Emily and Layne’s love first blossomed from the hallways of their middle and high school.
As they matured over time, so too did their childhood love – flourishing into the unshakeable foundation it is today. It was during a trip to Cape Town, South Africa where Layne discovered the perfect moment to take their relationship to the next level. As the Cape Wheel Ferris wheel came to a stop with them at the top, Emily was enjoying the breathtaking view beyond. Upon turning around to see Layne she found him on one knee, ring in hand, asking her to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife…
Enjoy their gorgeous Miami Beach wedding captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member, Stanlo Photography.
Bride & Groom: Emily & Layne
Occupations: Senior Textile Technologist at Victoria’s Secret, Founder/CEO of Sincerely Emily Brooke & Firefighter
Wedding Date: 3/25/2019
Wedding Location: Miami Beach, Florida
How did you meet? During all the years of passing one another in the hallways of Lady’s Island Middle School and Beaufort High School in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Tell us about the proposal. It was our last day in Cape Town, South Africa. I was so out of it due to the weather. The Robben Island tour that I had been dying to go on was canceled. We cheered ourselves up by eating junk food and window shopping. We ended the night by spontaneously taking a ride on The Cape Wheel ferris wheel. I looked out at the view for a few moments while the ferris wheel reached its way to the top, and when I turned around, Layne was on one knee. It was such a beautiful moment.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
- You WILL go over budget, even if it’s a $1. But make it worth it. Only spend more on experiences and elements that matter the most to you.
- Make daily efforts to be more present and less stressed in the process. The wedding day will go by quickly. The time and experiences on the journey matter just as much.
- Invest in cinematography. Videography is equally, if not more, important than photography. You’ll thank yourself later for investing in it and being able to relive your wedding day with voices, movements and moments that you may not have caught the day of, all on video.
- The five most important items to invest in (in my opinion) are food, venue, entertainment, videography, and photography. For the bride, I would also throw in hair & makeup as “must-have investments.”
Quick Facts from the Bride:
Wedding Party Gifts: The bridesmaids received jewelry.
Gifts for Each Other: Special love notes on each others wedding shoes.
First Dance Song: “Weak” by SWV
Did you incorporate any culture into your ceremony? During the ceremony, we jumped the broom. My aunt Francina Miller designed a beautiful broom for us. We also had a moment of remembrance for my late mother during their ceremony. We called it “Butterflies for Bev.” We had a butterfly release in celebration of my mom’s life and of being wed on her birthdate. I’m a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, so we did our traditional sweetheart song at the reception. The song was led by my sorority sisters and Aunt Viola Smalls.
What are your best memories from your wedding? There were so many! But I may have to say the confetti blast and serving of cotton candy on glow sticks as guests were on the dance floor. I’ve heard almost all guests rave about how delicious the food was and how awesome the DJ was. We carefully selected our menu and absolutely loved our chef (Chef Brian Aaron of Aaron’s Catering). Our DJ, Money D, I can’t say enough about him. He kept us all on the dance floor and everyone noticeably had so much fun.
Vendors:
Host hotel: Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Photography: Stanley Babb
Cinematography: Suzanne Delawar Studios
Hair: Saasha Wheeler Epic Hair Studio
Makeup (bride welcome party + bridal party wedding day): Alicia Lewis
Makeup (bride rehearsal brunch + wedding day): Nordia Cameron-Cunningham
Rehearsal brunch venue: The Edition Hotel
Rehearsal brunch cake: Thierry Isambert Catering
Welcome party venue: Faena Miami Beach
Welcome party + wedding vocalist: LaVie
Welcome party live table: Live Tables Entertainment & Catering
Welcome party caricature artist: Al-rod Studio Events
Welcome party + wedding florist: Petal Productions
Furniture rentals: Bubble Design, Decor Event Rentals
Wedding venue: The Temple House
Catering: Chef Brian Aaron of Aaron’s Catering
Live painter: Nancy Spielmai
Wedding cake: Alejandra Carnot of Cake Lounge Miami
Transportation (bride, groom + wedding party): AraLimo Inc.
Transportation (shuttle for guests roundtrip from hotel to venue): Florida Tours
Ceremony Dress: Naeem Khan, from Mark Ingram Atelier
Ceremony Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Ceremony Earrings: Ben-Amun, from BHLDN
Ceremony Hair Accessories: Wedding Belles “Poppy Hairpins”, from Nordstrom
Bouquet Charm (of the bride’s mother): by Resign Designs on Etsy
Reception Romper: Viktor & Rolf, from Mark Ingram Atelier
Reception Shoes: Kate Spade New York
Leave a Reply