#BrooklynNtheBronx 2014…

Chivonne Henriques and Alvin Dike first met during Chivonne’s clinical internship. She was in her final year of grad school and he was a newly minted graduate. They bonded immediately. In between tending to patients, they discussed life as young and ambitious black professionals and their passion for physical therapy. Non-stop laughter and inside jokes soon blossomed from merely a work relationship into a friendship.

Alvin began inviting Chivonne to social events. Jogging in Central Park, walks after work, and relishing iconic Big Apple food ensued.

Then Alvin invited Chivonne out to Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem. “I’m a true Brooklyn girl. I didn’t venture into Harlem often. So I thought to myself, I must like this man if I am driving all the way out to Harlem in the dead of winter,” Chivonne tells Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

Alvin pulled out all the stops. They had the best time cracking jokes and dancing to reggae and afro beats. They shared their first kiss that night, and for months pretended as if it never happened.

Yet, they could not deny the feelings they had for one another. They earned the title of dynamic duo as co-workers began picking up on their energy.

“We were blushing nonstop!”Chivonne remembers.

The friendship had blossomed into love.

Still, they resisted. But after spending some time apart, they realised that they would be amazing together. They started travelling the world as partners and creating lifelong memories.

The proposal

Throughout their relationship Alvin and Chivonne made time for one another every Saturday by going to the gym and having a date day afterwards. The pandemic halted this routine, but they were slowly able to resume this ritual.

The day was Saturday, December 18, 2021. They went to the gym as usual; Chivonne knew they would be going someplace afterwards but Alvin kept the details of the day a secret. He had planned a surprise date at Fotografiska New York. They walked through the museum and finally, on the top floor, there were Champagne and flowers. “At first, I thought Alvin was just reflecting aloud about the sweet things of our relationship, but then I realised what was happening,” says Chivonne. Alvin jokingly admits he Googled what knee to get down on. It was a magical moment! And of course, she said yes.

#CHIVnALmeantTOb2023

“We live in the States but Jamaica is my favourite place on earth. I am of Jamaican descent with parents from Kingston. Alvin and I visited a few times before getting married and wanted to curate a weekend in a beautiful place that had meaning for us,” Chivonne tells TSV.

The New Yorkers wed at Wharf House, a beautifully restored 18th century property in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Saturday, February 4, 2024. “We chose Wharf House because it had a rustic quaint vibe with a mix of a garden, ruins, and a seaside view. Perfect aesthetic!” gushes the bride.

The ceremony was officiated by Richard Balds.

“We hired a wedding planner Anthonett from Beautiful Creations. She was amazing and a pleasure to work with. She helped us find our venue and introduced us to our vendors (food, cake, coconuts, make-up artists, hairstylist).

“I wore two dresses that evening. First, a traditional white dress by Martina Liana.

“I felt absolutely beautiful in this dress. I didn’t want to take it off. My only regret is that I only wore it once,” explains Chivonne. “The shape and fit of the dress made me feel a combination of sexy, beautiful, and classy. It had a detailed sweetheart neckline transitioning into a silk midsection and then trumpet bottom to accent curves…

#JERKnJOLLOF

… I then changed into a traditional dress to represent my husband’s Igbo Nigerian culture. This dress was custom made by Bara Thiam in NYC. Thiam and I designed the dress together.

“I was ready to party! I did not leave the dance floor.

“The cake was done by Leanne Cooke.

“Black cake was made and boxed by my aunty Dorrel in Florida.

“Both cakes were on point!!

After dinner — a mix of Jamaican and Nigerian cuisine — the reception started off with a traditional Nigerian entrance. “We included our extended family and friends in this part of our wedding. They danced into the reception wearing traditional Nigerian clothing to celebrate us. We called them the “I Do Crew”. Ladies wore burnt orange dresses, Gents wore tan Nigerian Senator clothing. Mother of the bride and mother of the groom wore bright pink. Father of the bride and father of the groom wore wine red.

Saxophonist Verlando Small created a romantic vibe.

For the first dance Small did a rendition of Spend My Life With You by Eric Benét (featuring Tamia). They then upped the ante with Sungba Remix by Asake and Burna Boy, then started the party with Ding Dong’s Bounce.

“Our DJ and MC was Jason from Big J Entertainment. He was amazing! We wanted a big energy reception and it was just that. He kept the energy high and people dancing all night,” said Chivonne.

The couple honeymooned in Jamaica.

“A few nights in Negril and a few nights on the south coast,” says Chivonne.