The “perfect” proposal can be a very stressful and difficult event to pull-off. Finding that right balance between romance, sentimentality, intimacy, and surprise is challenging enough, but even more so when you’re trying to surprise a person who knows you very well.
Read all about Sheena & Ryan’s love story, romantic surprise proposal, and wedding experience in this intimate cinematic feature by MunaLuchi Coterie member Yamean Studios Films. With wedding coordination by Victorious Events NYC, Hair Styling by Nicky B, and photographed by Kesha Lambert.
Bride & Groom: Sheena & Ryan
Occupations: Music Recording Artist & Voice Recording Analyst for banks
Wedding date: September 09, 2016
Wedding location: The Village Club at Lake Success
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met through mutual friends back in the summer of 2005 at an album release/ birthday party. After that we casually dated throughout the years randomly. Sometimes we saw each other maybe once or twice a year, until the summer of 2012. That’s when something really clicked and changed for us so we decided to really give us a shot.
The proposal was definitely a secretive, well thought-out plan and mission. Ryan got his cousin involved to help create and plan a fake birthday outing for herself which was suppose to include dinner and a broadway play. So her and few of his other family members would text me throughout the weeks letting me know about the details of the night out. So the day came March 20th of 2015 where I decided to go get my hair colored and trimmed and when I got home there was a bouquet of flowers waiting for me from my boyfriend and I was pleasantly surprised because he had never given me flowers before in the 3 years that we dated. I know I probably should have suspected something just based off of that fact but we hadn’t seen each other in two weeks because of work. I thought nothing of it other then that it was sweet and he missed me. The day went on and I got ready for his cousins birthday outing. That day out of all days it was snowing and before heading into the city I got a text from one of the girls to meet at the Bryant Park Hotel at 8pm before we started the nights celebration. When I got to the floor the room was on I noticed the door was cracked open and I heard music playing. So I opened the door and low and behold I didn’t see the girls I saw Ryan dressed handsomely leaning against the window sill of the room. I was in shock and speechless. I didn’t know what to say because I was so surprised and I didn’t expect to see him not for one second. As I walked further into the room I noticed flowers and edible arrangements. The ambiance was beautiful and still in shock I took off my jacket to be led out onto a balcony over looking Bryant Park covered in snow. He places a towel on the snow and drops to one knee all the while I’m still in shock. He then says something that I can’t remember for the life of me, then asks me to marry him and I say “yes.” It was magical and romantic and such a surprise. He then presented me with a video blog he worked on throughout the 2 weeks of his planning and preparations, I couldn’t believe it. He thought everything through, still in shock I called my parents to tell them the great news. It was so surreal that my voice had gone up an octave higher the whole time I was speaking! He told me we had to go because he had made dinner reservations and I said ok but are the girls coming to meet with us and he laughed and said no. After everything I still thought some of his family was coming out, that’s how good the planning of the fake birthday was.
What was wedding shopping like for you? My wedding shopping was overall a great experience with a few little bumps. I went to 3 different stores and I found my dress at Kleinfelds which happened to be my third experience looking for and trying on dresses. Because the dress was a trunk show new design I had to trust God and believe that my dress would come out beautiful because I couldn’t even try it on since it wasn’t created yet. But God is good. My wedding Dress was by Augusta Jones, a customized order inspired by her Jo dress. It was ivory colored, lace adorned with translucent sequins and with a cream underlay. The shape was an a-line fit and flare silhouette with long illusion sleeves.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids got a Sabon compact mirror in a heart shape that says “Love Beyond Words,” a bracelet with a key on it from Alex and Ani, and a physical copy of my latest album called “Sheena.”
Favorite item on the menu: The Sea Bass entree.
First dance song: Kem – “It’s You.”
What is your best memory from your wedding? Best memory would be the ceremony. The presence of God was there and in conjunction with what the officiant had to say. Definitely a highlight.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Take it one day at a time. Stress might come but just continue to love each other. Try to be very understanding in those few months before the wedding. Make it a priority to shut the planning button off and put it aside from time to time to focus on your relationship because it can get overwhelming so you will need a break.
Vendors:
Wedding Dress: Augusta Jones
Bridal Salon: Kleinfelds
Bridesmaid dresses: Weddington Way
Hair: Nicky B on Hair
MUA: Juicy Looks by Abby
Ceremony & Reception Location: The Village Club at Lake Success
Photography: Kesha Lambert
Videography: Yamean Studios Films
Wedding Day of Coordinator: Victorious Events NYC
Florist: Atlas Floral Kiriba Logan
Officiant: Pastor Dimas Salaberrios
Entertainment: Levi Barcourt Ny Jazz Quartet and Dj Moore
Cake: Phillip Stone Caterers at The Village Club at Lake Success
Photobooth: Hipstr Company
Linens: The Finishing Touch
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