Real Wedding Wednesdays: Claudete Lima and James Ramsey

On Claudete Lima-Ramsey and James Ramsey’s first date, it was love at first sight … for Claudete’s daughter Ashley, who chaperoned to translate for the couple. Claudete, who speaks Portuguese, and James, who speaks English, were initially set up on a blind date by a mutual friend.

“It was very funny,” Claudete says. “Despite the language barrier and our cultural differences, James and I never gave up investing in our relationship. … Five years later, we decided to unite our lives.”

To do so, the couple created a ceremony that was brimming with personal touches, such as junior bridesmaid Ashley singing her mother’s entrance song. But most memorable, Claudete says, was the couple’s exchange of vows—hers in Portuguese, with a translation accompanying them. The multicultural ceremony featured guest speakers in three different languages.

The Details

Wedding date: Oct. 7, 2018

Wedding colors: Shades of purple

Theme: Rustic

Attendants: Four bridesmaids, four groomsmen, one junior bridesmaid, two flower girls and a ring bearer

Bride wore: Allure Romance gown and a veil from Wendy’s Bridal, shoes from DSW and Swarovski jewelry

Gown preservation: Wendy’s Bridal

Groom wore: Suit rented from Men’s Wearhouse

Rings: Family heirloom engagement ring, wedding bands from Shaw & Son Family Jewelers

Bridesmaids wore: Belsoie gowns from Wendy’s Bridal

Groomsmen wore: Suits rented from Men’s Wearhouse

Rehearsal dinner: Omezzo Italian Restaurant

Ceremony and reception: Tall Timbers Banquet & Conference Center

Cake: Cakes and More

Florist: The Flowerman

Photographer: Hillary Ferguson Photography

Invitations: Minted.com

Reception tunes: Heart Beat Music

First dance: “Lights Down Low” by MAX

Registry: Crate & Barrel

Accommodations: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

Honeymoon: Las Vegas