Real Weddings: Kathleen & Dami

Black African American bride Kathleen black groom Dami marriage wedding ceremony reception color palette gold navy champagne mauve multicultural celebration California

Two clever, mutual friends of Kathleen and Dami knew the pair would make a great fit, and they acted as matchmakers, introducing one to the other. The perfect opportunity presented itself when Kathleen was throwing a housewarming party at her new digs. The mutual friends implored Dami to come to the gathering and he was very glad he did, as it led to him meeting the woman who would become his wife. After that night, Dami, who works in supply chain management and possesses an MBA from North Carolina A&T, began pursuing Kathleen on Instagram, and soon the pair were dating. Nearly a year had passed since that party, when Dami was ready to propose to Kathleen, who is a grant maker at a foundation and a current graduate student. The couple were poised to travel to California to celebrate Kathleen’s grandmother’s 90th birthday in 2019. Kathleen suspected that could be a prime chance for a proposal. But Dami threw her off the scent when, a couple of nights before that trip, the couple went to dinner with none other than their dear mutual friends who helped set them up. At an upscale restaurant, during dessert, the waiter brought out a tray of decadent delicacies; a wooden box was placed amidst the desserts. Kathleen was oblivious to the box, she thought it was part of dessert. Dami then dropped down on one knee and proposed. In October of 2020, Kathleen was walked down the aisle by her father before 50 guests on top of a hill overlooking stunning views of San Diego and the ocean. Though the pair did a first look, Kathleen was still teary-eyed when she met her beau at the altar, where they recited hand-written vows. Dami is of Nigerian background, while Kathleen is of Congolese descent. The tradition of spraying money onto the bride and groom was alive and well at the wedding. The couple basked in the money, love and the rich, rusty red of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean on the most amazing night of their lives.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: San Diego, CA

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: lush, romantic, bold

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: At a private home

MENU: Appetizers of beef satay with peanut sauce, vegetable spring rolls and bruschetta. Dinner consisted of a salad, pan seared salmon, french chicken, rice pilaf and vegetable medley. Signature drinks included a whiskey with apple cider, lemon and holiday spice, and a tequila, orange juice, pineapple, lime and cherry syrup cocktail.

DESSERT: Cake of strawberry lemon, red velvet and apple layers

FIRST DANCE SONG: “‘Til Death Do Us Part” by Brian Nhira

SPECIAL FEATURES: multicultural and multi-day celebrations with traditional aspects based on their African backgrounds; mini wine bottles as favors; wedding was held at the private home of family friend of the couple in Rancho Bernardo; customized fiber optic wands that guests used for the couple’s send-off; polaroid guest book; groom wore a custom made ensemble from Nigeria; two wedding gowns

HONEYMOON: Due to the pandemic, the couple took a minimoon to San Francisco and Napa Valley.

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