Monique and Khari's Simple Sweet Love

Who says you need to choose just two colors for your wedding day? We love that Monique and Khari incorporated navy, purple, and pink with hints of silver throughout their wedding decor. Scroll down to see more of the DIY touches that kept their wedding day completely unique to them! 

Written by: LaToya Keys of Elle Kay Events:

“Monique and Khari exchanged vows at Carriage Greens Country Club in Darien, IL, in front of friends and family. Monique prides herself in being a simple and beautiful girl and wanted her décor to match her style. Her color palette included navy blue, purple and touches of silver and white. Family is important to both, so it was an honor to have Monique’s uncle officiant their wedding. Khari’s cousin provided the tying of God’s Knot during the ceremony, a symbolism joining of one man and one woman by God into a marriage relationship.

For Monique, budget and cost meant everything. She eliminated some expenses by completing a lot of DIY projects. She created her centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres and ceremony decor. She also worked with her close friend who is a graphic designer to create all of her stationery needs - save the date, rehearsal dinner invite, wedding invitation and day of items. Monique also purchased her dress from a clearance sale at Eva's Bridal in Oak Lawn. For the items that matter the most to her she decided to spend more money on - make up, photographer, and video.

Monique and Khari work for the same organization, but in different fields and departments. While the scope of their roles allowed for "happen-stance" interactions, Monique never knew Khari had noticed her for months. Khari saw Monique had a ticket open for PC assistance, and went outside of his role to be sure he was the one to help her. After the visit to remove Monique’s computer, Khari gave Monique a call to confirm things were still working smoothly. He easily transitioned into asking her if she was seeing someone, of which Monique expressed her desire to hold off on dating until her son, Mason, was older. Khari heard and understood, but still asked her to give him a chance. Monique's church was having campaign, to invite others to church. As Khari was looking for a church home, it was natural for church to be their first outing, and Khari's first screening by "the girls". After 14 months of dating Khari knew that he wanted to propose. Monique had a business trip to Orlando during the exact week Khari wanted to propose. Khari's first plan for hot air balloon proposal fell through because of weather. However with the help of the hotel and restaurant staff, Khari decided to propose in front of the Orlando Eye Ferris wheel, equivalent to Chicago's Navy Pier.”

Vendors:
Venue: Carriage Greens Country Club
Event Planner: LaToya Keys of Elle Kay Events 
Photographer: Dare 2 B Productions 
Wedding Dress Store: Eva’s Bridal Oak Lawn
Groom Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: My Sweet Nouveau
Paper Goods: B Davis Designs
Florals: DIY - Bride
Videographer: Modern Weddings Film
DJ: DJ B Man
Hair: Style Seat
Makeup: Danielle Rochon Makeup