KOB: Just The Two of Us! Isabel and Valere’s Elegantly Blissful Wedding

Isabel and Valere are such a beautiful blend of Haitian and Congolese culture. The couple exemplify passion and diligence as vital elements for any on-going relationship.

The cutest part of their story was that Valere was lovestruck right from the start! Although, their love grew due to strong morals and beliefs, honesty, and a systematic transition from friends to lovers.

This journey from courtship to marriage is built on trust, as the two of them are determined to cherish their companionship through love, because it was always meant to be.

How We Met 
from the bride, Isabel 
It was love at first sight for Valere! However, he’s a little shy about it.
Valere and I met in 2008 at Bloomingdales in Aventura Mall, where we worked as sales representatives. I worked in the women’s handbags/accessories section and he worked with the shoes. At that time I had just completed my undergraduate studies and was in pursuit of furthering my education as a physical therapist at Florida International University. Valere was in pursuit of completing his MBA in Finance to establish a steady foundation – We both had the same value system.

Proposal
from the bride, Isabel
June 15th, 2013 was three days after my birthday, Valere decided to make his intentions clear, and with the help of my best friend they arranged a surprise birthday dinner for me at Mai kai Polynesian Restaurat with a few of our close friends and family. So while we were eating, taking shots and enjoying the dinner show, the MC sent dancers throughout the audience to select a few people to come up on stage and join. Valere and I happened to be amongst the chosen ones to go up on stage and to remain on stage until the show ended.

As we both stood there the MC proceeded to ask me my reasons for coming out that night and If I knew why I stayed on stage. She then mentioned that Valere had an important message that he wanted to share with me. Before I knew it Valere got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It took a minute to gather what had happened because of the alcohol but within seconds I answered “Yes!”.

Advice for Couples

• Live in the moment and enjoy the process.
• You can not please everyone, so ensure that your wedding is for you and your husband.
• Don’t lose sight of the reason behind your wedding day because of stress.
• Be mindful of your expenses and stick to your budget.

BellaNaija Weddings wishes Isabel and Valere, a fruitful union of respect, honour and happiness.
~ Photography: Artistic Vision and Design***
Photographer: Artistic Vision and Design | @avdpics

Wedding Info – Venue & Dates
White Wedding:  Ceremony – St Patricks Catholic Church, Miami Beach | Reception – Douglas Entrance, Coral Gables, Florida | July, 18, 2015
Getting Ready:  Marriott Residential Inn, Coconut Groove, Florida

Wedding Attire
Bride’s Dress: Merlili Bridal Boutique | @merlilibridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: The Daint Yard | www.etsy.com
Shoes: Badgley Mischka | @badgleymischka
Personalised Hanger: Get Hung Up | @gethungup
Bride’s Robe: Wedding Prep Gals | @weddingprepgals
Bride Makeup: Shirley St. Fort-Nwabuoku
Bridesmaids Makeup: Brittany Cierra
Hair: Tasha Tresses | @hairismyhobby_

Vendors
Decor: Alejandrina Events | @events_by_alejandrina
Florist: Ala Flowers Design | @alaflowerdesign
Event Rentals: Contempo Linens | @contempolinens
Cake: Sweet Touch Cakes by Hilda | @sweettouchcakes
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas | @weddingpaperdivas
Wedding Signs: Micheals | www.michaels.com
Wedding Card Holder:  Homemade Vintage Birdcage
Favors: Mini Martini Bottles
Limousine: Florians Classics | @floriansclassics
Music: DJ Mike Cooley | @djmikecooley