The Ride of a Lifetime
After seeing the same pretty brunette on the subway for four consecutive days, Raheem Brown decided to approach her and strike up a conversation. Upon exiting the train, the pair’s friendly banter led to taking a walk together – and a significant realization for the attractive young woman. “In that short time,” claims Tricia Smith, “I knew that he would be mine forever.” After several years together, Tricia’s inkling was confirmed when Raheem romantically proposed during a drive down Park Avenue.
Once the size of the wedding had been decided upon, Tricia and Raheem searched for a reception space that could be easily transformed to reflect their personal style. “I didn’t want to worry about covering up gaudy wallpaper, garish chandeliers, or unattractive carpet,” admits the bride. A loft space that overlooked the Hudson River provided just the type of venue the couple had envisioned. Placing an emphasis on the décor aspects of the fete, Tricia decided upon an eye-catching color arrangement of chocolate brown accented with punchy oranges and pinks. “I wanted a vivid fall scheme with bursts of bright colors,” she asserts.
The couple’s Christian ceremony took place in a beautiful church that boasted magnificent vaulted ceilings and spiritual-related details hidden throughout the interior. Bright pink fabric fastened with fuchsia and orange ribbons adorned the seating, and candlelight lit the sanctuary with a warm glow. At the conclusion of the traditional vow exchange (and following their first kiss as man and wife), Raheem and Tricia joyfully observed the African-American ritual of jumping the broom. “I was so proud to sign the marriage certificate, so excited to be Raheem’s wife,” says the bride of making it all official. “All I kept thinking was, ‘We made it! God is good!’”
Reception tables were draped in rich brown linens and embellished with one of two beautiful centerpieces: a custom made lamp with lush florals along the base; or a gold stand cradling a mix of pink and orange flowers. Richly colored peonies, roses, and ruffled hydrangeas stood in striking contrast to gold pillar candles. The bride was particularly proud of the carefully selected dinner that was served to attendees. “Our menu was a reflection of our favorite foods,” she explains, “dishes that are usually prepared by our families.” First, guests were served their choice of crab cakes over arugula with black-eyed pea vinaigrette, or a delicious classic Creole gumbo over rice. Next, an impressive selection of entrees was offered, such as slow-roasted Cornish hen with garlic potatoes; bourbon-marinated brisket with five-cheese macaroni and cheese; and Cajun blackened catfish in shrimp and cream sauce accompanied by sweet potato whip. Slices of a four layer wedding cake iced in metallic gold fondant with hot pink accents were passed as a conclusion to the meal. A groom’s cake fashioned in the shape of a New York City subway car was also on hand in honor of the way that the couple first met. “It was a surprise to me from my wife – and I loved it,” remarks Raheem.
The couple’s special day represented their united personalities just as they had hoped: “The wedding details, the colors, the music, the entire wedding said ‘Tricia and Raheem!’” exclaims the bride. The groom was especially boastful of the musical selections used for the evening’s dancing, chiefly the song that was used for the couple’s first dance. A version of “You’re All I Need” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell remixed to Method Man and Mary J. Blige, the song “was so us, so New York,” says Raheem. The bride and groom were proud of their attention to the fine points. “I wanted us to tell a story, and we did,” Tricia says. “The love was in the details!”
