Camille & Uchenna share their love story!
Bride: Camille, 32
Groom:Uchenna, 34
Occupations:Camille, director at non-profit organization; Uchenna, attorney
Homebase: New York City
Wedding Date: January 24, 2010
Wedding Location: Westbury Manor, Westbury, New York
High School Sweethearts…sorta: A high school art history class brought newlyweds Camille and Uchenna together. While the two were friendly, there was no budding romance. “I immediately thought she was attractive but we were just friends at that point ,” admits Uchenna. Soon both students headed off to colleges in different parts of the country. Once returning home for grad school, Camille started to wonder how her former art class buddy was doing. “I called a mutual friend for his contact info and we began hanging out from there,” explains Camille. The pair started spending time together frequently and before long, they became more than “just friends”.
To Love and Protect: While dating, the duo realized they had a connection but Camille still had reservations about getting serious. Uchenna was patient but when he headed off to law school on the other side of the country, Camille had a change of heart. She missed Uchenna terribly and called him up to express her feelings. “I was shocked because Camille didn’t believe in long distance relationships,” says Uchenna. The couple made their love official and while courting, Uchenna discovered what was hiding behind Camille’s tough girl facade. “We were sitting in my car in front of her parent’s home and she pointed to their house and said, ‘Those two people in there [referring to her mother and father] are the only people in this world I trust completely,” remembers Uchenna. He adds, “It was at that moment I knew I wanted to make her my wife and protect her.”
Another great product from Cincopa All photography (excluding honeymoon pic) provided by Steven Saldana
Back to Our Roots: When Uchenna (who is Nigerian) decided to propose, he and his family followed the Nigerian tradition of going to Camille’s family home to officially ask for Camille’s hand in marriage. “In lieu of palm wine (Nigerian tradition), Hennessy cognac was poured out to lift up the spirit of the ancestors,” says Camille with a chuckle. Although Camille had a hunch about her Nigerian proposal, she didn’t have a clue about Uchenna’s surprise proposal at their former high school. The crafty Uchenna coordinated an intricate scheme with their alma mater to pop the question to his sweetie in the very halls where they had met over ten years before. Camille was overwhelmed with joy that Uchenna had gone through such great lengths and quickly accepted his thoughtful proposal. “My career was great but I knew I wanted more in life. Uchenna was there all along. It was about me getting ready for him,” she reveals.
Culture Club: The couple chose the sophisticated venue, Westbury Manor located in the Long Island suburb of New York City, for their ceremony and reception. The catering and reception hall has a traditional Western feel but the couple was adamant about incorporating their cultures into the wedding as well. The bride’s good friend and wedding planner Claire Simon helped bring the couple’s vision of their dream wedding day to life. A wonderful time was had by all and now that the dust has settled a bit Uchenna says, “I’m just looking forward to spending my life with Camille.”
Camille’s Budget Bridal Tips for Future Brides:
Seasons Change: The months between May and September are notoriously expensive for weddings. Take this savvy couple’s lead and tie the knot during an off-peak month like January for maximum bang for your bridal buck.
Sunday’s Best: Who says Saturday is the only day to get hitched? Camille and Uchenna jumped the broom on a Sunday afternoon and saved a whooping $20-$30 per person because of it according to Camille’s estimates. Use your savings to cover expenses that mean the most to you and your honey. “I wanted to spend my time, effort and money on the photographer and videographer,” Camille points out.
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Hi Camille,
This is Bridgette’s mother. I have so enjoyed reading your story. You looked so beautiful and everything was absolutely gorgeous. May you and Uchenna have love, happiness, joy, peace, lifelong health forever.
Thank you for the well wishes, Mrs. Bartlett! Bridgette did an amazing job with the story! We are so appreciative of her sincerity and joyfulness that she brought to our wedding day. She did a wonderful job!
What a beautiful story and pictures! However, nothing tops experiencing the real thing in real time!! I had the privilege of spending time with you and Uchenna during this special season in your lives. You two make such an awesome couple!
Wishing you a life overwhelmed with happiness and togetherness!
Camille, May God continue to bless you and Uchenna! Congratulations and I loved every moment of your love story! Your wedding pictures are beautiful!
Congratulation to Camille and Uchenna, I wish you happiness,wealth and good health.As always Bridgette did a beautiful job, You all make us proud. Blessings, Ruth
Great job, Bridgette ! Congrats, Uchenna and Camille ! As your guidance counselor– not that you needed any real guiding— in the high school honors program, I knew you’d soar. Fine young people then and now. I’m thrilled and honored to still know you.
The article, however makes me unhappy, yet again, that I was unable to attend the wedding; but glad I could make the delightful “surprise” (?) shower.
As that old saying goes, “just keep on keepin’ on”. I’m so proud of you and wish you all the “bestest”.
aww… this is soo beautiful. i had a wonderful time at this wedding. it’s so wonderful to see all the special(personal) touches that helped to retain camille’s and chenna’s cultures. im so happy to see you both together. bridgette you did an amazin job capturing this love story. continued blessings!
This apperas to be the Uchenna I went to college with in upstate N.Y. (since they didn’t specify, I will keep mum as well). If you met in an Art History class, we probably went to the same hih school as well. In any case, you both look great, and it looked like a great wedding! Wishing you much happiness!
What a beautiful day that was! Hard to believe that it is nearly a year ago. Please know that you both have been a blessing in my life and that I was honored to be part of your special day. Blessings on you now and “allways”!