Real Weddings: Jasmine & Sean

Jasmine and Sean were able to strike up a conversation about the walking boot Sean was limping around in while they were in a leadership development group at their church — and that’s how it all began. After sometime of dating, Sean, who attended University of Michigan, proposed to Jasmine one day when she least expected it, after some meticulous and clever planning. Sean took Jasmine, a Wayne State University alumna, to The Apparatus Room, the coffee shop they always frequented and she assumed this excursion was like any other. Even after Jasmine noticed some friends and her family members at the coffee shop, she didn’t jump to any conclusions. Though the pair had talked about marriage and getting engaged, Jasmine was certain there was no way Sean had even purchased a ring. But Sean did indeed have a ring. It was the exact one she had been pining for, which he worked with a jeweler to have custom made. Sean cleverly threw Jasmine off the scent by asking her to text him photos of the rings she liked most. As soon as he pulled her to the side with a tone of seriousness, she knew what was actually happening. The couple worked easily together to plan their wedding of 170 guests. The ceremony featured a few special solos sung by friends and Sean’s and Jasmine’s parents praying over the newly named husband and wife. Later, the beautifully decorated yet unfussy reception proved to be an upscale version of “a fun barbeque with family and friends,” per the couple’s vision, where all in attendance could let loose, laugh, dance and celebrate together.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Detroit

TIME OF YEAR: Summer

WEDDING STYLE: industrial, chic, minimalist

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The Jam Handy

MENU: For the cocktail hour there were passed hors d’oeuvres of beef wellington bites, tuna wontons, and grilled Portobello mushroom skewers. For the main course: a pan seared chicken breast, braised beef tips, a grilled vegetable medley, Michigan greens salad and artisan bread. Great Lakes coffee was served after dessert. The signature drinks included a blood orange whiskey cocktail and a cucumber gimlet, both made by Sumptuous Spirits.

DESSERT: Cake with layers of either chocolate ganache or raspberry filling

FIRST DANCE SONG:  “How Deep Is Your Love” by PJ Morton featuring Yebba

INSPIRATION: Jasmine envisioned something industrial but chic

SPECIAL FEATURES: DIY floral backdrop Jasmine created with her mother’s boyfriend; Jasmine’s cousin and Sean’s friend each sang in the ceremony; jumping the broom tradition using the same heirloom broom Sean’s parents had used in their wedding 35 years prior; in lieu of favors the couple made a donation to the Detroit organization called F.A.T.E. where Sean volunteers; photo booth

HONEYMOON: Santorini, Greece

COLORS:

Vendors

• Photographer: Brenda Leanne Photos & Design
• Videographer: Creative House of Detroit
• Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Jam Handy
• Officiant: Pastor Tonya Roberson
• Caterer: 2 Unique and Sumptuous Spirits
• Cake Designer & Desserts: Holiday Market
• Lighting & Rentals: 2 Unique
• Music: DJ Bleek
• Print Materials: Zola
• Hair/Salon: Cohen Beauty
• Bridal & Bridesmaids Outfitting: The Wedding Shoppe and Revolve
• Groom & Groomsmen: The Black Tux
• Photo booth: Bondo Booth