Featured in MunaLuchi Bridal Magazine, Issue No. 27, college sweethearts say “I do” in a timeless and classy wedding in New York – and it all started with a pair of Jordans!
Did you know that your shoes are the first thing people subconsciously notice about you? For college sweethearts, Jayda and Reaven, a pair of Jordans played a key part in their love story. Although they lived in the same freshman dorms at Johnson & Wales University, they didn’t meet until a few weeks into the school year when they first noticed each other while waiting to catch a shuttle for a “Thirsty Thursday” event. Jayda was first attracted to Reaven because “he was tall, handsome, and had on a pair of Jordan 12s.”
Of course, the stylish shoe choice was just one of many things that drew them to each other. They chatted all the way to the event but once they arrived, went their separate ways. Fate and Jordans would bring them together again. The very next day, they just so happened to attend the same house party! “We danced the night away and have been inseparable ever since.”
The pair’s love is truly palpable and their classy and timeless wedding showcased their beautiful energy. Recounting the day, Photographer Kesha Lambert, shares: “These college sweethearts didn’t even let an impending hurricane stop them from saying “I do.” Heartfelt vows, stunning decor, and a packed dance floor were the perfect recipe for an amazing celebration.”
More sweet details below!
- Couple: Jayda Lanclos & Reaven Hills
- Occupations: Project Accountant & Chef
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: August 22, 2021
- Wedding location: Surf Club on the Sound, New Rochelle, NY
- Music: Reaven and I love to dance and our family and friends love to party! We told our DJ, MikeMusic, that we wanted to hear old school and new school hip hop, trap music, reggae, go-go, salsa – a little bit of everything – and he definitely delivered!
- Ceremony entrance song: “I’m Sure It’s You” by Sheela Marie
- First dance song: “This Very Moment” by K-Ci & JoJo
The bride…
How they met…
Reaven and I met freshman year of college at Johnson & Wales University. Although we lived in the same dorm, we hadn’t met each other until a few weeks into the school year. We noticed each other at the bus stop waiting to catch the shuttle downtown for a “Thirsty Thursday” event. What attracted me to him was that he was tall, handsome, and had on a pair of Jordan 12s. We chatted on our way there and once we got to our stop we went our separate ways. The very next day, we happened to attend the same house party. We danced the night away and have been inseparable ever since. The rest is history!
The dress…
The groom…
The proposal…
Reaven proposed to me at our favorite steakhouse, Ocean Prime, in Washington, DC. I was already planning a full weekend of events to celebrate my mother’s birthday since she, my sister, and my uncle were traveling into town. It happened to also be restaurant week so I told her how much Reaven and I loved Ocean Prime and wanted to take her there for her birthday dinner. I made reservations for us, but little did I know that Reaven had made plans of his own!
I treated my mom to some pampering – we went to get our nails done and then we got all dolled up for the birthday celebration – everything worked out in Reaven’s favor since he didn’t have to convince me to do these things. We all enjoyed dinner and right before dessert was served our waitress brought out the champagne. I didn’t think anything of it because we were celebrating my mom’s birthday. We each took turns going around the table telling my mom how much we love her and Reaven was the last person to give a speech.
He then said, “Not only are we here celebrating a birthday…” and turned towards me. And it wasn’t until that moment that I knew what was happening. He got down on one knee and I said, “Yes!”
Their first look…
Wedding style & attire…
Dress shopping was actually really fun! It was very important for me to have my mother with me every time I went shopping. I had only gone dress shopping three times and the second time I fell in love with a wedding dress at a dress shop down in the DMV. However, I wanted to try one more place that specialized in wedding dresses for curvy women in New Jersey. Brides by Young carried the same dress I loved so I knew it was the one! It worked out perfectly that this dress shop was closer to New York since that’s where the wedding was being held. I went with a simple but classy satin A-line dress in ivory by Stella York.
Reaven wore a custom double-breasted ivory tuxedo jacket with black tuxedo pants from Sallieu Barrie Bespoke. Similar to me, very clean and classic.
Our wedding party was in black. It was important to me for my girls to feel comfortable in their dresses and be able to utilize the dress later on so each of the girls wore a different dress style, but all were in black. The guys wore all-black tuxedos.
Favorite wedding day memories…
Omg! I have so many! It’s so hard to choose just one, but I would say the moment when Reaven and I said our vows to one another. In that moment, it felt like it was just the two of us there with God. Seeing that moment playback in our wedding video from LJR Films makes me tear up every single time.
Another special moment was my dance with my mom during the reception. We had a slideshow of photos of my father who passed away playing in the background. Then we pulled my sister in to dance with us. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
I also wanted us to be able to look back at our wedding pictures from Kesha Lambert many years from now and still think they are beautiful. I always dreamed about my wedding day and how it would look and I knew I wanted it to be classic and timeless. Seeing all of my wedding inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram come to life was a dream come true!
The ceremony…
Reception space & decor…
The reception…
Advice for engaged couples…
My best wedding advice would be don’t ever think you are starting too early when planning your wedding. Even if your wedding is a few years out, begin doing your research as soon as you’re done basking in the glow of being engaged. It allows you to have your dream wedding vendors, venue, date, and everything you want. We hired our wedding planner Victoria of Victorious Events NYC and that was honestly one of the best investments.
With all of the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, having a planner by our side to come up with a plan A, B, and C for everything was a godsend. She was very encouraging, but also honest which I appreciated so much. Another thing I would say is to enjoy every moment of it. The highs, the lows, and all the in-between — no matter how small or big your wedding day will be, it will be special and a day that will live over and over again in your mind for the rest of your life so take it all in and enjoy.
Looking for more sweet stories of college sweethearts saying “I Do?”
Click here.
Vendors:
- Photographer: Kesha Lambert Photography
- Videographer: LJR Films
- Wedding Planner & Designer: Victorious Events NYC
- Floral Designer: Diva Blooms
- Bride’s Hairstylist: Modimel
- Bride’s Makeup Artist: Jennifer Navas Artistry
- Bridal Gown: Stella York
- Bridal Gown Salon: Brides by Young
- Reception Gown: Salva Atelier
- Groom’s Tuxedo: Sallieu Barrie Bespoke
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
- Groomsmen Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
- DJ: MikeMusic
- MC: AD Skolar
- Saxophonist: Jonathan McCreary
- Invitations: Golden Moments
- Linens: The Finishing Touch
- Dance Floor Wrap: Trust J Events
- Transportation: RAA Luxury
- Venue: The Surf Club on the Sound
Leave a Reply