REAL ENGAGEMENT:: Desmond Borne + Shonathan Merricks {Soul Mates}

November 1, 2020
Jessica Burke
Featured Couples

::AS SEEN IN THE NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Written By: Jessica Burke | Photos: David Williams Photography

Desmond Borne and Shonathan Merricks consider themselves soulmates, but not in the way most people think of that concept. “People think a soul mate is your perfect fit and that’s what everyone wants, but the true soul mate is a mirror: the person who shows you everything what is holding you back; the person who brings it to your attention so you can make a change,” they share.

The two met at a family party in 2015 and became friends. Before long their friendship blossomed into love and Shonathan saw in Desmond a life partner. He proposed to Desmond one night as they were enjoying a movie together at home. “We were watching Madea’s Family Reunion and when the wedding scene of the movie came on, he [Shonathan] asked me to go get a blue blanket from out of the closet and there was the Tiffany and Blue bag in the closet,” shares Desmond. Shonathan got down on one knee and asked his best friend to spend the rest of his life with him. Desmond said “Yes.”

Shonathan and Desmond wear custom masks from EJC Collections by Chad Morris.

The men coordinated their looks for the party with tailored champagne and silver deluxe shawl tuxedos from Tuxedos to Geaux and matching Christian Louboutin shoes. Their photographer, David Williams, captured elegant portraits in the romantic setting.

The engagement party dinner table with modern, elegant candelabra. The couple celebrated their engagement with an opulent dinner party at Le Pavillon Hotel. Their event planner Tenisha Keller of Chocolate Bunnie Events says, “They chose the location because of the character, charm, elegance and the beauty of the chandeliers and let’s not forget the lions that greet you upon your arrival.”

Place setting in silver and gold.

Floating candle detail

The candlelight dinner by Chef Cannon’s Catering was serenaded by T-Ray the Violist.

T-Ray the Violinist performs at Shonathan and Desmond's engagement party.

During the dinner, they presented their guests with customized gift boxes that included lion jewelry for the ladies and hand-rolled cigars (with customized bands designed by Shonathan!) for the men and champagne for everyone.