Real Weddings: Jamekia & Austin

By Mae Wagner

Jamekia and Austin met at the illustrious Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University while attending the Doctor of Pharmacy program in 2014. Both incredibly serious and hardworking students, the two began studying together soon after meeting. A deep friendship blossomed between them during these study sessions, and they began spending their time away from their studies exploring local cuisine and catching new movies. By May of 2018, when Jamekia and Austin graduated from FAMU, the two were officially a couple. In the summer of 2021, the duo planned a trip to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean to celebrate Jamekia’s 30th birthday. Austin saw his chance to craft the perfect proposal, arranging it entirely through the resort they would be staying at. “Jamekia had no idea,”he said. “I had to be really careful since she is very hard to surprise.” . Austin had to transport all of the supplies he would need to carry out his vision. Austin’s suitcase ended up weighing nearly 50 pounds at the airport. And although Jamekia knew nothing of the contents, she continued to exclaim “why is your suitcase so heavy?” Once on the island, Austin escorted Jamekia to their private, oceanside dinner. That’s when Jamekia saw one of the items that Austin had been hiding in his suitcase: a large, glowing “Marry Me” sign. Austin got down on one knee and asked her to spend forever with him. Jamekia and Austin tied the knot on June 26, 2022 in Clearwater, FL at the Opal Sands Resort & Spa in front of 100 of their closest friends and family. Rain put a damper on the couple’s original plans to wed on the hotel terrace overlooking the ocean, but they quickly moved it to the upper foyer of said hotel. They describe the ceremony as “a beautiful, floral dream.” The ceremony was opened by a performance by beautiful, Black youth ballerinas who elegantly danced down the aisle to “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo. They were followed by bridesmaids in gorgeous, mauve dresses. Jamekia was walked down the aisle by her brother  and the newlyweds jumped the broom. The couple danced late into the night to the sounds of various genres, including Caribbean style. Their four layer wedding cake consisted of marble, pink champagne, vanilla bean, and caramel swirl flavors and was simply scrumptious. Jamekia and Austin held the party of their lives, one in which their guests still compliment it to this day.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Clearwater, FL

TIME OF YEAR: Summer 

WEDDING STYLE: traditional, romantic, glam

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Opal Sands Resort & Spa

MENU: Buffet-style dining with an open bar. Main dishes: pan roasted grouper, spinach and fontina stuffed chicken breast, and braised short ribs. Guests were also served canapés and hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. 

DESSERT: Four layer wedding cake that consisted of marble, pink champagne, vanilla bean, and caramel swirl flavors.

FIRST DANCE SONG:  “Happily Ever After” by Case

SPECIAL FEATURES: live children ballerinas danced down the aisle as an opener to the bridal party’s procession during the ceremony; customized wedding magazines

HONEYMOON: Maldives 

COLORS:

Vendors

• Photographer:  Focal Muse Photography 
• Florist: Kaleidoscope Floral
• Videographer: Curry’s Photo Services Inc.
• Wedding Planning Services: Tica Rose Events 
• Ceremony & Reception Venue: Opal Sands Resort and Spa 
• Officiant: Hiawatha Hill 
• Cake Designer: A Piece of Cake & Desserts 
• Lighting and Rentals: On The Move Productions
• Music: DJ Smoov 
• Print Materials: Marry Me Magazines
• Makeup Artist: Krystal Briggs 
• Hair/Salon: Dasia Johnson 
• Bridal Gown: Esé Azénabor 
• Bridal Accessories: Sherah Online 
• Bridesmaids Dresses: Moda Glam Boutique
• Groom and Groomsmen: Men’s Wearhouse 
• Ballerinas: The Believe Dance Academy