Jenique was lounging at a resort in Mexico when she came across Kayla’s OKCupid profile. Immediately struck, she read through the very extensive profile and constructed the perfect intro, complete with personalized references. Impressed by her dedication, Kayla agreed to meet with Jenique at a bar in Brooklyn, where the bartender commented that the couple’s chemistry looked like they’d been together for years. They knew it was a sign.
After many more dates, Jenique booked tickets for a private boat ride around New York City, where she planned to propose. But when the moment came, she froze and didn’t know what to say. Kayla mentioned that Jenique’s suit and sunglasses made her look like a boss, so she replied, “How would you feel about spending your life with a boss?” As she pulled out the ring box and got on one knee, a boat full of people cheering passed by to watch Kayla tearfully accept.
Brides Jenique and Kayla created a summer fairy-tale wedding with a hint of glamorous Bridgerton vibes. They chose the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, New Jersey, as their venue, a hidden estate tucked inside a forest, and wove their details around a color palette of dusty rose, sage green and gold, which was inspired by Kayla’s sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Neither of them believes in gender roles, so the stunning Black brides decided to walk down their mirrored aisle together. Kayla wore a stunning layered ballgown with sparkles to catch the light, and Jenique wore a custom white suit with monogrammed rose shoes.
The two said their vows under a mirrored canopy with lush white and blush flowers and candles that hung from above. For their reception seating chart, they had a trio of shadowboxes surrounded by flowers and candles. The stately ballroom featured champagne linens, gold foil accents and enchanting branch structures dripping with flowers, crystals, greenery and floating candle orbs. The newlyweds changed into their reception looks—Kayla in a crystal-studded caped gown and Jenique in a black-and-white suit—and met their guests for a night of celebration.
GETTING READY SEPARATELY WITH THEIR I DO CREWS
THE FIRST LOOK IS ALWAYS SO FUN
KAYLA AND JENIQUE’S COUPLE’S PORTRAITS
A ROMANTIC FAIRY-TALE WEDDING FOR TWO BLACK BRIDES
A GLAMOROUS WEDDING RECEPTION WITH WHITE, PINK, GREEN AND GOLD
Search our directory of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding vendors.
FEATURED LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVE WEDDING VENDORS
Photographer: Kesha Lambert Photography
Dress store: Mia Bella Couture
Personal stylist: The Groom’s Garcon
Hair stylist: Victoria J Hair Salon
Makeup artist: Sisi Nike
Personal stylist: Vainglorious Brides
Dress designer: Salva Atelier
Dress designer: Pantora Bridal
Hair stylist: Hair at Ease Salon
Beauty: Mema Creations
Officiant: Rev. Adriene Thorne
Other: SHOUT!
Equipment rentals: Evolution Event Rentals; Glam Party Rentals
Linens and Coverings: The Finishing Touch
Invitation Designer: Margo and Bees
DJ: MikeMusic
Floral Designer: Dalsimer Spitz & Peck
Cinema and Video: Luxor Wedding Films
Location: Pleasantdale Chateau
Event Planner: Victorious Events NYC
PR Rep: OFD Consulting LLC
