Romantic mauve and beige outdoor springtime wedding at Carl House in Georgia

Real Weddings: Jada & Derek

black bride african american Jada groom Derek wedding gown lace blowing veil sunset marriage bouquet

The chemistry between Jada and Derek is undeniable. Indeed, chemistry is what brought them closer in their relationship. Literally. These two former high school friends became more than that whilst spending many days and nights studying for their Chemistry class together at the University of Georgia. The summer following their graduation, Derek, who works in finance, planned a special outing for Jada, just before she began her new job as a fourth grade elementary teacher. Jada immediately got butterflies in her stomach, wondering if this could be THE day he proposes. Her haunch was spot on. Unsure of where they were driving, Derek led them to a winery resort outside of Atlanta. Amid two aisles of vines, a blanket was laid out with rose petals all over, with a gorgeous sunset in the background. It was there that Derek proposed. Jada and Derek got married on the cusp of spring before 196 guests. Jada’s older brother walked her down the aisle and gave her away to Derek, who was crying upon seeing his bride emerge from the drawn curtains at the ceremony. At the reception, guests were smitten with the “interactive mirror” that was a photo booth in disguise. The pair have dozens of photos documenting the hilarity and joy of their wedding reception, which they say their guests still rave about. At the end, Derek got to drive off in a vintage Mercedes convertible with his blushing bride in tow to begin their lives as newlyweds.

black bride african american Jada groom Derek wedding holding hands dancing dance floor marriage reception

black bride african american Jada getting ready marriage wedding married ceremony shoes gown lace bridesmaid maid of honor

black bride african american Jada groom Derek wedding gown lace veil altar bridal party

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Auburn, GA

TIME OF YEAR: Spring

WEDDING STYLE: sweet, modern, floral

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Carl House

MENU: Appetizers included fresh tomato bruschetta, beef and bleu brochettes, and shrimp with smoked bacon creamy grits. Then, grilled chicken with cremini mushroom sauce and an herb roasted pork loin carving station for the entrees., alongside applewood bacon creamy mashed potatoes, salad and a seasonal vegetable medley. The signature drink was a peach-lemonade spritzer

DESSERT: Cake, groom’s cake,

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Best Part of Me” by Ed Sheeran featuring Yebba

INSPIRATION: The bride was inspired by elements of bohemian and rustic styles and sought to combine those but wanted to keep everything modernized. Jada made sure florals and greenery abounded.

SPECIAL FEATURES: a vintage Mercedes convertible as the get-away car; an “interactive mirror” photo booth; Derek’s groom’s cake was a personal ode to his love for soccer, specifically Liverpool in the Premiere League; sparkler send off; the couple’s guests lifted them both into the air during the dance portion

HONEYMOON: Postponed due to Covid; The couple took a mini-moon to Charleston, SC

COLORS: