How They Met
You know the current popular reality television show, “Love at First Sight?” Well, that did not occur for Keshona and Monika. Let’s just say it would take some time (just a little) and a ram in the bush to get the two talking. Oh, did I mention their love bloomed in a place where many would swear off… yep, WORK! Before giving sight to love, Keshona looked at Monika as being snobbish and standoffish, while Monika perceived Keshona as loud and arrogant. Remember that ram in the bush? Let’s call him Tim. One day, Tim, a mutual friend, invited Keshona to a baseball game as a guest for a work celebration. To her surprise, Monika was also in attendance. This game was the perfect opportunity to chisel down any of their differences and reveal a beautiful masterpiece. Over a year’s time, Keshona, Monika, and their two children stayed in the game and decided to take a leap of faith and move over 2,000 miles together from Atlanta to Washington. Talk about a HOMERUN!!!
The Proposal
There is no timetable to determine how soon one should fall in love and Keshona and Monika knew of this. Within a year, Keshona was planning a memorable 2020 proposal in Las Vegas; however, the pandemic, yes, Mr. Mess-up-anything-you-had-planned-for-2020 had other plans. Before you knew it, Keshona and Monika were canceling their trip, and it was back to the drawing board for Keshona. With a new love, new location, and now a new home, Keshona knew this was the opportune time to add in one more “newness”… the RING! She decided to plan an intimate, socially distant housewarming gathering with most attending virtually. THEE moment occurred when Keshona chose to commemorate their new beginnings and establish roots together as a family with a necklace during a toast. After Keshona presented a necklace to their son and daughter, Monika stood there eagerly awaiting her necklace.
As Keshona proceeded to get on one knee holding a box not suited for a necklace, Monika realized it was a box containing her “YES” to a lifetime of newness as one!
The Wedding
Swoosh, swoosh, the sound of clear blue waves dancing back and forth at the Riviera Maya, located alongside the stretch of the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The tranquil sunset and nighttime air welcomed 116 close family and friends dressed in all white. This pre-wedding welcome affair had set the tone for a weekend filled with fun, love, and more fun.
April 15, 2022, was a day the clouds decided to behave and allow the sun to smile. First, Keshona, escorted by her father, walked down the aisle underneath a beautifully draped gazebo wearing a custom champagne and black tux, highlighting a brooch with her initial “K” located to the left of her shawl lapel. As the last bridesmaid came down in her beautiful floor-length champagne gown, Keshona’s world would freeze in time as she witnessed one of the most beautiful pieces of art, alongside her father, take her place on what seemed to be the aisle of new beginnings.
Next, Monika gracefully walked down in a beautiful beaded white organza A-line, one-shoulder gown with a split to die for. Her infectious smile was the best outfit of the day! The two professed their love before God, their family, and their friends and became Mrs. and Mrs. Lawrence!
The Reception
Can we talk about partying like it’s 1999? After a relaxing cocktail hour, they moved the party to a rooftop venue overlooking the beach. Hues of purple and red were infused to celebrate Monika’s American and Keshona’s Trinidadian culture. After eating, toasting, and cutting the cake, the DJ went into full beast mode and played music from the past and present, creating an atmosphere of nostalgic moments. Keshona and Monika, along with friends and family, danced until the party was shut down… LITERALLY!!!
The Couple’s Favorite Moments
Some of our favorite moments included: Being in Mexico with our guests knowing there would never be another moment this same group of people will ever be together again. Most of all, smiling at my family (old and new) around the dance floor at the reception waving their Trini flags and representing my culture and country, took the cake. Seeing our children, especially our son, dressed up and crying tears of happiness, left a parental mark on our heart that we can never forget. Another favorite moment was having my dad (Keshona) walk me down the aisle after over a decade of tumultuous relationships because of my lifestyle. Last but surely not least, and MOST notably, getting to marry my best friend and the most beautiful, intelligent, and incredible woman I have ever met, Monika. – Keshona & Monika, Congratulations from Black Gay Weddings.
Full BGW Gallery
Vendor List
BGW Vetted “LGBTQ-Friendly” LGBTQBizList Vendors
Non-LGBTQBizList Vendors
Photographer: Emazing Photography
Planner: Wintara Harris
Event Support: NV Creation LLC
Wedding Venue: Generations by Karisma Riviera Maya
DJ: Mike Perry
