Just three weeks after the passing of Evanna’s mother, Evanna and Jamal moved forward with their Sunday morning wedding, a celebration of love and family and new beginnings. Evanna’s Louisiana roots were incorporated into the high noon reception which featured one of the most stunning cakes you’ll see this year. What a beautiful spring day it was as Evanna, Jamal, and their loved ones celebrated everlasting love.
Wedding Date: April 26, 2015
Wedding Location: The Bell Tower on 34th in Houston, TX
First Dance Song: “I Found Love” by Bebe Winans
Favorite Item on the Menu: French Toast Croissant
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: The bridesmaids received jewelry and jewelry boxes while the groomsmen received personalized mugs.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
I had been eyeing Jamal for quite some time and had asked about him frequently, but did not have the courage to approach him. One Sunday after church, I asked a mutual friend of ours to find out if he was single. So our friend asked him and mentioned that someone inquired about him. He asked for my email address and then he emailed me on July 30, 2011. We exchanged phone numbers via email and began talking.
Jamal: I left work early on Friday, July 31st, 2014 to go to a local florist to purchase two dozen red and white roses. Once I made it to her house, I began assembling the roses and rose petals to spell out “Will You Marry Me?” on her living room floor. After catching my breath from my hard work and nerves flaring, I dimmed the lights over the fireplace and placed the engagement ring on her mantle. The waiting began…
When Evanna made it home from work, she was more focused on Chloe, her dog, who happily greeted her at the door as soon as she walked in. She then noticed the rose petals on the floor, but didn’t realize that there was a message/question waiting for her response. I came out of hiding and asked Evanna to look for the message in the flowers. She became overwhelmed and started to scream and cry before saying, “Yes!” I quickly retrieved the ring from the mantle, got down on one knee and placed it on her ring finger.
Wedding Style
High elegance at high noon was the inspiration for our chic Sunday morning ceremony and cocktail brunch reception. Glitter, glam, florals, crystal and comfortable shoes were the backdrop for this intimate affair. Jamal and I were adamant that our wedding would be very elegant but authentic, representing who we are together. We wanted to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere so that everyone would have a great time.
Amongst the lush florals and candlelight in the reception room, a candle burned in honor of my mother, whose health declined just weeks before the wedding. It reminded us of her love for family and her bright spirit which was definitely present on our special day.
Culture
Rustic wooden table numbers painted gold by Jamal, adorned each table for the event, representing my rural Louisiana roots. We also jumped the broom paying tribute to our ancestors, who used jumping the broom to symbolize their union during a time when their marriages were not legally sanctioned. Finally, the reception ended with paying homage to a New Orleans, Louisiana tradition, the Second Line.
Memories
The best memories of our wedding day are of our families celebrating and having a great time together. After experiencing the hardest event of my life, just three weeks prior to my wedding with my mother’s passing, witnessing the happiness and love throughout the room of those that traveled near and far to be there with us was truly immense joy.
Jamal and I requested that after brunch was served, the dance floor would open with the “Family Dance.” Both families and friends rushed to the dance floor, groovin’ to Kool & the Gang’s, “Celebration” and oh, what a celebration it was! The dance floor was filled with love, laughter and happy feet until the reception ended. Our wedding day was absolutely amazing from beginning to end. It was such a joy to see our loved ones coming together, dancing and having a wonderful time.
Help a bride-to-be out!
The best advice that I can offer to engaged couples is to enjoy the planning and don’t stress too much because it will go by so quickly. Most importantly, set a budget and stick to it!
Vendors:
Photo: Akil Bennett Photography
Planner: Ebony Peoples Events & Design
Venue: The Bell Tower on 34th
Wedding Gown: Binzario Couture
Reception Dress: BHLDN
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
MakeUp: Color Du Jour
Hair: Toni Sanders
Video: Luxe Films Houston
Floral + Decor: Keisha’s Kreations
Linen: Sweet Linens
Cake: Edible Designs by Jessie
Ceremony Music: Third Floor Strings
Reception DJ: LG Entertainment
Stationery: The Bee’s Knees Custom Design
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