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Home • Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard's Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer's Dream

The couple looked stunning at their rustic island ceremony.
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
By Jasmine Grant · Updated October 23, 2020

Keva and Leonard are a young God-fearing couple that wanted their wedding to be both rustic and spiritual.

The couple met online in 2017 while Leo pursued his master’s degree at the University of Central Florida while working at Bethune-Cookman University. Both of them are photographers, and Keva admired his work enough to inquire about him taking some birthday photos for her. “Initially, Keva wanted to shoot in Nassau,” Leo explains, “but I was persistent insisting about shooting in her hometown Bimini because I’ve always wanted to visit.”

Their connection was instant, and there were many signs from the Lord up above that told Leo he should make Keva his wife. With the help of Keva’s pastor, family and close friends, he pulled off a memorable engagement that is wife will cherish for eternity. “I felt his words with every fiber of my being and I said YES! ,” Keva remembers. “There were no tears on the outside, but inside, my heart was crying and leaping for joy.”

Thanks to the help of their inner circle, Leo and Keva received help with their DIY accouterments which allowed them to stay on budget. “We were blessed with numerous family and friends who supported our union, so we didn’t have to pay for a lot of necessities,” they tell ESSENCE.

Scroll through and enjoy the best photos from Keva and Leonard’s beautiful Bahamian wedding.

Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Send your story and a link to your wedding photos to bridalbliss@essence.com for consideration.

01
Meet The Crearys
Bride: Keva Kenrell Minus, Teacher + Photographer, 27 Groom: Leonard Lloyd Creary, Jr., Web & Graphics Developer + Photographer, 27 Theme: Tropical rustic DIY wedding Venue: Gateway Outreach Ministries, Bimini, Bahamas Reception: Blue Waters Resort, Bimini, Bahamas Wedding Planner: Ana Rolle Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal Groom’s Suit: ASOS Best Man & Groomsmen Attire: Alain Dupetit Matron of Honor & Bridesmaid Attire: JJ House Bride Hairstylist: Hair by Averie (HBA) Makeup: Beauty for Ashes Wedding Invitations & Programmes: Shan’s Creative Invites Cake: Take A Bite Bahamas Caterer: Skillett’s Flowers & Decorations: Lings Moment Music: DJ Syco Photography: Scharad Lightbourne
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
02
The Proposal
Leo traveled to Nassau, Bahamas to visit Keva on a spur of the moment trip. Little did she know, he had quite the surprise up his sleeve. “Leo took me to dinner. Before the meal, he asked to take my photo on the rooftop. It was challenging getting me up there but I finally gave in. When we arrived, I saw was my aunt. Then I saw a few more of my friends and family holding balloons. I was so dumbfounded and went numb for a moment. Leo guided me to this beautiful seat overlooking the island. There were flowers, the weather was so beautiful, and my friend Gabrielle sang ‘One and Only’ by Adele. Leo got down on one and asked me to marry him.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
03
Worth It All
“There were moments that I wanted to pull my hair out and scream to the top of my lungs,” Keva admitted. “In the midst of it, there was an excitement and a joy beyond compare. Becoming Mrs. Creary was worth a few strands of hair and a sore throat.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
04
The Makings Of A Wife
Leo says wife’s best qualities include, “her passion for God, smile and loving presence.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
05
Before The Big Day
Keva and her flower girl looked too beautiful for words.
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
06
Yes To This Dress
“I went to Orlando to search for a dress, three weeks before my wedding,” Keva said. “It was challenging, given the time limit. I finally found a dress at David’s Bridal. I knew it was the one, the minute I tried it. My sisters started to get emotional.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
07
To The Altar
Keva walked the aisle to Matthew West’s “When I Say I Do. “Oslien Jadorte sang this song live as I walked down the aisle with my father,” she told ESSENCE.
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
08
Divine Intervention
Leo says he asked God for a sign before proposing, and the Good Lord came through. “I told God that I didn’t have enough money in my account, but said if He truly desired for Keva to be my wife to prove it. Exactly four minutes later, I had two wedding clients pay their full balance and I just started crying.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
09
You May Now Kiss The Bride
The Crearys made it official at the altar and looked so in love!
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
10
Easy Breezy Wedding Style
Keva turned to wedding retailer JJhouse for her bridesmaids dresses. “They had a wide selection of dresses and the perfect colors for the rustic theme.” Leo chose the suits for the groomsmen based on word of mouth from his line brother.
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
11
Love As Deep As The Ocean
The beautiful couple looked stunning while watching the sunset after their ceremony.
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
12
When Two Become One
“I’m been excited and happy that God has given mentally prepared myself to be a spiritual and physical husband,” LEO told ESSENCE
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
13
Mama Knows Best
Keva said her mother played a critical role in preparing for her big day. “My mom is disabled, so she couldn’t help me physically. However, she kept telling her how beautiful I looked and that she’s proud of me. She gave me an understanding of the commitment I was about to make. That was all the help I needed.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
14
Flowers Are A Bride’s Best Friend
“My bouquet was made by a tiny flower shop in the community. We didn’t have a florist, so we bought flowers from Lings Moment and the ladies from church along with our wedding planner designed everything.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
15
My One And Only
“I knew that Leo was the one the day he gave his life to God,” Keva said. “I knew Leo loved me from just the look in his eyes, from the way he sacrificed and always put me first.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
16
Sunset Views
After the reception, the couple took a dip in the crystal clear Bahamian water as the sunset painted the sky.
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
17
Rustic Treats
Keva and Leo’s DIY reception was accented with artificial flowers, garland, and wood. “Our centerpieces were simple,” the couple told us. “We had natural wood slices, with a wase and different images of us on each table. We had a beautiful two-layered cake that had a dusty rose color and plenty of gold treats on the dessert table.” “”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
18
Lets Dance
Keva and Leo share their first dance at their outdoor reception.
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
19
Honeymoon Bound
“We decided to do a portrait photoshoot on a cay the day after the wedding. Once we finished, we got on a boat and headed to Florida to catch our plane our honeymoon in Switzerland.”
Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard’s Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer’s Dream
TOPICS:  black brides black weddings Bridal Bliss
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