Real Weddings: Claire + Charles

September 2, 2017, ARUBA

Claire + Charles first met at an afterparty following her cousin's birthday celebration. Charles was immediately drawn to Claire, spotting her the moment she walked through the doors of the afterparty. Claire recalls how she, “found him to be so kind and respectful - not the usual type you might meet in those environments.” They had such a good time laughing and talking, enjoying each other’s company that the party went by almost entirely unnoticed. Not wanting the night to end, they decided to go out for a late dinner at a local twenty-four hour diner where they continued their conversation all throughout the night and into sunrise.

Charles knew Claire was “the one” when he lost the ability to make any future life plans without her in them. Claire knew Charles was “the one” after their first encounter which led to that first wonderful date night together - she knew from that moment on that he was the man she was going to marry.

For Claire, her wedding dress was the dress of her dreams. A custom made Alonuko dress; elegant and romantic, classy yet sexy - with a detachable overskirt giving her two completely different looks in one.

Claire and Charles’ intimate destination Aruba wedding featured gorgeous views of the Aruba mountainside and stunning white orchids in a picturesque tropical paradise. To celebrate their cultural heritages (Rwandan/Congolese and Nigerian), Claire and Charles held a traditional African engagement party prior to the wedding where their two families met and asked for the woman’s hand in marriage. Over four hundred guests attended who enjoyed performances by a popular Nigerian artist.

BEST MEMORIES: "My favorite memory was just watching our guests enjoy themselves knowing that they flew thousands of miles across the world to celebrate with us. The love was so real between everyone. You could literally feel the happiness and joy in the air!" - Claire

ADVICE FOR BRIDES: "Hire a wedding planner! Victoria of Victorious Events NYC was amazing! She came on board and hit the ground running. So helpful and full of ideas that were executed well. I don't know what I would have done without her." - Claire

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Alakija Studios

TEXT BY Samuel Naumick