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Bridal Bliss: Kindra And Erving Honored Their Dominican And Haitian Roots In A Vibrant Miami Wedding

After a few false starts, the couple finally gave love a real chance and it stuck. They celebrated that connection with dominican appetizers, kremas as keepsakes and more.

REEM PHOTOGRAPHY

By ESSENCE Editors · Updated March 25, 2026

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What’s meant to be will be, ladies and gentlemen. Just ask Kindra and Erving.

The two met when they were in high school back in 2010, sharing a class together and some clear chemistry. It should have been a sure thing.

“We were both dating other people at different times, and the timing was never right,” Kindra recalls. “If I was single, Erving wasn’t, and if I was in a relationship, Erving was single.”

The two remained friends when they began their collegiate journies at different institutions: Kindra at Florida International University, Erving at Florida State University. But they would eventually lose touch. It wasn’t until Erving used an old social media feature to get Kindra’s attention that the two would reconnect in 2021.

“I was curious why he did that because back then, poking someone on Facebook meant you liked them or were interested. I messaged him and asked why he did it, and he immediately started flirting with me,” she says.

Despite Erving’s best attempts, including more messenger flirting before finally exchanging phone numbers, they still hit a wall. At the time, they were both in graduate school and in two different states. “We decided to focus on school and not pursue a relationship,” she says. “We parted ways again.”

Finally, in 2022, Erving made his biggest play yet. He called Kindra and said he wanted to give a chance at love between them a shot. They’d finally found themselves on the same page: single and ready to mingle. “He said his intentions were pure and that he hadn’t stopped thinking about me since we parted ways earlier that year,” says Kindra. “Since then, we’ve both poured into our relationship.”

They’ve also taken their connection the next level. After a proposal in 2024, the couple wed on February 6, 2026 in Miami, infusing both their Haitian and Dominican backgrounds into the day, as well as a theme of timeless elegance. We talked to the lovebirds about their journey to the altar, favorite moments from their big day, and what hopes the newlyweds have for married life in this week’s Bridal Bliss.

REEM PHOTOGRAPHY

How did you know you found your person?

Kindra: I knew I found my person when the thought of being without Erving scared me. When it felt as if I couldn’t live without him. We were alike, yet different in many ways. Our values, mindset, and future visions aligned together and when it did, I knew I found my man.

Erving: I knew I found my person when I couldn’t imagine my life without her. The idea of a future without her felt incomplete. I knew I didn’t want to do life without her. You complete me, babe.

How did the proposal happen and when?

Kindra: Erving proposed to me on August 31, 2024. He told me to get dressed because we were having dinner with his sister. I got dressed but didn’t think this was the moment he would propose. When we arrived at the restaurant, my family and friends were lined up with roses, and each of them handed me one. In that moment, I knew he was getting down on one knee. I was speechless. That was the second-happiest day of my life, the first being when we said, “I do.”

How did you choose your venue? And what was the theme for the ceremony vs. the reception space?

Kindra: We chose our venue based on its unique outdoor area with koi fish and a beautiful wall water fountain, paired with a modern indoor reception space that fit our timeless wedding vision. Our ceremony theme was timeless elegance with an old-money feel, using white, hints of black, and touches of greenery to create a beautiful outdoor setting. For the reception, the theme was timeless with a fun, elevated twist. We kept the classic feel but focused on the guest experience, adding energy and celebration to the night.

What were the personal touches you incorporated that you loved?

Kindra: I’m originally from Haiti, and Erving is from the Dominican Republic. We share the island of Hispaniola and deeply love our cultures. It was important for us to incorporate that into our wedding through meaningful personal touches. From having a Haitian band, Kai, play at our wedding, to serving Dominican appetizers to our guests, and including traditional drinks like Kremas as wedding favors, every detail reflected who we are.

What were your favorite moments from the day?

Kindra: My favorite moment of the day was our first look and seeing Erving in awe, with tears in his eyes, at the sight of me. My heart completely melted. My second-favorite moment was exchanging our vows. The vows weren’t just words on paper; they were our promise to never forsake each other.

Erving: I have numerous favorite moments from the day, but if I had to pick my top 3, it would probably be the first look (it felt like I was being reborn), exchanging the vows I’ve waited so long to say to Kindra, and dancing the night away with all our guests to Kai.

What are you looking forward to most about married life?

Kindra: I’m looking forward to starting our lives together and building a family. I’m most excited to grow old together and create a life that is both fruitful and sacred, with God always at the center of it all.

Erving: What I’m looking forward to most in marriage is building our family and creating memories. Added bonus: Having my own personal taste tester for all the meals I’ll be making for them.

01 A Dream in White

Alonuko Bridal was responsible for the bride’s stunning gown. Others responsible for her showstopping look include celebrity makeup artist Tia Codrington and HCM Luxe on the hair.