Shirley and Johros’ Elegant and Whimsical Wedding in Massachusetts

From the second Johros first laid his eyes on Shirely he was instantly captivated by her beauty. When he finally worked up the courage to talk to her and ask for her phone number she declined. Luckily, Johros didn’t let that discourage him and decided to give Shirley his number instead. If something were meant to happen it would. As fate would have it, she texted him and they’ve been together ever since.

Read all about Shirley and Johros’ romance as well as their elegant and whimsical wedding in Massachusetts.

Bride & Groom: Shirley & Johros
Occupations: Oncology Registered Nurse & IT/Database Administrator
Wedding date: September 7th, 2017
Wedding location: Lake Pearl Boathouse Chapel & Victorian Tent, Wrentham, MA

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. (Shirley) Originally, we had jokingly titled our big day Grits and plantain. He’s from Nashville and I grew up in greater south Boston; Southern gentleman meets Caribbean queen. When I look back to that time, I still don’t know how I did it, with 16-20 hr days. It was my last year of nursing school and I reluctantly went to an old-school hip hop social called Boom Bap (which ONLY happens on the last Saturday of the month) with a group of about 10-15 girls. He was there with a friend. Ros had recently moved back and started working IT for a tech support company. Long story boring… I kept seeing these handsome eyebrows following me across the room. Eventually, he made his way over to us; unfazed by the huge group of women. He first courteously offered to buy drinks for ALL the girls (which slightly impressed me) then later asked me for my number and at which I politely declined, initially. He gracefully suggested that I take his, which I thought was nice. He still teases me that it took me about 3 weeks to call. My priorities have never been about men but there was something so kind and humble about him. He’s a genuinely nice guy and I definitely took notice.

(Johros) It was a cool and laid back Saturday night in Nashville. But on this particular night, it felt different; like I needed to go out and enjoy myself. So, with it being the last Saturday of the month, my friends and I decided to attend a hip hop night called Boombap. At Boombap, you never know who you may see. You could run into some old friends, some new acquaintances but, no one warned me I could meet a potential wife there. Now of course, you don’t go looking to meet anyone, you just go to have a good time. As the night progressed, in walked a group of the finest women in Nashville, ten to fifteen deep and I mean they walked in like royalty. It was mist, music, flawless make up and outfits everywhere. Now out of all the Queens, there was one that caught my attention. She was shy but, direct and beautifully stunning with her smile and conversation. I was hooked and I couldn’t stop glancing at her each chance I could. I finally pulled myself together, built up the courage, and asked, “I know you may not have the time but, maybe we can be good friends and have a cup of coffee over conversation..”. She kindly said… “ I’m not interested in any friends right now but, you seem like a nice guy. ” At that point, I was crushed. I said, “Well here, take my number down and if you find the time, maybe we can talk again.” She looked at me with one of the prettiest smiles I ever seen, and said “Thank you, I will consider it”. At that point, I walked away with my head high feeling like you know what, that wasn’t exactly promising but it wasn’t so bad either. A half hour later I check my phone, I see a number I don’t recognize and a message that would change my life: “This is Shirley – Smiley Face – It was nice meeting you”…. And we’ve been together ever since.

The proposal: (Shirley) Johros proposed in Montreal at the Jarden Botanique De Montreal in 2016 with the help of my amazing brother in law. Johros had kept it a secret from everyone except his father, my father and future brother in law; later confessing that he had had the engagement ring since July of that year.

What was wedding shopping like for you? Wedding dress shopping was risky but easy! I ordered my dress online, site unseen; through emailed pictures and measurements. When I finally tried it on, I instantly fell in love with it. It was EXACTLY what I had dreamed of and I knew it was the gown. My dress was modest but regal. It had versatile french lace, blush silk, and tulle. All of these aspects were accented with a royal cathedral length veil. My favorite details are the detachable polkadot tulle train, removable 3/4 sleeve bolero and all over pearl and beading embroidery; all tying in the rose gold and dusty blush undertones.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Our wedding day was full of culture, a masterful blend of Haitian and Southern African American tradition. During the ceremony, the groom and groomsmen walked in to a traditional Haitian troubadour song called “Our Love Is Forever” by Gracia Delva and later on the we jumped the broom. We had an awesome DJ that played a good blend of music from Kompa, Hip hop, African music, and line dancing throughout the reception.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: The bridesmaids received handmade freshwater pearl and rose gold necklaces by FeminaHandmade. The groomsmen received chic custom made bow ties by Christopher Chaun

Favorite item on the menu: THE CAKE! It was chocolate champagne and strawberry grand marnier.

 First dance song: “First began” by PJ Morton

What is your best memory from your wedding? (Shirley) There were several memorable moments but the ones that really stick out were when my father emotionally and confidently shook Johros’ hand giving me away. It wasn’t until we saw guest videos where we realized the full impact of that moment. Not a dry eye in that chapel! Also… My bride tribe slayed! Those women are gorgeous, graceful, unique and my rocks. As a bride, sister, and best friend, I didn’t have anything to worry about. I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of them.

(Johros) My best memory was that first glimpse of her down that aisle. It took my breathe away. This was the women I would always tell my mother I was going to marry one day and that moment was here. I also enjoyed seeing bth of our familes together celebrating our love. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that feeling.

(Both) We also loved watching our families dance battle on the dance floor. That was so much fun!

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? The best advice we would give is to remember what’s important to you both and don’t lose sight of it. Our focus was family and us. Also, know what you’re willing to splurge on. We expected to be super busy and would miss out on special moments so our videographer was essential and a splurge. Despite that, we were on a budget and successfully stuck to it. For the Bride planners, I found this very important, don’t be afraid to ask questions and interview all your vendors (if you can). If the vibe isn’t right, go with your gut.

Vendors:
Photography – Christian Wilson Photography
Videography – Together Forever Films
Wedding Gown designer – Ersa Atelier
Wedding Gown Salon – preownedweddingdresses.com 
Bridesmaids’ Gowns – Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids’ Gifts – Femina Handmade
Flower girl gown – Pantora Mini
Makeup Artists –  Kat, Beauty by Kat V  & Nicky, Boston Beauty Bar
Bride’s Hair – Wilsa
Hair – Tanika Torrice
Bride’s shoes – Sophia Webster
Grooms/groomsmen suites – Robert’s Tuxedos
Groomsmen gifts – Christopher Chaun
Groom’s Barber: Junior
Ceremony & reception location – Lake Pearl, Wrentham, Massachusetts
Wedding planner: Bride
Calligrapher: Kate Yenrick
Floral design – Merriweather’s Flowers
DJ – BigTunez
Cake – Konditor Meister
Linens – Peak Event Services
Wedding Bands and Bride’s necklace – Ebhorn
Broom – Elves Florals
Bridal Robe – Catherine D’lish
Groom’s Book Gift: Love Book Online