We just fell in love with this proposal! A photo shoot turns into a surprise engagement shoot! Congratulations @lucitsandsimone 

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📸: @slush_the_artist
“If I know what love is, it is because of you.” Congratulations Rachel & Kimmie! Love Wins!

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🎥: @mackjulion
If life is a 🎥 Movie, you’re the best part! Our friends @meetthemazelins are a reminder of how beautiful love can be when you find your soulmate.

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Black Boy Joy means living your  truth and loving outloud!

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Shanita & Whitney

Tulum, Mexico – July 15, 2022
By
Nesha Vannice
Photography Juliana Noelle Jumper Photography

How They Met

There’s no love story sweeter than that of college sweethearts and Shanita and Whitney are no exception! They met each other at the University of Arkansas, and even though they had different extracurriculars, a chance meeting in the computer lab was a life-changing moment for both of them. They might as well have been studying chemistry because their attraction was instant. From there, a connection like no other was underway.

The Proposal

The pandemic took a toll on everyone, but that didn’t stop Shanita from asking the love of her life to marry her. The proposal was flawlessly done during an intimate getaway at a resort in Arizona. Shanita’s nephews helped her pull out all the stops, including balloons and flowers spelled out “Marry Me.” Shanita blindfolded Whitney and led her to her proposal setup at a fountain in the middle of the resort. Of course, Whitney said yes, and from there, the wedding was on!

The Wedding

There’s no wedding like a destination wedding, and that’s exactly what Shanita and Whitney did! Their wedding was a luxurious beachfront affair surrounded by family and friends. Set in Tulum, Mexico, on July 15th, 2022, the stunning view was the perfect backdrop for the exclusive ceremony. 

The party was well underway even before the occasion officially began as the drinks were flowing as the brides were getting ready. Then Shanita and Whitney had a “first look” moment that was a highlight for the both of them (and calmed some nerves!). The bridesmaids walked out to a rendition of “I Choose You” by Kiana Lede. After exchanging vows in front of their eager party of family and friends, the two sealed their relationship with a joining of the sand ceremony.

After the ceremony, Whitney planned a very thoughtful and emotional ceremony in memory of Shanita’s father, who had passed away that April. Everyone walked down to the beach and released flower petals into the ocean as the officiant honored him with kind words.

The Reception

A short walk from the ceremony space was NU Tulum. There the brides and their wedding party walked out to iconic hits, and the brides were introduced to the awaiting crowd with “Partition” by Beyonce and Jay-Z. A grand party was underway with a custom-made dance floor underfoot, and the DJ played the brides’ favorite hits. With a four-hour open bar complete with signature cocktails, there’s no question that everyone there had a great time. In between the partying, they found time to cut the cake, toss the bouquet and have a delicious three-course family-style dinner.

The Couple’s Favorite Moments

Waking up next to each other hours before the wedding and getting ready with their closest friends and family. Shanita’s favorites include the first look and the special (surprise) ceremony for her father planned by Whitney. “It was a very special moment for me,” Shanita adds. Walking down the aisle. The reception was the exact vibe that they were going for. – Shanita & Whitney, Congratulations from Black Gay Weddings.

Full BGW Gallery

Vendor List

BGW Vetted “LGBTQ-Friendly” LGBTQBizList Vendors

Non-LGBTQBizList Vendors

Photographer: Juliana Noelle Jumper

Planner: Mango Weddings

Officiant: Paula Riquelme

Videographer: Sea & Love Wedding Films

Makeup: Life On The K List

Wedding Venue: NEST Tulum

Reception Venue: NU Tulum

Cake: Lali Pasteles

DJ: Plugin Audiovisual

 

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Broughton Media Group, LLC (BMG), DBA Black Gay Weddings, is a media company with a mission to share and protect the love stories of LGBTQIA+ couples of color. Through BGW Elevate, we empower our community to share amazing love stories and to connect with the wedding professionals who make them happen.