Gabrielle & Ricardo
The Meet Cute : Gabrielle , a Mississippi native , and Ricardo , a Massachusetts guy , fell in love with one another far from home , having first met while on a job in the emergency room of a Wichita , Kansas hospital .
The Engagement : Three years into their relationship , Ricardo planned a proposal for the ages . The feat included a surprise trip to the City of Love , a . k . a . Paris , France , and a romantic question popping in front of the Mona Lisa ’ s legendary smize .
The Process : Like many brides before her , Gabrielle didn ’ t particularly enjoy having to keep track of and manage all the different vendors throughout planning , but in the end , it was all worth it . “ My favorite part was seeing it all come together ,” she says .
The Venue : Gabrielle had a clear aesthetic in mind from day one . “ I knew I wanted the wedding to have a romantic greenhouse effect ,” she says . “ The Botanical Center ’ s gardens are beautiful , and we knew it was the perfect location for what we had envisioned .” This included a cocktail space covered with beguiling flora as well as a reception tent embellished with dreamy drapery and glittering gold accents .
The Ceremony : The best parts ? The couple say it ’ s a tie between Gabrielle ’ s grand entrance ( involving a classy white limousine and a long red carpet ) and officiant Dr . Rev Soliny Vedrine ’ s comedic approach to the formalities .
The First Dance : Gabrielle and Ricardo ’ s first spin on the dance floor as man and wife was set to “ Is This Love ” by Allen Stone . The newlyweds were taken by its beautiful lyrics and meaning , saying that it truly embodies the love they share .
The Hiccup : “ The capacity was an issue ,” Gabrielle says . “ We originally wanted our ceremony to be inside the Botanical Gardens , but due to seating limits , we had to move it outdoors .” No harm , no foul , though : they were still able to wed within Roger Williams Park at the grounds ’ equally stunning Temple to Music ( and instead save the beauty of the Botanical Gardens for later on !).
The Highlights : “ Mine were seeing Gabbi for the first look at the State House and the first dance .” — Ricardo “ My favorite moment was the first look .” — Gabrielle
The Advice : “ Slow down and enjoy every moment during the big day because the time passes by quickly ,” Gabrielle says . “ Also , take as many photos as you can with your guests .”
102 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2022