1. Real Weddings

An African-Inspired Wedding at Summerour Studio in Atlanta, Georgia

A distance of over 8,000 miles wasn't enough to keep Whitney Snell (29 and fundraising consultant) and Patrick Omondi (28 and a special education teac

A distance of over 8,000 miles wasn't enough to keep Whitney Snell (29 and fundraising consultant) and Patrick Omondi (28 and a special education teacher) apart when the two strangers first met in Kenya while working at a non-profit. After the two spent a summer bonding over Scrabble and Tusker beer,  Whitney returned home to Atlanta and the two began dating long distance. "We should really get an endorsement deal from WhatsApp or Skype," Whitney jokes. Two years later, she returned to Patrick's home in Kisumu, Kenya, where Patrick popped the question on the patio of their favorite restaurant. "We were committed to blending our Kenyan and American cultures and seeing it all come together in a unique way," Whitney says of tying the knot in the Tuscan-inspired courtyard at Atlanta's Summerour Studio. For her walk down the aisle, Whitney donned a classic, lace Allure gown complete with crystal beading that she accessorized with a family heirloom veil and custom headpiece made of Kenyan fabric. Tropical-inspired arrangements included a lush mix of orchids, flax leaves, lily grass and pin cushion proteas, while a one-of-a-kind chandelier made from giant monstera leaves and date branch clusters hung from the ceiling. As a nod to the groom's African heritage, swaths of Kenyan fabric adorned ceremony chairs, and Patrick honored the Kenyan tradition of placing the signed marriage certificate in his pocket. String lights illuminated the window-lined reception space, where antique lanterns, driftwood and Kenyan kitenge cloth topped each tablescape. "We wanted our wedding to be an epic celebration since we were finally living on the same continent," Whitney says. "We knew we wanted bright colors, loud music, an open bar and a packed dance floor."—Caroline Eubanks

Whitney accessorized her lace, trumpet-style sheath with BHLDN earrings, a family heirloom veil and custom hairpiece made of Kenyan fabric.
Whitney's beautiful bouquet included pin cushion proteas, orchids, roses, gloriosa lilies, flax leaves, lily grass and monestera leaves. The stems were wrapped in kitenge fabric.
Patrick and his groomsmen wore JCPenney suits. He added a custom cravat from Kenyan fabric; they wore pocket squares of the same fabric.
Whitney wore an Allure lace trumpet-style gown with contour straps and Swarovski crystal beading around the neckline for the occasion.
When Whitney visited Patrick's hometown for Christmas 2014, he proposed with a beautiful tanzanite and diamond ring at their favorite restaurant.
Whitney's veil was a family heirloom, which was made more special by a custom hairpiece made from Kenyan fabric. She accessorized with BHLDN earrings and Benjamin Adams London wedge sandals.
The distance between Atlanta and Nairobi, Kenya, couldn't keep Whitney and Patrick apart, with the help of Skype and WhatsApp. After their engagement, they started the long paperwork process, so he could join her in America. The long wait made their reunion that much sweeter.
Whitney accessorized her lace, trumpet-style sheath with BHLDN earrings, a family heirloom veil and custom hairpiece made of Kenyan fabric.
The ceremony took place in the courtyard at Summerour Studio in Atlanta, Georgia, with the fall leaves accenting the bright colors of the Kenyan fabric tied into the chairs in the aisle.
Whitney's bridesmaids wore Ann Taylor satin jersey open-back gowns with faux-leather detailing along with the same custom hairpieces using Kenyan cloth, created by Songbird Glory. They also carried similarly bright bouquets.
Whitney and Patrick's ceremony was special because of their family's involvement. Whitney's father walked her down the aisle and later performed some of the music for the ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the courtyard at Summerour Studio in Atlanta, Georgia, with the fall leaves accenting the bright colors of the Kenyan fabric tied into the chairs in the aisle.
Among the traditions Whitney and Patrick used in their ceremony was raising hands high as they exchanged rings. Patrick was also handed the signed marriage certificate to place in his pocket.
The head table featured a table runner of Kenyan fabric and an exotic 10-foot chandelier overhead, made of gnarled driftwood, giant monstera leaves, giant elephant ear leaves and date branch clusters.
Whitney and Patrick danced their first song to “Come Rain or Come Shine” by Ray Charles, which is a fitting selection based on their long-distance relationship and visa ordeals.
Tropical-inspired arrangements included a lush mix of orchids, flax leaves, lily grass and pin cushion proteas, while a one-of-a-kind chandelier made from giant monstera leaves and date branch clusters hung from the ceiling
Instead of the more traditional tiered fondant variety, Whitney and Patrick opted for assorted Bundt cakes from Wright’s Gourmet.
In addition to bundt cakes, the menu included a mixture of Southern American and Kenyan dishes to suit the guests.
Antique metal and glass lanterns hung from the chandelier above the head table. A collection of different-size vine sphere lights and Edison light spheres hung over the dance floor, where guests danced into the night.
A globe at the reception showed the distance between Whitney and Patrick before they finally reunited, got married and settled down in Atlanta. Additional decor included string lights and a mixture of driftwood, lush foliage, antiqued lanterns, Kenyan kitenge cloth, and hundreds of candles. Each table featured the same Kenyan fabric as a table runner.
Family and friends gathered around Whitney and Patrick for their exit as they started their new life together.