Edourard knew after first meeting the young, beautiful doctor that she was The One. Not only did they share the same aspiration of becoming emergency medicine physicians, but there was so much more about Ludmilla that made him swoon. “Her commitment to family, compassion, sense of humor, and intelligence were a package I couldn’t live without,” the groom muses. Within a year of dating, Edouard made dinner plans with Ludmilla’s family in Baltimore to ask for her hand in marriage, to which they happily obliged.

With a guest list of 200 friends and family, the bride and groom planned their special day over the course of 10 months. “It was surprising to learn there are periods where you are extremely busy planning and then periods where all you do is wait,” she describes. Ludmilla and Edouard were very grateful to have experienced the process with their loved ones by their side. “Family was so involved especially in terms of the emotional support it takes to plan a wedding. They were so encouraging,” the bride shares.

Unlike most brides-to-be, Ludmilla did not have a specific theme or décor sheme mapped out in her mind; instead she envisioned a soft and romantic ambience showcasing multiple shades of purple (her favorite color), and opted to highlight this in the stationery suite, the bridesmaids’ dresses, and the table design. Because family is so important to both Ludmilla and Edouard, they concentrated on creating an atmosphere that was inviting and fun, incorporating elements from their shared Caribbean background.

Wearing a sophisticated beaded gown with a deep V-neckline and long lace sleeves, Ludmilla arrived at the dock adjacent to their seaside venue to meet her beloved for their “first look.” Edouard wore a smart black tuxedo that complemented the attire of the wedding party and contrasted his bride’s ensemble beautifully. “Standing there waiting to see my wife is a memory I’ll never forget,” the groom describes. “I was excited, anxious, reflective, and ecstatic all in one.”

For the ceremony, two adorable flower girls dressed in fluffy lilac frocks and plum floral wreaths sprinkled flowers down the aisleway. Ludmilla and Edouard exchanged vows in front of a stunning arbor created from a blend of fresh hydrangeas and roses in a pretty pattern of pink, violet, lavender, and ivory. The structure showcased a unique backdrop: the poem “I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman printed in large eggplant-hued font.

The newlyweds gathered with all their loved ones for a scrumptious dinner and a night of revelry. Tablescapes were kept clean and classic, featuring silk-satin purple linens and dark orchid-colored menu cards highlighting the fare. Tall centerpieces were lusciously filled with magenta, mauve, periwinkle, and violet florals. The favored hue also made a lovely appearance in the four-tiered confection boasting hand-painted blossoms.

Since it was important for the couple to share aspects of their culture with everyone in attendance, guests received heart-shaped bottles of cremas, which is a thick, sweet, alcoholic beverage from Haiti, where the couple’s respective families are from. Along with a variety of hip-hop, R&B, and reggae tunes, attendees enjoyed dancing to kompa – Haitian dance music that combines Cuban and African rhythms. “It was so lively,” remembers the groom. “The DJ made sure the dance floor was packed the entire night.”

The reception may have lasted nearly six hours, but the occasion seemed much shorter to Edouard. “As cliché as it may sound, I was surprised by how quickly time passed. I soaked in every moment, yet the day – especially the reception – flew by,” he admits. Ludmilla’s best advice is not to focus so much on outside opinions. “Remember the day is just a day,” she says. “The real reason for celebration is the new life you and your partner are beginning together.”