Keturah Carr and Randolph Benjamin first connected on Hinge, and just 13 months later while on holiday in Peru, Randolph proposed. Amid the glow of the chandeliers at Astrid y Gastón, he got down on one knee.
“We decided that we wanted to get married in Virginia, away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, where we and most of Keturah’s family live,” Randy explains. And, when the pair came across The Hidden Oaks, they were drawn to its modern greenhouse design. As for the aesthetic, the bride aimed to bring a specific destination to the day. “We both enjoy travel and Randy is from the island of Dominica,” she notes. “It was only right that we took our guests on the trip of a lifetime—or night—across various tropical islands through our reception experience.”
Jamésa Alexander of Jayne Heir expertly oversaw every detail throughout the weekend, while Terri Baskin was behind the lens, capturing every moment on camera.
“I had the hardest time finding a wedding dress that felt authentic to my style and personality,” Keturah admits. Jamésa suggested she look to custom with Jean-Ralph Thurin. “After meeting with Jean-Ralph, we were able to nail down a design that matched me perfectly,” she says. “It was a pleasure working with him and his wife for six months until my dream dress became a reality.” For her beauty look, the bride envisioned Hollywood waves. “It was a pleasure working with Nana Tiwaa of NAVA NOAM to find the perfect style.”
On the day-of, Randy donned a printed double-breasted tuxedo topped with a pearl lapel pin, and bridesmaids wore styles by Moda Glam in emerald green.
On November 25, 2023, the brisk Virginia weather set the scene, but the warmth of the occasion carried everyone through. “Honestly, the temperature was the only thing that kept us from thinking the ceremony was just one long dream,” Keturah shares. “I was so nervous walking across the long bridge from The Hidden Oaks bridal cottage to the outdoor ceremony. It felt like a week passed by before meeting Randy at the altar. Once I got to the altar, it felt like Randy and I were the only ones there, even though we had more than 150 guests in attendance.” After exchanging vows, the newlyweds made their way back up the aisle, greeted by applause and cheers from their loved ones.
At the reception, a Caribbean-inspired meal was served family-style, paired with his-and-hers tropical cocktails. Entertainment was led by IET Band, accompanied by a steelpan musician who furthered the tropical feel. Keturah and Randy shared their first dance to Eric Benet’s “Spend My Life With You,” and heartfelt toasts were delivered by the best men and maids of honor. DJ Woods took over, keeping guests on their feet well into the night.
As for their honeymoon, the newlyweds traveled to South Africa, starting with a game reserve in Mossel Bay. From there, they drove along the Garden Route, with stops in Kenya for wine tasting in Stellenbosch and fine dining in Cape Town. The trip ended in Mauritius, where they took time to relax and reflect on their wedding day.
