Fashion meets an Old World setting in a wedding celebration fit for royalty.
Two hundred guests gathered at Villa del Sol d’Oro in Sierra Madre, California to witness Kristopher and Tertulien tie the knot, where their spirituality and cultural integrations met high fashion attire and glamorous details, or, in their words, “South of France meets the Met Gala. The fashion—Fancy AF.”
CEREMONY
The venue’s European-inspired architecture and gardens were certainly giving South of France. As guests arrived, they walked a rainbow carpet with photographers taking photos, paparazzi-style. The VIP experience continued as they entered the cypress-flanked ceremony site, where they were anointed with essential oils to prepare for the ceremony. Haitian singer Riva Nyri Precil performed, calling upon angels and ancestors through her singing bowl.
The aisle itself was runway-inspired, very fitting for these fashion-forward grooms, whose four outfits of the day were all designed by Tertulien.
Tertulien gave nods to both his spiritualism and Haitian roots in the details of his show-stopping embroidered opera coat, featuring a design representing the Haitian goddess of love and a peacock motif for his animal totem on the train. Kris’s ceremonial look was a twist on a classic Scottish Highland formal dress, consisting of a white kilt and Prince Charlie jacket.
“Walking down the aisle and seeing our friends and loved ones had to be the most moving moment because the love and support you feel from everyone is absolutely palpable,” says Tertulien. “I could not keep it together at all walking down the aisles. Tears of joy overflowing.”
Underneath the massive floral arch, the grooms performed an ancestral candle ceremony followed by a unity candle ceremony before exchanging personal vows. As a finale, Tertulien sang an original song to his beloved titled, “It Had Always Been You.”
RECEPTION
For the reception, the handsome husbands did a quick costume change: Kris wore a Prince Charming morning coat with gold embroidery, and Tertulian changed into a double-breasted suit with asymmetrical floral embroidery.
The pink and gold details from their outfits continued into the regal reception design, with tables topped in emerald velvet linens and gold chargers, and shades-of-pink centerpieces featuring roses, star gazer lilies and wisteria anchoring the tablescape. “We wanted the decor to be elegant but still masculine,” explains Tertulien.
After dinner, their DJ spun everything from Haitian music, to 90s hip-hop and R&B, and Kris, who is a stand-up comedian, even performed a set during the reception.
In lieu of a traditional cake, the grooms opted for rum cake balls by a Haitian bakery in Brooklyn, presented in a croquembouche-style tower, which were a hit with guests.
As guests left, they were given custom dyed, hand-poured aromatherapy candles, scented with sweet orange, bergamot, rosewood leaf, and pink grapefruit, crafted by Kris in gold tin vessels emblazoned with the grooms’ wax seal insignia.
With every symbolic detail, Kris and Tertulien’s wedding beautifully told their heritages and love story and brought guests on a journey that will continue for years to come.
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**This article was originally featured in Love Inc. V9 print issue. Buy your copy here.**
