Text by Ashley Cates • Photography by Moongate Productions
“How we fell in love” stories are often cute, sweet, and charming. The beginnings of Sherelle and Michiko Campbell’s beautiful relationship, however, are haunting. The couple, who were married on July 29, 2015, have a story with elements that could easily be made into a Nicholas Sparks novel.
Both identical twins and both the firstborn, Sherelle and Michiko grew up in Bermuda, admiring each other from afar. But it wasn’t until mutual friends brought them together in celebration of Michiko and his twin’s 19th birthday that sparks began to fly.
Too nervous to ask each other out on that occasion, the two left the party, each thinking the other was someone they’d be interested in seeing again. Life continued as normal until one tragic event brought them back together again forever.
About one month after the birthday celebration, Michiko lost his twin in a tragic bike accident. Sherelle, who owns a graphic design business called Rellz Hott Graphics, designed a beautiful memoir honoring Michiko’s brother. The collage touched Michiko so deeply that he contacted Sherelle asking if he could show her his appreciation for her kind gesture by taking her on a date. Michiko remembers that first date vividly.
“It was the best night of my life,” Michiko says. “I started having deeper feelings for her because she showed me that she is there for me. She is my rock.”
After a six-year courtship, which survived a period of long distance, the couple was ready to solidify their commitment to one another.
Though a barefoot reception with a walk down a pink sand aisle was planned, weather dictated the reception be moved to Warwick Holiness Church, where Pastor Joseph King officiated.
The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, where Michiko works as chef, was the site for a breathtaking reception. Michiko enjoyed being intimately involved in planning the menu and even helping craft the cuisine.
“We chose the yacht club because it has a unique look with spectacular sunsets,” Michiko says. “The water and the boats in the background made it the perfect location for us.”
Every woman knows selecting the dress is crucial. Sherelle, her twin sister, and her mother went to New York in search of the perfect gown, which they purchased right off the rack at Manhattan boutique Kleinfeld Bridal.
To go along with a spectacular gown, every bride needs help creating her ideal look. Sierra Scraders of Elite Salon and Oneka Trott of O’Faces were the creators of the bride’s hairstyle and makeup, respectively. The couple’s custom rings were designed by Davidrose Jewelry.
Sherelle left the floral details up to Steven Faries, owner of Exclusive Events and Flowers, who she says did a beautiful job.
“They were so easy to work with and let me utilize my skills to make their day special and unique,” Steven says of the couple. “I loved their attitude and how when I asked Sharelle her opinion, she always said ‘Steven you got this. Do your thing, you’re the expert!’”
Sugar Rush Cakes created a cake that coordinated beautifully with the apricot colors in the wedding party’s attire and the centerpieces at the reception.
One of the key elements that was important to the couple was incorporating Michiko’s brother Machai into the wedding. Sherelle chose six bridesmaids, and Michiko had five groomsmen, leaving the best man spot for his brother.
Michiko wrote a best man speech and delivered it as though it were his brother speaking. At the reception, he left a seat next to him empty at the head table. Later in the evening, the couple set off paper lanterns into the sky while the DJ, Twin Starr, played “When I See You Again.”
Moongate Productions was enlisted for photography and videography services. Having a great photographer to capture all the special moments was one of the most important elements for the bride.
When asked if there was anything either would change about their wedding day, the Campbells agree that nothing could have made it more special. They wouldn’t change the weather or the venues, because everything was as it was supposed to be.
“If life could be perfect for just one day, it was the day I married my beautiful wife,” Michiko says.
