Though they attended the same university, it wasn’t until years later, at a mutual friend’s law school graduation celebration, that Kayla, a public health program analyst from Bowie, and Emmanuel, a government consultant from Detroit, met. Emmanuel asked Kayla out on the spot; Kayla says she was flattered and impressed by the real-life meet-cute. A year and a half after their first date at a Smithsonian museum, they got engaged at an NPR Christmas jazz concert at the Kennedy Center.
They dubbed their wedding theme “classic ‘80s-inspired church wedding.” On-theme style highlights included magenta bridesmaids dresses and lace sleeves for the bride. Infusing the bride’s Caribbean culture was a priority for the Arlington couple, who opted for a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired cocktail hour with a menu that included caramelized plantains and jerk chicken skewers. Later, the newlyweds sent guests home with black cake—a Caribbean tradition—in custom gold boxes, along with Diptyque-inspired candles featuring a signature scent designed by the couple. See the photos of the big day below.
Wedding Details
Photographer: Patty Betts Photo
Venue: Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church– Hyattsville, Maryland and Hilton DC National Mall– Washington, DC
Invitations: Minted
Caterer: Island Boiz Catering
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts
Hairstylist: Sleek Strandz
Makeup artist: Makeup By Jaya
Bride’s attire: Stephen Yearick Couture from Elegance by Roya – Tysons
Groom’s attire: Hive and Colony – Tysons
Music: Patrick “Dr.Violin” Bogui
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
