Evanna & Kaliel

Evanna and Kaliel met through one of their best friends during their sophomore year at the University of Albany. After occasionally running into each other here and there, Kaliel messaged her on Facebook the summer before junior year, and from there, they became close friends. One thing led to another, and a few months later they began dating. Fast forward seven years, they moved to Chicago for Evanna’s emergency medicine residency. Kaliel proposed at the 12th Street Beach right before sunset, with their dog Taro by their side. It was lovely.

Their wedding took place at the Prospect Park Boathouse in Brooklyn - Shortly after we shot our Birdie editorial there!

While Evanna attended medical school in Brooklyn, they created many memories hanging out with friends and family in the park, exploring new areas, and taking their dog for walks. Once they got engaged and learned the Boathouse was a wedding venue, it was a no-brainer. It’s a dream of theirs to move back to the area after she finishes her residency, so they can always walk past where they got married.

“The Boathouse and its location represented a combination of Kaliel’s and my ideal wedding, which is nature with an urban twist. We also wanted to complement the historical yet timeless energy of the venue. We incorporated that by having our color theme represent the colors of fall, similar to the changing leaves on the trees lining the Lullwater Pond across from the Boathouse.”

With an obsession for food and baked goods, they made sure to incorporate Evanna’s Haitian culture with a Haitian cake, and also their love for Brooklyn with a Brooklyn blackout cake! Evanna’s favorite drink, the Mojito, was their signature cocktail accompanied by cocktail napkins with an image of their dog.

“One of my favorite moments was when we went to the second floor of the venue after saying I do. We celebrated with champagne and appetizers, and as we looked around, we noticed our napkins featuring our dog’s face. It suddenly hit us that we had just gotten married—with our dog and families present—in a location that we had always admired from afar.”

“When searching for the perfect dress, I prioritized a supportive bodice and a timeless feel. I saw Bryn on Pinterest and loved its sleeves and intricate beading. Over two days, we visited multiple bridal shops and during my final stop at Lovely Bride NYC I tried on the Bryn, and once seeing it in the mirror, I knew it was the one. I couldn't resist playing with the sleeves! An additional sign was that Alexandra Grecco herself was there, and I was able to meet her while wearing the gown.”

- Real AG Bride Evanna

Photographer: 98 Wedding Co | Videographer: Reel Brooklyn | Retailer: Lovely Bride NYC

Planner + Coordinator: Modern Rebel Co, Brit Pooler | Venue + Caterer: Purslane at the Boathouse, Purslane NYC | Florals: Yellow Bow Florals

Cake: Pip n Bits | Hair + Makeup: The Key Look | Bride + Groom: Evanna, Keliel