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Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick's New York City Wedding

After 15 happy years together Charnetta and Rufus started a new chapter in their love story by tying the knot with a lavish “Night In Harlem” themed wedding affair to be remembered. (We adore their photos.) Share their love!

By Charli Penn · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Always And Forever

Both Nick and Charnetta knew there was something special happening between them the moment they first met over 15 years ago. Their hunch was correct, and shortly afterward they began their romantic journey to the altar. Read their love story and see their spectacular wedding day.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
02
Cover Up Queens

The bride-to-be and her bridesmaids were dressed to impress long before they put on their gowns.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
03
Glam Time

“My makeup was done by Ms. Shea Zephir,” says the bride. “And, my hair was styled by Loctician Sylvia of Harlem Berry Beauty Lounge.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
04
Styled To Perfection

“I viewed a lot of pictures of bridal styles for women with locs on Pinterest and then worked with my stylist to decide on the perfect style,” Charnetta tells us. 

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
05
The Dress That Stole The Show

“I went to three stores and found my dress as the last store,” Charnetta admits. “Still, I didn’t order it initially, I went home and thought about it and then came back. However, when I think back, I knew it was the one as soon as I tried it on.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
06
Picture Break

This photo shoot was totally worth the intermission.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
07
Just Imagine

“I knew this dress was the one by the way I felt when I put it on,” says Charnetta. “It was the first dress that I tried on that I immediately started imagining myself getting married in.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
08
Keep Shining

Charnette chose gorgeous gowns for her bridel party. (We love it when the bride lets everyone shine too.)

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
09
Seeing Double

Charnetta’s little cousins served as flower girls. Cutie pies in the house!

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
10
And The Bride Wore Bling

“I really wanted to focus on the dress so I kept my accessories minimal,” says the bride. “ I wore diamond earrings that my husband had given to me as a gift and a diamond necklace that he had also given to me and a simple ornament in my hair. I also wore a crystal cuff on my wrist. My veil was long and feminine but very simple to keep the focus on the dress. I did wear shoes with a lot of bling.” 

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
11
A Proposal To Remember

“Although we had talked extensively about marriage and what we wanted for our future together, it was still one of those surreal moments when he actually proposed,” Charnetta recalls. “In addition, we had picked out a ring a few months ago, but to be honest it wasn’t the ring I really wanted. When he opened the ring box, he had switched the ring to the one I really wanted, so it was definitely a pleasant surprise. I have to admit, I did drop a few tears!”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
12
Cute Overload

We just can’t get enough of these flower girls. Can you?

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
13
Dream Maker

“Since we were on a budget, we definitely had to be frugal when it came to the flowers,” Charnetta shares. “One way we did this was by hiring an up and coming but extremely talented and knowledgeable florist. She was able to turn my dreams into a reality.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
14
Walk The Walk

Charnetta turned heads in her bridal gown as she walked through the streets of New York City looking flawless.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
15
Up, Up and Away

And the reward for best use of balloons in a wedding photo goes to…these lovely ladies, who stopped traffic, literally.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
16
Enjoy The Moment

“The groomsmen really enjoyed their time laughing and joking,” the bride and groom recall.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
17
Look At Us

“New Yorkers are not phased by much but me along with my 12 bridesmaids and two flower girls walking down the block to take pictures really made everyone stop and look,” says the bride of her crowd-stopping photo shoot.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
18
Smart and Savvy Bride

“I had my bridesmaids rent their dresses from Rent the Runway and this amounted to a total cost of approximately $60 each for the dresses,” says budget savvy bride Charnetta.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
19
It Has To Be You

“Although I knew she was special the day I met her, I really knew how much I loved her after we separated,” Nick admits. “There was a time in our relationship where we went our separate ways for a while. I really missed her and knew I had to get her back. It became clear that she was the one for me.  I also knew that I didn’t want to spend my life without her.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
20
A Dream Fulfilled

“Nick is a man of faith,” Charnetta tells us. “Because of this faith, he is a constant source of inspiration in tough times. Nick is extremely hard working. When he is determined to do something, it gets done. He is also the one everyone turns to when they need advice and a listening ear. They do so because he is always honest and really cares about people.” 

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
21
You For Me

“I chose to make her my wife because she had everything that I wanted in a wife and for the future mother of my children,” says Nick. “I also chose her because of her faith in God and because of the way she loves me.  I decided to propose when I started thinking about my future and I just couldn’t see it without her, I wanted to be with her.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
22
Glamour Girls

Everyone shined on their way down the aisle at the couple’s glamorous reception.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
23
TuTu Time

We can’t take it — it’s too cute!

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
24
One Strong Woman

“She is beautiful, extremely intelligent, and determined,” says Nick. “I remember when she told me several years ago that she wanted to become an OBGYN. I said ‘okay, but to watch her meet challenge after challenge and actually do it is a testament to her strength. She is also compassionate and a woman of faith. She also taught me about the value of charity and this is something we want to pass down to our future children.” 

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
25
An Emotional Moment

“My father walked me down the aisle and I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” says Charnetta. “My father has sacrificed so much for myself and my siblings.  I would not have been able to accomplish my goals without his support and my mother’s support. My husband was very emotional and did shed a few tears as I walked down the aisle.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
26
So Magical

“It was one of those surreal moments,” says Charnetta of the moment she and Nick made it to the altar. “This event marked the culmination of events 15 years in the making. It was truly amazing, especially since we got to share that moment with family and friends.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
27
With This RIng

“We decided to personalize the ceremony by writing our own vows,” says Charnetta.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
28
Kiss Me Honey!

Nick and his lovely bride sealed the deal with a kiss.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
29
Jumping For Joy

“We also jumped the broom because we wanted to participate in this time honored tradition,” shares the bride.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
30
Set The Scene

“Since we absolutely loved our venue, we wanted to take full advantage of it,” says Charnetta. “As a result, the reception was held in the same space that we held the wedding ceremony. Our cocktail hour took place on the outdoor terrace, which also had a great view of Manhattan. During the cocktail hour, we were able to turn over the space in preparation for the reception.”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
31
Big Entrance

“Since part of both of our families are from the Caribbean and since our wedding was Labor Day weekend, which is also the time of the annual West Indian Day Parade (aka J’Ouvert) in Brooklyn, we wanted to incorporate a Caribbean vibe,” says Charnetta. “As a result, we entered the reception with Samba dancers and to mix of Caribbean music. Everyone at the wedding was also provided with a flag to wave ‘jump and wave!’”

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
32
What A Wonferful World

The couple chose ”What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong for their irst dance song. We love this pick!

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
33
Custom Chic

A custom cake topper to celebrate the bride and groom topped off the couple’s fabulous cake style.

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography
34
A Celebration Is In Order

Join us as we congratulare Charnetta and Nick on their bridal bliss. Leave the happy couple a little comment love below. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!

Bridal Bliss: Charnetta and Nick’s New York City Wedding
Munroe Photography

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