We can always tell when we’ve had a really good wedding day

when we walk away feeling like family and that’s exact feeling we had a Angelica and Antwan’s Wedding last summer at Gramercy Mansion.

These two were so warm from the very beginning and we’re an absolute pleasure to be around through the entire wedding planning process and even now that we’re on the other side.

These two did something very unique at their wedding that we’ve never seen done before…

They intentionally had a First Look at their ceremony. I know what you’re thinking… “isn’t that traditional?” Well, not quite the way these two did it. After their wedding party walked down the aisle both brides stepped beyond curtains on opposite sides of each other and in front of all their guests they shared their first look. Angelica escorted by her mother on one side and Antwan holding hands with her father saw each other for the first time in their wedding gowns and there was not a dry eye in the room. With tears rolling down their faces they slowly walked towards each other and met right at the beginning of the aisle where their parents let go of their children so that they could meet and walk down the aisle together.

It was such a powerful and moving moment. Time felt like it was just standing still and these two being glowed together and slowly floated down to the alter.

During their ceremony they performed two African centric traditions. One that we see quite often, jumping the broom and one that we’ve only seen a handful of times where their ancestors are honored by watering and nourishing a healthy plant. I believe this is called a Unity Plant Watering ceremony but I will double check with Antwan.

After the ceremony,

it started to get dark pretty fast so we did some of their portraits with natural light and the rest with flash. After we delivered their photos they admitted that they were a little nervous about how the photos would come out but they were pleasantly surprised and even included some for their album, which made us super happy!

The night flowed beautifully, all of their friends were so happy and Angelica’s sorrority sisters showered her with love as they did a traditional AKA stroll and serenade with her.

Thank you so much for trusting us with documenting your love story! Looking forward to seeing you guys soon!