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LaShanta Racquel Raymond & Robert Boursiquot, Jr.
Cake: Treats Restaurant
Officiant: Father Steven Bell & Reverend Herbert Crawford
Ring Designer: Brilliant Earth and Eternity Jewelers
Decor and Flowers: The Flower Dell
Dress Boutique and Dress Designer: Rosalin’s Bridal Boutique in Falls Church, VA: Designer Rebecca Ingram
Shoes: Bella Belle
Venue: Camana Bay
Reception: Cayman Luxury Charters, La Vida Catamaran
Tell us about your dress
“I initially went dress shopping, virtually and in person with my bridesmaids, but most of my bridesmaids were on the West Coast and I really needed someone local in Virginia to help with my search. My wonderful groom took the mantle and actually supported me through the rest of the wedding dress decision-making process! He’s truly the best hype-man ever! We found this beautiful Mikado silk dress with silk buttons running down the entire train and the fabric and elegance really stood out to us. And that moment everyone talks about when you know this is the dress, it was magical. We had initially planned the wedding for a church ceremony, but due to a rise in COVID rates, we decided to keep the ceremony small and outdoors. I did not want to change my dress, though. I felt so beautiful and elegant in the form fitting trumpet-style and loved the way the fabric draped across my curves, but remained conservative and timeless.”
What do you do for a living
Racquel: Biotech Compliance Attorney Rob: Aviation Systems Engineer
How did you two meet?
“We actually met and fell in love 22 years ago. My sister and Racquel’s best friend introduced us at a National Society of Black Engineers conference after Racquel corrected me on my differential equations calculations. I balked and questioned the validity of her comment, but soon realized that Racquel was right (of course)! Our love has been infinite ever since!How did he pop the question?He made his intentions very clear when we reconnected after several years. The actual proposal was so sweet and meaningful, but we have decided to keep the details to ourselves.”
How did you choose the groom’s outfit?
“Once we chose the bridal gown, the groom did not want to disappoint! The groom’s style is quite debonaire and we felt his suit should reflect his personality and spirit. His suit was custom made in a linen and summer wool blend, and in his favorite color, blue! He paired the fit with a woven brown leather shoes by Taft. He even had the wedding date monogrammed on his collar.”
Were there any unique items in your wedding that you would like to highlight?
“Yes. I presented Racquel with a 24kt gold estate necklace and earring set that belonged to my beautiful mother, Elvire (Vivi). She gifted the necklace to me upon her passing. It was such a sentimental piece to me and reminds me so much of my mother’s love, her style and her presence. We also celebrated Maman with a custom pendant gifted by Racquel and worn by my father, Robert Sr. during the ceremony. In addition, during the reception we included photos of Maman and used her favorite lace tablecloth to decorate the wedding table. Her presence was felt on that special day. We love you, Maman.”
Can you tell us something cute or unique about your wedding?
“Definitely planning a COVID wedding was challenging! We decided to have the ceremony at Camana Bay on the private island to keep everyone’s safety at the forefront. While there are a number of beautiful beach along Cayman’s 7-mile and around the remaining Island, we loved the access and control to the private island, and the ability to hold the ceremony within walking distance of the reception location, La Vida Catamaran Yacht. It was certainly unique to provide reception on the yacht and the logistics of getting the music, food and cake was an exciting challenge and our vendors rose to meet that challenge.”
Bridesmaid’s Dresses
“We wanted the rest of the bridal party’s style to reflect the casual island vibe. The Bridesmaids wore a loose center tied camisole dress with gold sandals.”
Groomsmen’s Suit?
and the Groomspeople wore custom white linen suits with brown shoes.
Did you have live music?
“Yes!! Earl La Pierre provided a beautiful ensemble, especially when they accompanied Rob’s sister, Marjorie who opened the ceremony by singing Ave Maria.”
What was your favourite moment from the wedding?
“The moment we saw one another for the first time…the First Look in our bridal attire.”
Cute story about you both?
We are proud NERDS who share a love for all things Marvel Comics and bond deeply over our crossword puzzle-time.
Were there any traditions or ethnic customs that were included in your wedding?
“Were there any traditions or ethnic customs that were included in your wedding? (i.e jumping the broom or smashing the bottle)Yes! The priest requested that the immediate family and all guests lay their hands in prayer over the rings and towards the bride and groom to signify the validation of the matrimony and to send prayers for the sanctity and longevity of our union.”
What made you choose your venue for your wedding?
“We wanted a destination wedding and Racquel’s parents live in Grand Cayman. Perfect!”
What photography related advice would you offer to a couple?
“Select the absolute best photographer you can find. Move and shift the other components of your budget if necessary, but you can’t recreate that special day. The best photographer will provide you with inputs for placement and the best angles / locations for photographs, which is INVALUABLE!”
What advice would you offer other couples planning a destination wedding?
“Start well in advance for whatever date you set!!! The planning process is fluid until contracts have been executed, so offer yourself a cushion to reduce stress. Our Biggest lesson: Island timeline moves at a different pace, so be patient and be prepared with multiple options in case your first choices don’t pan out.”
Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently?
“Tell me why or why not!No, we did not see one another prior to the wedding and it definitely built anticipation and excitement.”
What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome?
“Since our venue was outdoors, we were afraid that it would be too hot in the sun or that it would rain. Outcome: Balmy beautiful day and no one minded being in the sun for the ceremony.”
What advice would you offer other couples planning a destination wedding?
“Start well in advance for whatever date you set!!! Meaning, it is likely that things will not go exactly as planned, so offer yourself some room / cushion so as to reduce stress. Biggest lesson: Island timeline moves slower to get contracts and so forth executed.”
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