Latoya and Donovan celebrated over two decades of friendship and love at their vibrant, late-summer wedding featured in Issue 31!
The pair met over twenty years ago when Latoya walked into Donovan’s highly reviewed Jamaican restaurant. Every time Latoya came to the restaurant they would talk. As the future couple got to know each other better, they realized they had a lot in common.
From our love of dancing, listening to good reggae music to being servants in our community, we were kindred spirits. And over the next 20 years of cultivating a strong friendship, we fell in love.
– Latoya
In honor of his dearly departed mother, Donovan proposed to Latoya on Mother’s Day with the most gorgeous solitaire engagement ring.
I knew she was “the one” when every time we would meet we talked like we were old friends. I knew she was my soul mate.
– Donovan
Latoya and Donovan’s desire to express the beauty of their love was the inspiration for their vibrant late-summer wedding. From the bright, boastful decor and florals, to the food, music, and cultural customs throughout the celebration, Latoya and Donovon’s wedding perfectly showcased who they are and the positive influence they have on their loved ones and community.
Learn more about their love story and see the vibrant details (captured by Muna Coterie Member Trene’ Forbes Photography) below!
- Couple: Donovan Cunningham & Latoya Francis-Williams
- Wedding Date: August 20, 2023
- Location of Wedding: Baltimore County, Maryland
Quick Facts:
- Wedding flowers: The florals in our wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception were key to the warm vibes. From the bridal bouquets, arrangements lining our glass aisle, and ceremony backdrop to the cascading arrangements at our reception, our florals were lush, grand, and perfect.
- Favorite item on the menu: My favorite items on the menu were the rum cake, made from my mother’s family recipe; and, the signature cocktail at our reception, the “Perfectly Legal Apple/Caramel Martini,” a blend of our passion for my legal work and Donovan’s nourishing the community.
- Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids and groomsmen received one-of-a-kind gift baskets to honor their dedication and love for us as a couple.
- First dance song: Our first dance song was “One Hundred Ways,” covered by reggae artist, Richie Stephens.
- Advice for brides: To you beautiful brides, personalize your wedding to fit your style and mood. Surround yourself with friends and family that love to celebrate you, and never forget, the day is yours.
How did you meet?
We met over twenty years ago when I walked into his Jamaican restaurant for some well-needed authentic Jamaican food. Donovan made it his prerogative to get to know every person who came to eat and earned the reputation of having the best “Yard food” outside of Jamaica.
So we talked each time I came in and realized that we had much in common. From our love of dancing, and listening to good reggae music to being servants in our community, we were kindred spirits. And over the next 20 years of cultivating a strong friendship, we fell in love.
Tell us about the proposal.
Donovan proposed with the most gorgeous solitaire on Mother’s Day, in honor of his dearly departed mother.
How did you know they were “the one”?
Latoya: I knew he was “the one” when he promised to work every day to keep me smiling.
Donovan: I knew she was “the one” when every time we would meet we talked like we were old friends. I knew she was my soul mate.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
From jumping the broom at our ceremony to being serenaded by one of our favorite reggae artists and feasting on traditional Jamaican cuisine, we incorporated our culture and tradition in every aspect of our perfect big day.
Describe your wedding style.
The desire to express outward the beauty and love we both share for each other was the inspiration behind our wedding day style. We both love and are energized by good food, reggae music, and positive vibes! So, our style and color palette were boastful, vibrant colors and the Jamaican flare that we are both known for.
Describe your wedding dress. What was your favorite accessory?
My wedding and reception gowns were both from Betsy Robinson’s Bridal. The ceremony look was a sleek, off-the-shoulder, mermaid-style gown, with a generous train. The reception look was a sexy, heavily beaded, fire-engine red, off-the-shoulder mermaid-style gown with an American Bustle. My favorite wedding accessory was my bride’s bouquet. It was stunning
What is your favorite memory from your wedding?
Our best memory, without question, was having Richie Stephens serenade us with “One Hundred Ways,” during our first dance as husband and wife. The moment was so magical. Just thinking about it makes me grin today.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
To the couples planning for their big day and the years to come, we pray you never lose sight of your significant other and the reasons you chose that person. Life can be challenging, and people do change. But when you find someone who respects, honors, loves you, and works to bring you joy each day, you will live happily ever after. Do not lose sight of the reasons you chose that person this day.
Looking for more vibrant wedding inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Event planner: Stunning Soirees
- Event decor/design: Bethel Event Styling & Rentals
- Photography: Trene’ Forbes Photography
- Videography: FIF Wilson
- Bride’s dress: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
- Bridal salon: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
- Bride’s headpiece and/or veil: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
- Bride’s shoes: Aminah Abdul Jilli
- Bridesmaid (daughter of the bride) dress: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
- Cakes/desserts: The Silva Whisk
- Catering: Tashes Ankh Caribbean Restaurant
- Ceremony venue: Baltimore, Maryland
- Entertainment: Richie Stephens
- Entertainment: Kenedy String Quartet
- Entertainment/MC: DJ Sir Bings -Jamdown Sound and Promotions
- Florals: Bethel Event Styling & Rentals
- Groom’s attire: Gian Marco Menswear
- Groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse
- Hair: Shantel Tatayana
- Lighting: The Light Source Company
- Linens: Bethel Event Styling & Rentals
- Makeup: DVL Glam
- Reception venue: Baltimore, Maryland
- Rentals: Bethel Event Styling & Rentals
- Stationery: The Light Source Company
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