Real Weddings: Jaz & DeLani

By Mae Wagner

black white gold all black dress code wedding reception ceremony color palette African American Jaz and Delani Virginia fall married marriage wed newlywed tie the knot

Even though Jaz and DeLani both went to Salisbury University, they did not meet until after graduation when DeLani “slid into Jaz’s DMs.” From that moment Jaz, who works in human resources, and DeLani, a loan officer, were inseparable. In the height of the Covid pandemic of 2020, after having dated for some time, DeLani got prepared to ask the biggest question of his life. The couple was getting ready to take a nice vacation. On the day before they planned to leave, Jaz was upstairs packing for it, and cleaning the house. Meanwhile, DeLani was pacing around the house silently. Jaz was so caught up in her cleaning that she brushed DeLani off each time he called for her to come downstairs. When she finally gave in and went down, she found the lights dim and heard “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran playing. DeLani was down on one knee. Wearing comfy clothes and slippers was not how she imagined she would look when she was proposed to, but she shouted yes before DeLani even finished asking for her hand in marriage. They got to bask in the joy and amazement of their new status as an engaged couple while on their vacation the next day. Jaz and DeLani wed at a country club in October of 2022 in the Washington, DC metro area where they currently live. Their color scheme was black and white because they wanted a timeless look; the bridal party and all guests were required to wear black as well. Keeping on theme, the couple had a black and white photo booth for their guests to use during the reception. Jaz and DeLani danced the night away with about 100 guests to a mixture of reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and go-go music – a regional favorite. It was a wonderful night filled with happy tears and laughter.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Vienna, VA

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: chic, timeless, monochromatic

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: West Wood Country Club

MENU: The cocktail hour passed hors d’oeuvres offerings included little lamb chops, mini crab cakes, and spring rolls. For the main course, a dual plate of salmon and red wine-braised short rib both alongside a mashed potatoes and asparagus.

DESSERT: A four tier wedding cake made with the layers of lemon and red velvet flavors

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Every Kind of Way” by H.E.R

SPECIAL FEATURES: Black and white photo booth; two grand entrances for the couple; the bride changed into a reception dress; champagne toast for guests upon entrance

HONEYMOON: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

COLORS: