Bride: Ariel C. Belgrave
Groom: Quinnton J. Harris
The Big Day: 5/4/17
Location: Paradise Island, Bahamas and Nassau, Bahamas
Style/Theme: A destination “at sea” Caribbean theme
“Our wedding was all I every dreamed of and more–it almost felt like I was living in a fairytale!,” said Ariel of her big day. “It felt beautiful, excited, and loved. It was the perfect day. We committed to a lifetime of love in front of the people that we care about most–what more could we as for!”
Initally, Ariel bought a wedding dress and thought it was perfect. After taking it home, she realized she simply liked the dress and didn’t love it so the search resumed for the dress of her dreams!
“I took a weekend in California and visited a handful of consignment bridal shops that sold sample sale dresses,” the bride revealed. “By shop #3, I had hit the jackpot. I knew it was “The One” because it looked like the dresses I saved on my Pinterest board. It was a beautiful strapless mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline. It had Lace appliques over cotton mesh organza and scalloped finished hemline and a semi cathedral train. It was form fitting and gave me a beautiful shape. I felt sexy in the dress, and this is how I wanted to feel on my wedding day.”
Ariel and her mom have a great relationship, it’s only right that it showed during her big day!
“I curated the look for myself and my groomsman,” Quinnton shared. “Having been inspired recently by middle eastern and Indian fashion, I chose to get married in a traditional sherwani and pants set, and outfit my groomsman in a traditional kurta and pajama. We all wore loafers, and I had the gentlemen’s shoes made bespoke in Delhi, India.”
“My mother gifted me with new jewelry to finish my elegant look: beautiful pearl and silver earrings and a pearl and silver bracelet,” shared the bride.
“Being a groom, it was more than I ever could have imagined,” Quinnton said. “It was surreal. I’ve never felt more loved and special in my life. Everyone was there in support of us, and that was truly magical. “
“With its adorable glistening bow set on a metallic upper with an open peep toe, the heels I wore during my wedding were the perfect mix of slightly vintage, a little glitzy rhinestones, a little funky, and a lot sexy. They were perfect!”
The bride opted out of being a maid of honor because the five friends who stood by her side on her wedding day each meant so much to her she couldn’t pick just one!
“My husband is the most generous person I know,” said Ariel of Quinnton. “He gives his time, his talent, and his money without thinking, without second-guessing. He just gives. His generosity continues to inspire me each day.”
“I love her big heart the most,” said Quinnton of Ariel. “I felt her unconditional love, care, and generosity the first day I met her. And I have been spoiled by it ever since.”
“My father walked me down the aisle,” said Ariel. “It is a moment that I will always vividly remember.”
“I felt happy and alive looking into the eyes of my future husband,” said Ariel of being at the altar with Quinnton. “I felt like I was falling in love all over again!”
“I was truly speechless looking at Ariel while at the altar,” the groom shared. “I felt my heart racing and my emotions were at an all time high. She was so beautiful.”
“When I thought about my future, I envisioned Quinnton by my side through it all,” the bride admitted. “There was no doubt in mind that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with the man that God made just for me. I said ‘yes’ to a loving, God-fearing, loyal, thoughtful, supportive, and driven man. A man who loves me unconditionally and makes me feel beautiful special 365 days of the year.”
“Our second year of dating was telling for me, as we were kicking off our careers and finding our strides,” said Quinnton. “I loved her independence and her motivation, as well as her nurturing spirit. She provided balance, focus and inspiration to me, and I knew I needed her for the rest of my life.”
Just like that, Ariel and Quinnton are husband and wife!
“I call Ari my little coconut: she is tough on the outside and soft on the inside,” said Quinnton to describe his bride. “She is a woman with such a big heart. She believes in helping her fellow women and supporting those that are in need. She loves her family and her food lol. She is all Trini, all Panamanian, all Brockton, Mass, all Boston College, all business, all play, all fitness guru, and all real. She is everything. “
How gorgeous are Ariel’s bridesmaids!
“God blessed me with an amazing husband,” said the bride. “Quinnton is not perfect, but he is all that I could ever ask for in a spouse and more. He is a man who sees the world with open mind and heart. A man who is kind, compassionate, humble, helpful to others even when others fail to behave the same way. He is an intelligent and talented man who never stops learning. A man filled with enormous love, compassion and positivity. A man who is a great listener and who understands the delicacy of my emotions. A man who believes in me and inspires me to be better each day. This man has the capability to look into the deep reality of life much beneath the materialistic coverages of money, fame and show-off. This man is my best friend and the love of my life.”
Hey fellas, looking good!
“I knew early on that Ari was my soulmate, but I wanted to be sure that I did not rush into things. I knew she was the one after a major milestone several years ago. About 2.5 years into our relationship, and Ari landed an opportunity for a new role at JP Morgan that would move her from Boston to New York. I was beyond happy for her new chapter, but that meant we had to adapt to the longer distance. And this sent me into a period of deep reflection and soul searching. One day I looked through old journals i kept. A few included dreams I recorded from when I was in college. I reread a dream I had in 2008 about “the one” and Ari eerily fit the description. I had known that Ari was someone that I felt at peace with—someone that I could trust with my heart. After reminiscing on the dreams and goals I had for my life, I received all the confirmation I needed.”
Quinnton and Ariel were surrounded by love as they started on their journey to happily ever after!
“‘The Mermaid marries Her Prince’ was our mantra, and we wanted to the experience to be grand, nuanced and authentic.” Mission accomplished!
If you can’t have fun with the love of your life on your wedding day and it look half as good as this, did you really have fun?!
“I didn’t think I would find true love when I did,” said Ariel. “Not at all. I was just learning what love really was. I am so blessed to have found my true love in college.”
Quinnton and Ariel, may all your years of love be full of joy and happiness–just like this picture!
