“This story is about a couple who met on a bar … (and yes, you read that correctly, not just at a bar…but on a bar). One Saturday evening, December 13th, 2008, to be exact, Annie and Baraka were both in attendance of a Christmas Party in Manhattan hosted by a mutual friend, Kathleen “KT” Sodano, Annie’s Hopkins soccer teammate and sorority sister and Baraka’s co-worker at Stone Tower, his employer at the time. She introduced the two; they exchanged pleasantries and continued on their merry way spreading the holiday cheer with the other revelers. Only a short time later they were reunited from opposite sides of the room, ascending to the mahogany stage. And when he moved, she moved… just like that…a friendship was born as a result of a dance-off to a not-so-Holiday-themed Ludacris song.

Baraka and Annie’s relationship started as common attendees at occasional social gatherings for mutual friends, and eventually evolved into the two becoming good friends requesting (and enjoying) the pleasure of each other’s company at their own respective birthday celebrations, fundraisers, happy hours and “epic events” (The Annual Booze Cruise, The BOOORAKA Halloween Party, The Valentine’s Day Power Hour, Summer SLAMagansett, and The Far Hills Hunt… just to name a few).

Noting their many common interests: traveling, ‘singing’ karaoke, dogs, summers at the beach, brunch, bourbon, craft beer, 90s jamz, 90s sitcoms, watching sports (“Let’s Go Yankees!” and “Go Big Blue!”), playing intramural sports aaand sometimes taking intramural sports a little too seriously, the two realized that they shared the prevailing sentiment that life has too much to offer to not have fun. The more time they spent together, and as their conversations became more in depth, their bond was further strengthened by the mutual regard and value they placed their respective careers, charitable causes, friendships, and most importantly, family.

One spring afternoon, Annie received a call at work. A deep, melodious, but very familiar voice greeted her on the other line – it was Baraka! He was seeking her professional expertise as he was in the market for a new job. Annie, as always, was eager and excited to help; she offered him valuable interview tips and coached him through the recruiting process. Given the fact that she specialized in recruiting for legal and compliance jobs, Baraka also inquired if she knew of any clients with open positions that she thought he would be a good candidate for… which she did. But unbeknownst to either of them, she also was interviewing him for another very special position and he was in the recruitment process for the opportunity of a lifetime…”

Aren’t they fun? Andrea and Baraka, we loved being a part of your day. Thanks for inviting us to be a part of the celebration. Be sure to check out all the highlights below!

Vendors:

Prep and First Look Location: Gurney’s Newport
Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

Check out some of our other Newport weddings on the blog right here: Jillian & Thomas | Lea & Travis | Tia & Michael | Ashley & Nick