- Quick Facts:
- How did you meet?
- Tell us about the proposal:
- Describe your wedding style and shopping experience.
- Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
- Reception decor details...
- What is your best wedding day memory?
- Entertainment...
- What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
- Looking for more weddings like this "Great Gatsby meets the Harlem Renaissance" themed celebration?
- Vendors:
Ashley and William’s nuptials at the Park Chateau Estate and Gardens in New Brunswick, New Jersey, featured a glamorous “Great Gatsby meets the Harlem Renaissance” theme with nods to the roaring twenties.
Just like Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan’s fateful rekindling in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, Ashley and William’s love story began after many missed encounters. That all changed when a mutual friend introduced them after college.
They hit it off instantly, sharing stories and laughs. “As we talked, we started uncovering these surprising connections, like how our paths had crossed so many times without us realizing it. It felt like fate, almost as if we were meant to meet.”
Their relationship deepened over time, blossoming into love and, eventually, marriage.
Following William’s surprise proposal on Ashley’s birthday at Liberty Park in Jersey City, the couple embarked on their journey down the aisle. Working with wedding planner Tiffany Taylor and an incredible vendor team (including award-winning Muna Coterie Photographer Linda McQueen!), their dream “Great Gatsby meets the Harlem Renaissance” themed wedding came to life.
“We chose a Great Gatsby meets Harlem Renaissance theme for our wedding because it perfectly reflects our shared love for history, art, and the vibrant culture that has shaped us,” Ashley explains. “We wanted our wedding to be a nod to the past, a way to honor the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us.”
Keep scrolling for more details on their love story!
- Couple: Ashley and William (Trey) Smith III
- Occupations: Grant Writer and Executive Assistant
- Wedding date: November 16th, 2023
- Wedding location: Park Chateau Estate and Gardens, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen: Every bridesmaid received an engraved Tiffany bracelet, and all groomsmen received an engraved decanter set with matching glasses. All guests received signature shot glasses with our wedding logo.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Lessons” (Performed Live) by Eric Roberson
- First dance song: “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Greene
How did you meet?
We met through mutual friends after college, and it’s funny how things came together. At the time, I had no idea we lived just towns apart or that we had attended rival high schools—Pope John XXIII and Sparta High School!
When we were first introduced, we hit it off right away, sharing stories and laughs. As we talked, we started uncovering these surprising connections, like how our paths had crossed so many times without us realizing it. It felt like fate, almost as if we were meant to meet.
The excitement of discovering these shared experiences only deepened our connection. It was as if our lives had been intertwined all along, waiting for the right moment to bring us together. From that day on, everything just clicked, and I knew I had found someone truly special.
Tell us about the proposal:
My husband proposed on my birthday, January 3rd, making that day even more special. It was freezing outside, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. He took me to Liberty Park in Jersey City, one of my favorite places from childhood. The park has always held a special place in my heart, and it felt so meaningful to return there together.
As we walked through the park, surrounded by the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, I could feel the anticipation building. When he finally stopped and turned to me, I could see the love in his eyes. He knelt down on one knee, and at that moment, everything around us faded away. He asked me to marry him, and I was overjoyed to say yes! It was the perfect blend of nostalgia and romance.
After the proposal, we celebrated at one of our favorite restaurants, Fire and Oak. The cozy atmosphere and delicious food made it the ideal spot to savor the moment. We shared a toast to our future, filled with excitement and love. That day, with its chilly air and warm hearts, will always be one of my most cherished memories.
Describe your wedding style and shopping experience.
We chose a Great Gatsby meets Harlem Renaissance theme for our wedding because it perfectly reflects our shared love for history, art, and the vibrant culture that has shaped us. The elegance of the Roaring Twenties, with its glitz and glamour, resonates with our desire for a celebration that feels both timeless and joyful. We wanted our wedding to be a nod to the past, a way to honor the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us.
The Harlem Renaissance represents not only a flourishing of art and creativity but also a powerful movement that speaks to our roots. It embodies resilience, expression, and a celebration of identity, which are values that are deeply important to us. By merging these two incredible eras, we aimed to create an atmosphere rich in culture, music, and style—an experience that would reflect our journey together and our hopes for the future.
As we envisioned our day, we could picture the music filling the air, the laughter of our loved ones, and the stunning outfits that would evoke that glamorous era. It felt like the perfect way to weave our personal narrative into our wedding, celebrating who we are and where we come from in a way that feels both authentic and meaningful.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
We made it a priority to incorporate elements of our culture into our wedding. We wanted to celebrate our heritage while honoring the themes of The Great Gatsby and the Harlem Renaissance.
One of the highlights was our music. Instead of a live band, we curated a contemporary jazz playlist that included classic tunes from the 1920s alongside modern jazz artists who captured the same spirit. This mix created a lively atmosphere that set the perfect mood for our celebration.
For the decor, we incorporated symbols and colors that represent our heritage. From vibrant fabrics and feathers in the floral decor, every detail was thoughtfully chosen to reflect our cultural identity. We also included a special tribute area where we displayed photos of family members and ancestors, celebrating their stories and the journey that brought us to this moment.
Reception decor details…
What is your best wedding day memory?
Our first look and the father and daughter dance.
Entertainment…
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Enjoy every minute of this moment, and don’t forget to eat your wedding cake.
Looking for more weddings like this “Great Gatsby meets the Harlem Renaissance” themed celebration?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Wedding Planner: Tiffany Taylor
- Hair: Latoya Mason
- Makeup: Nicole Steele
- Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal
- Groom Suit: Y2 Collection
- Videographer: Iris Films
- Photography: Linda McQueen Photography
- 360 Photobooth: Steele Imaging LLC
- Aerialist: Aerial Acrobat Entertainment
- Live Music performed by: Eric Roberson
- Floral Design: Premier Events by Reema
- DJ: Hard Hittin Harry
- MC: Silky Valente
- Wedding Cake: Calandra’s Bakery
