It is said that first impressions are the most important, but for Stephanie and Anthony it would be the second that lasted the longest. Having first been introduced in their casual attire at the baby shower of a mutual friend, Stephanie and Anthony would take no memorable notice of each other. Two months later they would run into each other again at a party, but this time Stephanie, looking stunning in a fitted dress, would leave an impression lasting the rest of their lives.
Read all about Stephanie & Anthony’s love story, romantic engagement and wedding experiences below in this luxurious Mansion wedding in New York.
Bride & Groom-to-be: Stephanie & Anthony
Occupations: Bride – Finance, Groom – IT Professional
Wedding date: September 8, 2016
Wedding location: Bourne Mansion (Oakdale, NY)
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal: We first met in 2007 at a mutual friends baby shower. When we were introduced, I really didn’t pay him any attention and neither did he pay me any attention – especially as I was dressed as a tomboy due to heavy rain that day (so my hair was wrapped under a baseball cap lol). About 2 months later we saw each other in a party where I was dressed more like a “woman” for sure – wearing a fitted dress for the first time ever to a party. He came up to me in awe, and made a comment on how awesome I looked in my dress. Needless to say he was meant to see me in my first dress as well as my most important last dress in life (wedding dress)!!
The proposal happened on January 4th 2016 in Trinidad, West Indies. Anthony took me to Trinidad to experience my first “Trini Christmas”. During that trip, Anthony took me back to my grandmother’s house which was the first place we hung out since meeting each other, which was around carnival time in Trinidad. He took me to the same spot where my mother caught us “fooling around” in the backyard of my grandmother’s house, and recreated the exact scenario 8 years later.
What was wedding shopping like for you? I would describe my wedding dress as “Classic /Chic /Elegant” – very simple however with a wow affect. Wedding shopping I would say was way easier than I anticipated it to be. It took me just one day in the first bridal salon I went to (Kleinfeld Bridal) with my mom, sister in law and maid of honor. Although I initially thought I wanted a dress that was over the top and different from my normal style, I fell in love with a dress that mimicked my exact style of everyday fashion which is simple yet makes a statement at the same time. The dress incorporated exactly who I am.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? As we both are Caribbean our entertainment provided were those from Trinidad. We hired one of the most popular DJs for music – DJ Private Ryan as well as Boom Boom Room Entertainment for the rhythm section (drummers). Although we both wanted to show the importance and how serious the exchange of our vows meant to us that day, we also wanted it to be a huge celebration with our family and friends to have a great time – When Formal meets ‘Fete’ (Trinidad lingo meaning party).
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids – Bridal robes, monogrammed makeup bags, OPI nailpolish. Groomsmen – monogrammed flasks.
Favorite item on the menu: Pan Seared Filet Mignon with Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce served with Roasted Potatoes and Julienne Vegetables
First dance song: Luther Vandross – “Here and Now”
What is your best memory from your wedding? Both of our favorite memory would be when it was time to sign the marriage certificate after the wedding ceremony. He was overjoyed and looking over my shoulder cheering our loud as I signed my new name (dropping my maiden name and taking his), and I was nervous with my hands trembling making sure I spelled this foreign new name on the dotted lines. It definitely at that point felt truly official – like “WE really did this” lol.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? I would say to try your best not to stress out about all the little things and details leading up to the moment. Things will fall in place just as it’s meant to happen! Take your time and remember the wedding is about the bride and groom and everything else is secondary. The actual day flies by before you know it so definitely live in that moment!!
Vendors:
Wedding Planner and Designer: Dream Plan It Events
Venue: Bourne Mansion
MUA: Renny Vasquez
MUA: Stephanie Bennett
Hair: Natalie Charles
Florist: Flowers by Brian
Officiant: Stephen Epps
DJ: DJ Private Ryan
MC: Hollywood Sachy
Rentals: Evolution Event Rentals
Drummers: Boom Boom Room TT
Photographer: Petronella Photography
Cinematographer: Dori Productions
Linens: Nuage Designs
Favors: Etsy Alquimia Shop
Invitation: Lion in the Sun
Bridal Shop: Kleinfeld
Gown Designer: Dennis Basso
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Custom
Bridesmaids Designer: La Femme
Flower Girl Dress : Pantora Bridal
Menu- Wedding Paper Divas
Groom and groomsmen attire – Saks Fifth Ave
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