Real Weddings: Akia & Paul

Black African American bride Akia groom Paul marriage wedding ceremony reception color palette DIY chic tropical modern Atlanta

Akia felt she was being called to Atlanta, GA. Though she had no family there, no job, and knew little about the city, she stepped out in total faith and picked up her life in New Jersey to move South. Just three days after having moved to Atlanta, Akia met the man who would become her husband while attending church. That day at church, Paul revealed he came to the city for a summer internship for grad school and had only just moved to Atlanta within days of Akia’s arrival. Serendipitously, the two also attended the same bible study. It was clear their chance encounters meant something special was going to happen. They soon became friends on social media and that led to their first date – a trip to an ice cream parlor – where they talked and laughed for four hours. Paul is a chaplain and an alumnus of Howard University for undergrad and Wake Forest University for graduate school. Akia is a fashion designer and product developer. After dating for two years, Paul enacted a plan to propose while at a fancy dinner date he planned. He used his upcoming birthday to disguise the reason behind the dinner out. When it came time for dessert, the server was instructed to hand Akia an envelope that contained a hand-written poem from Paul. Akia read it, and was then led outside the restaurant to a garden where friends and family were camped out waiting with giant balloons that read “will you marry me?” Akia then knew what was happening and through the shock and tears, she said yes to Paul who was down on one knee. Akia and Paul had a Covid micro wedding where 65 very special people were able to witness their union. Akia used her talents to make her own wedding dress, cobbling together two different ones she found after having tried on dozens and dozens and not finding the right one. The devout Christian couple experienced many firsts on their wedding day including their first kiss, which they exchanged during their first look. “The best part of my wedding was the first look,” Akia said of that moment when they kissed for the very first time. “I had been feeling so overwhelmed leading up to that point and when I saw my husband for the first time all of those feelings went away.”

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Atlanta, GA

TIME OF YEAR: Summer

WEDDING STYLE: tropical, chic, modern

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Venue 92

MENU: Cocktail hour featured mini empanadas of chicken, beef or veggie, dinner included a salad of mixed greens, Carribean jerk roasted chicken breast, blackened salmon with Cajun seafood sauce, coconut rice and peas, plantains and green beans. The signature drink was island punch.

DESSERT: Cake

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Differences” by Ginuwine

INSPIRATION: Akia was seeking a tropical luxe yet modern vibe for the wedding

SPECIAL FEATURES: ice cream by Cold Stone Creamery; sparkler send off; the couple lit a unity candle as a tradition; favors were personalized mango and coconut scented candles; the bride with her attendants’ help DIY’d the bridesmaids bouquets, table numbers, menus, invitations and guest book

HONEYMOON: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

COLORS: