After years of friendship, Maryland residents Ayana and Duriel took the leap of love. The college sweethearts made the ultimate pledge of their lives to each other on July 4, 2009 at the Glenview Mansion in Rockville, MD.
02
Beauty Before Pleasure
Ayana was happy to have friends and family to help her on her wedding day. One of her best friends did the makeup for the whole bridal party while a nurse she used to work with took control of the hair.
Photography: Kate Headley
03
Make It Happen
Ayana spotted her dream dress online. When she couldn’t find it anywhere, she bought material in Trinidad and had her favorite seamstress in Maryland replicate it. She also made her vintage-inspired scalloped veil.
04
Can’t Buy You Love
In the end, the beautiful bride spent a total of $1100—$800 for her seamstress and $300 for the material—on her dress, a mere fraction of what a bridal gown costs these days.
05
Feeling Blue
Duriel and one of his groomsmen are Sigmas, so naturally they wanted blue incorporated into the wedding. Luckily the blue of their vests complemented the bridesmaids’ purple dresses so well, it was a natural fit.
Photography: Kate Headley
06
Frienship Jewelry
In appreciation of all of their help, Ayana surprised her bridesmaids with engraved bracelets for them to wear down the aisle.
07
Melodies of Love
Ayana played the steel drum, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago, all through high school. She found a group of siblings to play Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” on the pans while her parents escorted her down the aisle.
08
A Time to Remember
Since they had already exchanged rings once before, Anaya surprised Duriel with a second ring on their wedding day. The band was engraved with all of the couple’s most significant dates including one future milestone—their 50th anniversary.
09
Gift of Love
Duriel returned the favor by having a bracelet delivered to Ayana’s room while she got ready.
10
Love’s Embrace
The newlyweds hold each other after being declared “husband and wife.”
11
Freshen Up
The wedding’s food and refreshments were catered by Maryland Country Caterers, whom Ayana used to work for. They created a signature drink—the Golden Sunset—that incorporated tropical guava and sweet cherries, for the wedding.
12
Secret Garden
The newlyweds sneak away for a little post-wedding smooching session.
13
Cheers to You
Ayana’s loyal bridesmaids sip their Golden Sunsets while they cheer on their best friend’s new union.
Photography: Kate Headley
14
Living Life Like It’s Golden
Ayana and Duriel entered their reception hall as husband and wife to the sounds of Jill Scott’s “Golden” to celebrate Ayana’s recent name change.
Photography: Kate Headley
15
Bailamos!
The spontaneous husband and wife switched it up on guests by strutting to Salsa, Bachata and Merengue for their first dance. They learned the steps at Pure Lounge on U street in Washington D.C.
Photography: Kate Headley
16
Weakness for Sweetness
Ayana’s aunt made a bunch of traditional cakes (13 all together) from Trinidad and Tobago for the wedding reception. They surrounded a beautiful waterfall centerpiece with floating purple bubbles, that Ayana’s caterers assembled.
Photography: Kate Headley
17
Dance For Your Money
Adding a touch of African tradition, the couple had sashes made with the embroidery “Mrs. Golden” and “Mr. Golden” that wedding guests pinned money to as the new husband and wife did a jig.
Photography: Kate Headley
18
Perfect View
With the clear sky in background, guests gather round to take shots of the gorgeous bride on the balcony of the Glenview Mansion.
Photography: Kate Headley
19
Lovely Day
Even as the night winds down, Ayana is still filled with the spirit of love.
Photography: Kate Headley
20
Photo Op
Ayana and Duriel took some extra shots two days after their wedding day at the National Harbor. The newlyweds coo and kiss for the camera on the waterfront.
21
Something Blue
The couple’s photographer donated these gorgeous hydrangeas to the shoot.
22
Military Man
Duriel is in the Marine Reserves, and reports for training one weekend a month. Ayana finds her man in uniform simply irresistible.
23
Soldier of Love
The new wife salutes her fellow officer in the battle of love.
24
Lifetime of Love
“We’ve done so much to get to this point,” Ayana sighs. “and there’s so much more life that we have together.”