After connecting on the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel in 2019, Karla and Nyasha found that conversation flowed easily when they met in person. Three years later, Nyasha proposed at dinner during a trip to New York City for the Fourth of July.
Their August wedding at Gaylord National along the Potomac intertwined their two cultures, they say—Karla is Haitian American and Nyasha is from Zimbabwe. A Haitian emcee presided at the reception, and the bridal party entered waving flags from each country. The couple also choreographed their first dance to songs from both places. For the nuptials, Karla says she wanted a regal look with a statement dress, earrings, and crown; Nyasha chose a classic suit with an ivory jacket and gold chain to complement the day’s aesthetic, which featured shades of white and ivory throughout—from the suspended floral installation at the ceremony to the various lavish white-and-gold reception-table designs. The most memorable part of the day for the newlyweds? Greeting guests at the reception with an entrance to Burna Boy’s “Ye” and being introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Mandima.
The Details
Planning and design: Parker Gills Events
Florist: Lady Victoria Designs
Caterer and cake: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Hairstylist: Hair By MicDiva
Makeup artist: Makeup by Pnang (bride); IndigoChanel Makeup; Shannie on the Beat
Bride’s attire: Élysée Bridal from Elegance by Roya
Groom’s attire: Indochino
Bridesmaids’ attire: ChicSew
Groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Entertainment: Zoe Poze (emcee); DJ Max Powers
Videographer: Final Shot Media
Choreographer: Ba Yo Konpa
This wedding originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of Washingtonian.
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
