Photography
Wedding Cakes: Surreal Creations
DJ: DJ Dirt
Hairstylist: Tonishia Johnson and Nicole Alex
Transportation: Any Occasion Luxury Limo Service & Steel Curtain Transport, LLC
Wedding Stationery: Simply Beautiful Stationery