Real Weddings: Jay & Wil

Black African American bride Jay groom Wil marriage married wedding ceremony reception color palette La Jolla Southern California West Coast DIY fall September burgundy rose gold blush navy blue San Diego

We witnessed Jay and Wil’s playful yet romantic, sunny San Diego engagement shoot, that featured their adorable French Bulldog to boot. Now we get to indulge in the details of their intimate, outdoor wedding before 94 guests of honor at The Cuvier Club in Southern California, including their fur baby who also made an appearance walking down the aisle, of course. Wil, a graduate of San Diego State University, chose the piano version of the song “Canon in D” for Jay to walk down the aisle to, of which she was escorted by her father. The couple kept their bridal party tight, having simply Jay’s sister as the Matron of Honor and Wil’s brother as the Best Man. Jay’s gown was made by designer Jana Ann of Jana Ann Couture Bridal, whom she had the pleasure of meeting in person at a wedding expo. “ I went in for an appointment and by the second dress, I knew it was the one,” Jay exclaimed. Jay, who possesses an undergraduate degree from Hampton University, and a master’s from the University of Southern California, met Wil through a running club in San Diego that they both happened to join. Another shared interest of the couple is one of their favorite movies: “Coming to America.” They chose the song “She’s Your Queen To Be” from the movie as their reception entrance song, which was a big hit.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: La Jolla, CA

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: moody, coastal, diverse

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Cuvier Club

MENU: Soyrizo quesadillas and beef chimichurri empanadas began the offerings, as appetizers. Choice of chicken, mushrooms and carne asada tacos were the main course, with Caesar salad as the second course.

DESSERT: Our cake was pink champagne and cheesecake flavors; a dozen cheesecake flavor cupcakes; a surprise groom’s cake was a Lamborghini replica chocolate cake.

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Best Part” by H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar

INSPIRATION: the colors and vibe of fall

SPECIAL FEATURES: customized candles as favors; photobooth; 1.5 liter wine bottles served as guest book signed after Jay had replaced the labels to make them personalized; options for “Advice and Wishes” area that guest can give the couple during cocktail hour; DIY touches by Jay on things such as the table numbers, which were agate stone and hand painted numbers; Jay borrowed antique mirrors for signs and painted the crate to hold the candle wedding favors; Jay painted the letters “W” and “J” by the bar; vintage rentals used from one of Jay’s close friends’ antique shops that she owns; odes to one of the couple’s favorite movies “Coming To America.”

HONEYMOON: Exuma, Bahamas

COLORS: