Virginia Wedding: Kera + Stanley

Kera + Stanley

Richmond, Virginia

November 11, 2018

Kera and Stanley’s love story began on the dance floor of a lounge in Cambridge, Massachusetts where they danced right into each other’s hearts. Noticing him from across the room, Kera initially urged her friend to speak to him first. Realizing as the evening drew on that she wasn’t going to make a move, and with her friend returning the nudge back to her, Kera walked over to introduce herself to Stanley. After some light banter, they made their way to the dance floor where they danced and talked through a few songs, exchanging numbers and sharing a hug before parting. On her car ride home, Stanley sent Kera a text message expressing how nice it was to meet her, and that he hoped she had a safe ride home. Kera fondly recalls how she “knew right then he would be someone special.”

Knowing that in Kera he had also found someone special, when the time came for Stanley to make their love forever, the perfect proposal opportunity presented itself in the form of her 30th birthday celebration. Sharing a birthday month with her siblings and best friend, they collectively traveled to New Orleans for the occasion. On the evening of her birthday, while enjoying dinner in the NOLA Warehouse District, Stanley gave a toast to the special day as a brass band came into the room playing birthday music. As they quieted down he began to give a second toast, and it was at this point his intentions became clear. Dropping to one knee, he asked Kera if they could spend the rest of their birthdays together. In Kera’s words, “I could barely keep my composure through the squeals of utter joy and tears of happiness. It was complete magic!”

Kera and Stanley were pronounced husband and wife in a gorgeous ceremony hosted at the historic

Main Street Station in vibrant Richmond, Virginia. Wanting their wedding to be a reflection of “black love and black creativity,” it was really important for them to support black-owned businesses throughout the planning and vendor selection process. Kera made the altar glow in a striking, fit-and-flare dress with low back and alluring sweetheart neckline. It was there, surrounded by the love of family and friends, that they took their first steps towards together forever as husband and wife.

Best Memories: "Jumping the broom and walking down the aisle together as husband and wife. We processed out of the ceremony to “Sunday Candy” by Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment. The energy of the song matched with the fact that we were married on a Sunday was such a vibe! It really set the tone for the rest of our celebration, and to date, is still one of our favorite songs."

Advice for Engaged Couples: "Budget! Don’t go broke planning your dream wedding. Keep things in perspective: the wedding is a one-day event; your marriage is a lifetime! It’s best to go into the next phase of your relationship on solid financial footing, and being realistic about what you can and cannot afford for the wedding is a great place to start. Make a list of what you absolutely want or need for the big day, and what you’re willing to cut or compromise. If things get tight, refer back to the list, and be purposeful about sticking to it. In the end, your vision for your wedding should match your financial capacity. If it doesn’t, make adjustments."