Lyneir selected a magical September evening in thee most romantic city and setting to ask for Kiyana’s hand in marriage. The city; Paris, the setting; the top of the Eiffel Tower. He also hired a photographer & videographer to secretly follow the pair around the city to capture their special moment, which in a matter of hours was later shared with the couple’s stateside family and friends!
The pair, who originally connected while working together in economic development in Newark, NJ, wed in an upscale, urban chic ceremony gorgeously planned and designed by Summer Simmons of Hullabaloo Event Design. The two opted for a winter wedding (they actually married on a freezing, 0-degree day in New Jersey!) but it was also important to them that every aspect of their wedding be filled with love, considering they shared “I do’s” on Valentine’s Day weekend!
Summer also shared that Kiyana and Lyneir’s wedding was surrounded with special details, one including the swap of a traditional flower girl, for a “romance facilitator” that handed out long stemmed red roses to the ladies as he made his way down the aisle!
Gander on for more commentary from this fabulous couple while viewing their gorgeous wedding day photography captured by Muna Coterie member, Joshua Dwain.
Bride: Kiyana Stansbury | Groom: Lyneir Richardson
Occupations: Bride: Marketing and Events Professional | Groom: Business School Professor & Social Venture CEO
Wedding date: 02/13/2016
Wedding location: Ceremony: Christ Church in Montclair, NJ | Reception: The Avenue A Club in Newark, NJ
Describe your wedding dress! What was wedding shopping like for you?
I had two wedding gowns – one formal gown for the ceremony and one fun, simple gown for the reception. I went dress shopping at a total of three bridal salons, and ultimately decided on two dresses from the final salon that I visited in New York City. Wedding shopping was lots of fun! I tried on many gowns, but kept circling back to a simple, satin, A-line gown with a heart shaped strapless bodice wherever I went. I wanted a look that was simple and classy. One of my Matrons of Honor consistently joined me on each outing and other members of my bridal party joined when available. I have great memories of days spent out with the ladies.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Our goal was to create an ‘urban chic’ experience. Intentionally, we had events during our wedding weekend (i.e. Welcome Reception at Mompou Tapas Wine Bar and Lounge, Wedding Reception at the Avenue A Club, Karaoke and Valentine’s Day Breakfast at the Hotel Indigo) in Newark, NJ to be consistent with our history of fostering economic development in the city. The Bride also opted to wear a natural hairstyle.
Quick Facts:
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts:
Bridesmaids: Wine-colored faux-fur wraps (It was below 0 degrees on our wedding day, so I wanted the ladies to have some warmth.) | Groomsmen: Cigars
Favorite item on the menu: Hot Toddies & Champagne upon entrance, Farm to Table Menu (the selections on the menu were diverse and all of the food was delicious), Wedding Cake and the Dessert Table!
First dance song: “Married Now” by Darnell Levine
What is your best memory from your wedding?
There are so many great memories: The family circle during our wedding ceremony; our first dance with our favorite song played on piano and sung by a live vocalist; the talented MC and DJ keeping the party going strong; the cigar roller in the cigar lounge; and the beautiful and delicious dessert table.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
A great wedding planner is really worth the money to help keep you on budget and for flawless execution of your dream day. Ultimately, remember that it’s not about the wedding, but rather about the marriage. Enjoy every moment – the day goes by so fast!
Vendors:
Wedding Planner & Event Designer: Summer Simmons, Hullabaloo Event Design
Photography: Joshua Dwain
Ceremony Dress: Blue by Enzoani
Reception Dress: Justin Alexander Signature
Wedding Dress Salon: RK Bridal (New York City)
Bridesmaids Dresses: RK Bridal (New York City)
Groom’s Tuxedo: Michael’s Custom Clothes
Hair/Makeup: Michael Bianc (Highland Park, NJ)
Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Makeup: Tarence Anderson
Ceremony Location: Christ Church (Montclair, NJ)
Reception Location: The Avenue A Club (Newark, NJ)
Florist: Stellar Style Events
Cake: The Dessert Plate
Dessert Table: Sweet Garden Creations
Cigar Roller & Cigars: Jimenez Tobacco
Invitations & Stationery: Flite Design
Acrylic Table Signs & Seating Chart: Spoken Glass
Lighting & DJ: ESS Sound Systems
Linens: La Tavola
Transportation: Santos Limousine
CONGRATULATIONS! You make a beautiful couple!
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201506/marriage-commitment/
Thank you so much for allowing us to share in your special weekend. We love you both dearly and really enjoyed the our time as well.
So happy for my lovely friend Kiyana! Congratulations to Lyneir and his lovely bride.
After reading your article, I certainly want to share one more article I found. here they also talk about how to assemble a development team and launch your project. very interesting topic. read