Celine & Shawn’s Enchanting Ballroom Wedding

Celine and Shawn knew they had something special when they met for a second time at a work event. At first, the conversation was business-related. But as they veered into other topics, they both realized they had an intense connection. Five years later, Shawn proposed on New Year’s Eve, and the couple officially tied the knot in May 2021.

It was important to them that their wedding was true to who they are, so Celine and Shawn blended traditional and modern elements — like a Cord, Veil and Coin ceremony that’s traditional in Filipino weddings, and jumping the broom, which is customary in African cultures. Some of the other personal touches were subtle, like the champagne theme that appeared within their wedding colors, party favors and couple’s hashtag, but it “made the day feel like it was truly ours and no one else’s,” Celine says.

To make sure their day felt even more intimate, Shawn and Celine decided to have a private first look so they could spend some time together before the festivities began. “Exchanging our own vows was another one of the highlights of our wedding,” Celine says. “It allowed us to bring our full selves to the ceremony.”

As the day went on, two DJs kept the energy lively, and the ballroom dance floor was busy the entire night. Shawn DJ’s in his free time, so having a great one at the wedding was on his list of must-haves. Celine’s advice is to prioritize things that are important to you. “Don’t worry about what you’re ‘supposed’ to spend on,” Celine says. “Put your money into the things that bring you the most joy.”

NUMBER OF WEDDING GUESTS: 127

VENDOR LIST

EVENT PLANNER: Truly Ewers Events
PHOTOGRAPHER: Fotos by Fola/Afolabi Sogunro
VIDEOGRAPHER: Iris Films
VENUE: The Georgian Terrace
ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING RINGS: Sheryl Jones Jewelry
BRIDE’S GOWN: Anne Barge via Kleinfeld Bridal
BRIDE’S SHOES: Dolce & Gabbana
FORMALWEAR: Connaisseur Paris
GROOM’S SHOES: Santoni
GROOM’S CUFFLINKS: Ferragamo
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Alfred Sung
HAIR & MAKEUP: Alee Artistry & Ashley Green
INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: Minted & Taylored Design Company
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Ornate Events
CAKE & SWEETS: The Frosted Pumpkin
ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Cosi & Emcee DJ Dane