When Nya was asked to describe her wedding to Jamel she humbly stated, “My wedding style was like our love: simple and organic.” Everything, from their choice of venue down to their reception décor and menu, was a true reflection of the things that they adore. Nya shares, “We share a common love for our alma mater (Howard University). So, it meant so much to us that we were able to wed at Howard’s historic chapel.”
To incorporate Nya’s love of art guests traveled to the Longview Art Gallery for the reception. Earthy organic décor, greeted guests as they walked into the rustic museum space. Tables covered with moss, bird’s nests, burlap runners, and white flowers in wooden boxes, created the atmosphere of a romantic, charmed forest.
This down-to-earth couple also made sure to infuse their love of their culture into their festivities. Nya reminisces, “Jamel’s family is from Jamaica and we love Jamaican food. Our guests dined on traditional, organic Jamaican food and drinks. We danced all night to lovers rock reggae.” As a special treat, Jamel, who is a cigar aficionado, had a cigar roller create hand rolled cigars for him and his guests. Nya and Jamel’s nuptials prove that your wedding should be a true reflection of your love and your passions. This beautiful wedding photographed by Ilene Squires Photography is also featured in our Spring/Summer issue which is on newsstands now.
- Wedding Date: 04/27/2013
- Wedding Location: Washington, DC
- Wedding Theme: “Simply Organic”
- Wedding Flowers: I choose mostly succulents, pink peonies, green hydrangeas and white flowers.
- First Dance Song: I Feel Good” by Beres Hammond- lovers rock reggae music.
- Wedding Cake Flavors: We had a cake with edible succulents, twine and a bark layer from charm city cakes I’m Baltimore. We had a raspberry- lemon layers and tres leche layers.
- Wedding Menu Favorite: We served organic free range jerk chicken and wild apricot glazed salmon.
- Wedding Party Gifts: We wanted to just focus on us and keep it laid back so we opted out in the wedding party. We have gifts to each other instead. I gave my hubby some fun, blue suede Tods loafers to dance the night away and he gave me a gold Cartier bracelet.
Description of Event
We wanted to share a ourselves with the people we love most. I planned every detail of the wedding. We met at the health science library on Howard University’s campus while Jamel was in medical school. We share a common love for our alma mater. It meant so much to us that we were able to wed at Howard’s historic chapel. At the reception, we served our favorite food and drinks and played our favorite songs. Jamel is a self proclaimed cigar aficionado and enjoyed hand rolled cigars by a cigar roller with our friends and family. Nya loves art and enjoyed the art galleries local artists.
Wedding Style
My wedding style was like our love, simple and organic. I went dress shopping once with my mom. I was looking for something simple and timeless. I love boutique one of a kind dresses and found it in one shot! I’m easy!
Our pastor gave us the best advice that I share with my friends that are engaged. He told us that we should spend the same about of time planning for a life together as we do planning our wedding, and we did just that!
Incorporation of Culture
Jamel’s family is from Jamaica and we love Jamaican food. Our guests dined on traditional, organic Jamaican food and drinks. We danced all night to lovers rock reggae.
Most Memorable Moment
Our most memorable moment was our first dance. We danced to”I feel Good” by Beres Hammond. One of our first dates was to a Beres Hammond concert and he has been the soundtrack to our love ever since.
You Make Loving You So Easy
From the Groom… He loves that I live life on my own terms and write the rules as I go.
From the Bride... I love that he is a down to earth, genuinely nice guy. He treats me like a princess, what is there not to love!
Vendors
- Photography: Ilene Squires Photography
- Bridal Salon: Veka Bridal- Brooklyn, NY
- Groom’s Tuxedo: HugoBoss
- Hair: Amanda at Time Studio in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
- Makeup: Leiloni Cooper
- Shoes: (hers) Manolo Blahnik (his) Salvatore Ferragamo and Tods
- Wedding Ceremony: Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel on Howard Universities campus
- Wedding Reception: the Longview Art Gallery
- Florist: Sarah King at Park Florist in Takoma Park, MD
- Cake: Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, MD
- Stationery: Paper Source
what a beautiful wedding! the bride is so stunning!
Love the simple elegance of this wedding! Beautiful!
That’s not just logic. That’s really senbsile.
The flowers are amazing!
woow, very nice
This does look primsoing. I’ll keep coming back for more.
Your post has moved the debate fodrrwa. Thanks for sharing!
I love the brides elegance, the wedding is simple yet so elegant. I am all for plain bands. I love their wedding bands!! Stunning