LaShena & Whitnee’s Lavish, Lovely and LGBTQ+ Evening
As many great modern romances begin, Whitnee and LaShena’s love story started with a Facebook inbox message. Once they broke the ice and began talking, the two became inseparable.
Both Whitnee and LaShena self- identify as coming from humble beginnings and have worked their way into abundant adulthoods. They wanted their wedding to be a gift to their family and friends, and a testament to their successes. The wedding celebrated their love story, but also allowed the couple to invite their guests to a type of lavish event they’d never been to before. “Our wedding represented what two inner-city LGBTQ girls can do when love is on the menu,” says Whitnee.
The couple wanted their venue to have the rawness and grit of Chicago, but still match their elegant and regal vision. Wildman BT’s exposed brick walls, concrete flooring and polished details fit the bill.
It was no surprise that this stylish couple could have some jaw-dropping wedding attire. Whitnee wore a custom two-piece Esé Azénabor gown, embellished with hand-sewn Swarovski crystals for some extra dazzle. LaShena stunned in an ivory embossed tuxedo jacket with satin emerald lapels and pants. The tuxedo by Miguel Wilson Collection had special customization, as the lining was printed with a collage of the couple’s engagement photos.
Whitnee and LaShena wanted to showcase that luxury weddings aren’t just for celebrities. They can be for anyone, no matter their upbringing, personal style or beliefs. This certainly was a wedding that showcased just that, and did so with a lot of fun.
NUMBER OF WEDDING GUESTS: 150
VENDOR LIST
EVENT PLANNER: Joy Jones Planning & Design Co.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Alvarado, Carasco Associates
VENUE: Wildman BT
OFFICIANT: Ajna Surah
BRIDE’S GOWN: Esé Azénabor
BRIDE’S FORMALWEAR: Miguel Wilson Collection
JEWELRY: Diamonds on Wabash
HAIR: Crissy LaJoy Hair, Mike Moton
MAKEUP: M.A.S. Makeup Artistry, D’Andre Gross, Diamond Hearn
INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: MarryMeMagazines
CALLIGRAPHY: Calligraphy By CT
FLORAL: Brittney Kee Floral Design
LINENS: F&S Linens
PRODUCTION: A Posh Production
CATERING: Edible Passport
CAKE: Flourish Cake Design
ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Storm
TRANSPORTATION: RC Luxury Transportation
VALET: V12 Valet Parking
