We recently interviewed British activist Sharnika Power following her historic wedding at London’s Middle Temple Church, where she and her partner made history as a Black lesbian couple. Sharnika wore the Veni Infantino Bridal gown Ayra, a look that reflected both the significance of the moment and her personal style.
What did it mean to you to celebrate your wedding at Temple Church, knowing the
historic significance of being the first Black lesbian couple to marry there?
My first time at Middle Temple Church was when my mum became a Templar. I will never forget the pride I felt that day, seeing my mum, who had me at just 18, rise to the pinnacle of her field and achieve something so monumental.
Those feelings returned when we wed there as the first Black lesbian couple. I knew
something historic was unfolding, something I hope will inspire generations to believe that their love can be seen, accepted, and celebrated even in the most illustrious of spaces.
For so long, institutions like this have not felt accessible or welcoming to people who look like us or love like we do. To be embraced, witnessed, and celebrated there was not something we took lightly. It was a powerful reminder that love can expand even the most traditional spaces, and that joyful, unapologetic representation truly matters.
In that moment, did you feel the weight of history—or was it purely about love and the person beside you?
We felt true love, unconditional love. Not just our own, but the love of everyone who came to celebrate us, who put preconceived notions of what love and marriage should look like aside. But it was impossible not to feel the weight of history. We felt the weight of the doors that had been pushed open by those who came before us and whose own strength had allowed us this moment. We felt how essential it was to leave that door ajar for future lovers to choose their love, their way, anywhere they choose.
What drew you to Veni Infantino Bridal for such a meaningful day?
What drew me to Veni Infantino Bridal was something I could not quite put my finger on at first. As I was dress hunting in New York, something about her designs immediately connected with me to the point where I stopped looking at any other designers and knew my dream dress would be in her collection. It was not until I found out that she was English that I realized why. In that moment, it clicked. She was a piece of home. Her work brought me comfort, familiarity, and beauty all at once, and I knew that wearing one of her dresses on our wedding day would feel like carrying a piece of that home with me while celebrating the woman I love.
How did the design of your gown make you feel when you first tried it on?
When I first put on my dress, a whole roomful of women can attest to this, I knew
immediately that it was the one. They say when you know, you know, and even though it was probably the tenth dress I had tried on, for the first time I did not care what anyone else thought. I did not need confirmation from my mother or my friends or anyone else. I just knew.
The moment I looked in the mirror, it felt as if the dress had been made for me alone. It fit not just my body but my story. I felt beautiful, powerful, and completely myself all at once. There was a quiet confidence and joy that came with it, a sense that everything about this day, the woman I love, and the life we were building together was perfectly aligned. In that moment, I felt ready to step into our wedding and into our future.
Did you feel your dress reflected both your personal style and the significance of the
occasion?
Yes, and in a way that felt completely natural. It was lacy and regal, with delicate ribbons, a flattering waistline, and a beautifully cut bust. The long, flowing skirt and matching veil made me feel like a princess, and the train was so grand that people had to carry it as it followed behind me perfectly. From the moment I tried it on, I knew it was made for me.
The design connected with me on a deeper level and gave me a sense of confidence and joy that perfectly matched the importance of the day. It carried the feeling of home, the excitement of marrying the woman I love, and the visibility and representation that made our wedding historic. Wearing it, I felt beautiful, powerful, and fully seen.
What details of the gown felt most “you”?
For me, the details that felt most “me” were the elements that highlighted my body and personality. I wanted a dress that accentuated my waist and celebrated my body, and every detail of the gown brought that vision to life. What truly made it feel like mine were the intricate lace patterns and the subtle ribbing, which gave the dress its elegance and artistry.
There was something so regal about it, grand but refined, bold without being over the top. By far, the part that felt most like me was the lace itself, delicate yet striking, a perfect reflection of how I wanted to show up on our wedding day.
What message do you think your gown sends—without saying a word?
I think my dress sends the message that love is in the details. Love was woven into every part of that gown. I could feel the care and dedication in the fabric and see a lifetime of skill that Veni has honed to bring this piece to life. I felt her love for our union when she invited me into her home and shared her vision with me. She does not just make dresses; she creates moments, moments that girls dream of and women remember forever. I will never forget how Veni literally brought my dreams to life.
