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When I understand, I understand.
There are emotions you feel when you meet someone feel right. Amber and Femi know this all too well. From the day they met, they realized this feeling and continued to be guided by it.
The two were in law school at the time, attending different universities, but connected to bring their schools together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Amber slipped into Femi’s girlfriend’s Facebook messages to share ideas, and once they met in person, sparks flew. The two never told each other about this, but now they both say they realized he was right in front of them.
“From the moment I met Femi, I knew he was going to be my husband one day,” Amber told ESSENCE. “I had no idea how he was going to get there, but I always knew he was the one. I just have a feeling. I wish I could articulate it. But you When you know someone knows, what they say is true. I’m really grateful to know what that feels like.”
“We connected instantly,” Femi says. “She felt like she was the one.”
Once Femi confirmed that her feelings were valid, she decided to make things official in 2021. He had planned to pop the question during his couple’s last-minute trip to St. Maarten to take a break from their busy careers. It wasn’t perfectly calculated and planned out to 9 points, but it felt like the time was right and it was perfect. And “that feeling” never led them astray.
“Femi planned a private dinner on the beach with a professional photographer to capture their special moments. It was honestly perfect,” says Amber. She joked that she was completely shocked by the surprise proposal and thankfully her nails were conveniently done to do justice to her engagement ring.
Almost two years after their proposal in the Caribbean, Amber and Femi tied the knot on September 23, 2023 in a spectacular celebration on the sublime and tranquil Lake Como in Italy’s Lombardy region.
Why Lake Como? Of course it was a feeling.
“Like everything else in our relationship, it just felt right. We wanted the whole wedding to be timeless and full of love.” Lake Como covers it thoroughly,” she says.
With the lake and the foothills of the Alps in the background, the sun shining brightly, the couple celebrated their love in an exclusive way at the beautiful palazzo Villa Balbiano. After careful planning, the day ended in an unforgettable way with a fireworks display of cold sparks as Amber and Femi marked the next chapter of their love with a kiss.
“I wish I could put into words how perfect that day was,” Amber says.
See images from the special day captured by REEM Photography and learn how it all came together in this week’s Bridal Bliss.
01
where are my girls?
A cheerful and charming Amber prepares for the ceremony surrounded by her beautiful bridesmaids.
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groom and his friends
A dapper feminist and his supporting groomsmen capture unique photos on his big day.
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dress
Not only is the view of the Alps stunning, but so is the dress with its stunning amber ruffled train.
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04
neutral party
“Black women in neutrals always have a vibe,” Amber says of the rich colors in the bridesmaids’ outfits. “I wanted all of my bridesmaids to feel comfortable and at their best, so I asked them to choose their own dresses with a neutral color palette.” I didn’t follow suit. I wanted everyone to wear something different to emphasize each woman’s individuality. I wanted them to have the hairstyle and makeup that they felt was the most beautiful. I truly believe there is so much beauty in expressing yourself and my girls have perfected it!”
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05
first look
Brides are photographed preparing to reveal themselves to their future husbands in a sweet first meeting moment.
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grateful groom
It’s safe to say that feminists liked what they saw.
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07
view
“The location was literally breathtaking,” Amber says of their chosen venue, Villa Balbiano, and its stunning surroundings. “But more than that, the love that our friends and family showered on us made this place perfect. You can recreate the beautiful backdrop, but the pureness that was felt You can’t recreate real love.”
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Fusion of fashion and art
This pristine landscape includes a unique design approach, with art-loving Amber incorporating a violinist in a white gown. “We decided not to follow traditional wedding norms,” Femi says. “Wearing white to a wedding can be a mistake, so the white dress is our way of subtly communicating that this is our wedding and we’re going to do what we want.”
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09
the bride has arrived
Amber walks arm in arm with her father to meet Femi in front of the altar. Did we mention we’re obsessed with her dress?
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The latest Mr. and Mrs.
When asked about her favorite moment from her “perfect” wedding day, Amber said: “Spending time with Femi in front of all of my loved ones.” Speaking of perfect, this image of the couple after the wedding ceremony is exactly that.
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Favorite feminist moment
“I tried to pick one moment, but it just wasn’t possible. The whole day was perfect, and my family and friends came and shared their love and celebrated with me, so I can’t pick just one moment.” he says. “It still feels surreal when I think about that experience and look at the pictures.”
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decoration details
When it comes to decorating your outdoor wedding on Lake Como, there’s no better place than the Italian Alps. But wedding planners Kia Marie of Kia Marie Events and Tina Oksanen of My Choice Events certainly came up with a way to wow with mini chandeliers and nature. “We wanted something elevated and timeless. Of course, an outdoor wedding limits lighting, especially on a lake. The chandelier added the perfect touch of luxury and functionality.” says Amber.
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13
What a catch
Amber was photographed giving flowers to guests as they partied in the evening.
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Let’s have a toast!
A lot happens in one shot, and it’s all beautiful.After Amber changes, the couple kisses as cold sparks go off. meanwhile Pour the champagne into the coupe glass tower. amazing.
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amber and feminist forever
“I wish I could put into words how perfect that day was,” Amber says. “there was So There was so much love in one space, and the energy was insane. It was magical to experience it with the people we love most. ”
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vendor
Planning/Design: @kiamarievents
Local planner: @mychoice_events
Photos: @photosbyreem
Video shoot: @bridgescinema
Venue: @villa_balbiano
DJ: @djobiondeck and @deejaycommando
MC: @officiallyk10
Moderator: @comolakecelebrant