Real Weddings: Sabrina & James

Black African American bride Sabrina black groom James marriage garden classic traditional wedding ceremony reception color palette tennessee summer eucalyptus green cream brunch Nashville Tennessee private home pandemic

Sabrina and James’ love story began with caution – when the two met, they were each dating someone else. Thus, a friendship and professional relationship ensued, as Sabrina gave James her business card upon their first encounter. As Sabrina noted upon reflecting, something felt different about James, so she was happy they stayed in contact by some means. Within a year, both had ended those dead-end relationships and after running into each other at a mutual friend’s birthday party, the stars aligned and James wasted no time asking Sabrina out on a date. He knew what was right in front of him was special and he’d better jump at the chance before another Tinder swipe scooped her up. Indeed Sabrina is a catch. She’s an entrepreneur, running a nanny placement agency. Ever the successful type-A personality, Sabrina tried to predict when James would propose. Unfortunately, the death of a close friend had Sabrina in mourning around the time of her birthday, when James had planned to propose. Though this worked in his favor. Because she was grieving, Sabrina did not suspect something to celebrate would occur. James gathered friends and family at the venue where the couple first met. Sabrina assumed they were just going to a simple dinner for her birthday, as she was in low spirits, understandably. It was a Wednesday, which also helped keep the engagement covert. As they entered the room, she remembers questioning, “who throws a party on a Wednesday night?” Lo and behold, friends and family were there to celebrate Sabrina’s birthday, but also, something more. James made an announcement, and as tears were streaming down his face, Sabrina’s 6’ 6” beau was down on one knee proposing. She was seized with shock and joy, having become a fiancée that night. The couple threw a romantic, tented backyard fete for their wedding that was well received, despite the global pandemic putting a damper on some of their plans. Sabrina had to try on wedding dresses in her own home via a bridal sample sale boutique that offers virtual styling and in-home trials called Luxe Redux. But she found the gown of her dreams. The couple also had some major music acts perform live throughout their wedding. Desmond Sean Ellington, a member of the Hamilton Broadway cast, sang for the couple’s first dance song. Sabrina’s friend, recording artist Nia Allen, sang her down the aisle as her father escorted her to the altar and gave her away to James. Guests at their brunch wedding noshed on cake, donuts and rolled ice cream from a Black-owned ice cream food truck company in Nashville.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Cane Ridge, TN

TIME OF YEAR: Summer

WEDDING STYLE: verdant, classic, serene

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Private residence outside of Nashville, TN

DESSERT: Cake in the flavor of red velvet, fruit, donuts and ice cream

FIRST DANCE SONG: “This Is Why I Love You” by Major

INSPIRATION: a garden brunch, that was laid back

SPECIAL FEATURES: Desmond Ellington of the Hamilton musical cast performed the couple’s first dance song live; bride and groom took Communion; the couple jumped the broom; a bacon bar and mimosas for their brunch wedding; since the wedding was during the height of Covid, the couple provided sanitization stations throughout the venue

HONEYMOON: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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