Keira and Anthony were pronounced husband and wife in a stylish, ultra-violet-glam themed wedding in Maryland.
The couple’s love story began when they crossed virtual paths online. What began as messaging back-and-forth quickly became hours of phone conversations and finally a first date that neither wanted to end. Two-and-half “amazing years” later and Anthony asked Keira to spend the rest of their lives together in a surprise proposal followed by an engagement party with family and friends. Read all about their wedding details and inspiration below.
Featuring videography and photography by MunaLuchi Coterie members Chip Dizard Weddings, and Trene Forbes Photography.
Bride & Groom: Keira & Anthony
Occupations: Program Analyst & Engineer
Wedding Date: August 31, 2019
Wedding Location: Upper Marlboro, Maryland
How did you meet? A chance meeting online that turned into endless phone calls and a 12-hour first date. Keira and Anthony knew pretty earlier on that what they shared was something special.
Tell us about the proposal. After 2 ½ amazing years together Anthony knew Keira was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. With the help from Keira’s family and after getting her father’s blessing, Anthony was ready to pop the question. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, Keira went to Anthony’s place thinking she was giving him a
ride to her mom’s birthday dinner. Once inside, she saw that Anthony had displayed every card she had ever given him and when she turned around he was down on one knee with a gorgeous ring and asked her to be his forever! Of course, she said yes, they went to her mom’s birthday dinner, where she was surprised again because it was actually their engagement party with both families present!
Describe your wedding attire. Keira prides herself on being a fashionista and her favorite color is purple, so for her and Anthony’s wedding day she had to incorporate glam and hints of purple throughout their ceremony and reception. The theme for Keira and Anthony’s wedding was “Ultra Violet Glam”. Keira’s dress was from a small bridal boutique in Annapolis, Maryland. It’s a custom, heavily beaded mermaid gown with a tulle waterfall skirt. The 16 ft cathedral veil was also custom made with Swarovski crystals and sequined beading that were hand sewn on the border and in the center of the veil. A Swarovski crystal headband and Badgley Mischka satin and crystal heels completed her look. Keira actually made an appointment at Kleinfield’s in New York however, she was shopping with her mom and sister on a random Saturday afternoon when her mom suggested they go inside the bridal boutique as they were walking past. They went inside and Keira’s mom, Linda, immediately began pulling dresses that she liked while a stylist was assisting Keira. Although she didn’t like any of the dresses the stylist suggested she loved elements from two of the dresses her mom picked. After negotiating with the designer of the dresses, she and Keira designed her dream dress and she canceled her appointment with Kleinfeld’s. Anthony’s attire was a Calvin Klein white shawl tuxedo jacket with black lapels and black tuxedo pants. Calvin Klein black patent leather shoes and a Movado two-toned watch gifted by Keira completed Anthony’s look. His gift to Keira was a Tiffany necklace with a purple heart charm.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Keira’s dad is from Barbados and her mom’s family is from Nassau, Bahamas. Anthony is Jamaican, so they had plenty of West Indian vibes throughout their cocktail hour and reception. One of their signature drinks was rum punch and a steel band played throughout the cocktail hour. During the reception the DJ played plenty of reggae, dancehall, and calypso.
Quick Facts:
Wedding Party Gifts: Early last fall, Keira hosted a beautiful bridal brunch. At each place setting, she had cards with each girl’s name and inside was a special note asking them to be at her wedding. She also gifted each of the bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, and flower girls monogrammed tote bags with mini champagne bottles, journals, diamond-tipped pens, and lavender-scented candles. For the wedding, Keira had special monogrammed gift boxes that included silver satin robes, MAC and Sephora Beauty gift cards and the wedding jewelry they would be wearing (crystal drop earrings and matching bracelet). Junior Bridesmaids and Flower Girls were gifted with monogrammed gift bags that included silver satin robes, sparkle nail polish, Claire’s gift card, and their wedding day jewelry. Anthony gifted his groomsmen with an Armani cardholder with an Amazon gift card inside. The junior groomsmen and ringbearer received sterling silver dress watches, which they wore at the wedding. Keira and Anthony also gifted their Coordinating Team and Hostesses with gift cards to thank them for being a part of their special day.
Gifts for Each Other: Keira received a sterling silver Tiffany necklace with a purple heart Tiffany charm. Anthony received a monogrammed Movado two-toned watch.
Ceremony Entrance Song: Anthony – “No Greater Love” by Fred Hammond. Keira – “I’m Sure it’s You” by Shalea.
First Dance Song: “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross
What is your best memory from your wedding? Anthony: “When the Officiant stated you may now kiss your bride! I had been waiting for this day for so long, I couldn’t wait to finally kiss my wife.”
Keira: “When I was standing at the entrance of the chapel everything looked so beautiful and I could see Anthony at the end of the aisle. All of my nerves faded and an overwhelming sense of joy and happiness overcame me and I couldn’t wait to meet him down the aisle.”
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Savor the process! Couples spend so much time planning their special day and it goes by so fast, so it’s really important to savor each moment, especially on the wedding day.
Vendors:
Wedding Dress Designer: Mary’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses: Nikki’s Bridal & Formal
Hair Stylist: Michaela Agyeman
Makeup Artist: Yvonne Harper
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Ceremony Location: Evangel Cathedral
Reception Location: Camelot by Martin’s
Photography: Trene Forbes/Chip Dizard
Second Shooters: K. Finch Photography , Video CSpot Media Weddings
Videography: Paul McPhaull/Chip Dizard
Florist: Beau Decors
Lighting/Draping/Floorwrap: Phemstar Productions
Wedding Cake Designer: Ms. Desserts
MC: Jon Divine/Aldo Ryan Entertainment
DJ: DJ Exeqtive
Photobooth: eFotoz
Steel Band: Steel Pan Jam
Transportation: Tilly’s Limousine
Calligrapher for Mirrored Welcome Sign: Just Write Studios
Bride and Groom’s Rings: LaurenB
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