You never know where you will meet the love of your life. Paige and Jerrod met outside of a convenient store while she was a junior at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
They had their first date at a poetry slam and started writing their own love story. Paige recalls, “When I was in college Jerrod made sure I was always taken care of. I worked two jobs throughout college and paid my way through school on my own. This man would buy me groceries and take me on real dates! He really courted me and made me feel like a princess.” Six years after they met, Jerrod privately proposed on Christmas Day on the steps of the house that Paige grew up in. It was the perfect Christmas gift.
While their love story started in DC, they got married in Paige’s hometown of McKinney, Texas. Jared, who is originally from Brooklyn, NY, made sure to bring a New York vibe to their southern wedding. For their reception, instead of table numbers, they named their tables after notable New York City neighborhoods, and the dance floor was covered with a huge decal of the NYC skyline.
We love their chic white and black color scheme, and Paige’s first look with her dad made us teary-eyed. Read more about their love story, intimate proposal, and stunning wedding below.
- Bride & Groom: Paige & Jerrod
- Occupations: Advertising at Google (Paige); Finance (Jerrod)
- Location of Wedding: McKinney, TX
- Wedding Date: February 15, 2020
Quick Facts
- Wedding flowers: White Phalaenopsis & White Hydrangeas
- Favorite item on the menu: Baked Atlantic Salmon and Buttered Mashed Potatoes
- Bridesmaids gifts: Gifted all Bridesmaids Monogrammed Bag filled with a compact mirror, a custom handkerchief, Jo Malone Perfume, and Kate Spade Earrings.
- First dance song: Etta James “At Last” sung by vocalist Shena Renee
- Advice for brides: Before the ceremony write a heartfelt note to your parents or to whoever is giving you away. Also, BE PRESENT!
How They Met
Our love story began in Washington, DC, back in 2012. Jerrod was living off of Gresham Place, across from Howard University where I was a Junior studying Journalism. It was a sunny Friday afternoon before the Morehouse vs. Howard Nations Classic Football game.
Excited for my weekend plans, I was walking with my friend Alyson, to the neighborhood corner store “Fairmont.” Unfortunately, we were pretty disappointed when we saw the store closed for the day. As we debated about what to do next, Jerrod drives up and parks. He gets out of his car and walks past us to the doors of the store.
After realizing it was closed, he walks towards his car, and jokes, “So yall are just going to let me walk up to the store knowing it was closed?” We all conversed for a while and as he was walking back to his car, he mentioned there was another store one block up and offered to give us a ride.
I immediately say yes, as Alyson looks at me crazy. After quietly debating his offer amongst ourselves for a few seconds, we accepted the ride, with ulterior motives. Once at the new store, Jerrod lets me know they’ve arrived and begins to get out of the car. I smile and say, “Would you mind getting us a bottle of Hennessy?” Jerrod laughs and makes his way inside. After securing the package and talking for a while, Jerrod asked me for my phone number and called me 2 months later(SMH!). We had their first date at a poetry show and the rest is history!
The Proposal
On Christmas Day 2018 after spending the day with ALL of my family and visiting my best friend, Jerrod privately popped the question on the steps of the house that I grew up in. Honestly I was so excited that I forgot to say yes!! I always thought that I wanted a big public proposal, but now I am so thankful that that special moment was with just me and the love of my life.
How did you know they were “the one”?
Paige- When I was in college Jerrod made sure I was always taken care of. I worked two jobs throughout college and paid my way through school on my own. This man would buy me groceries and take me on real dates! He really courted me and made me feel like a princess.
Jerrod- It was after I took her to Brooklyn for the first time in 2013 for Thanksgiving. She met my family and childhood friends.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Yes! Jerrod was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, so we wanted to make sure that vibe was there via the music and design. Instead of table numbers, we went with notable New York City neighborhoods. Jumping the Broom – We are both African Americans and wanted to pay homage to our history in America. The broom we used is a family heirloom.
Describe your wedding style
New York & Black Excellence. Not only did we want to create an elegant and classy event, but we also wanted to see our community in their best attire. For colors, we decided to go with Black, Gold & Ivory. Jerrod is from NYC and we decided to have our wedding in my hometown of McKinney, TX because I have A LOT of family. We decided to incorporate a NYC theme to add a little flavor to our Texas wedding. We lived in NYC for 3 years, and we love everything about the city. We provided two drink options for our guests – The Southern Charm and The B.K.
Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory
DRESS – I had a hard time deciding on where to try on dresses, so I nailed down a few designers I LOVED and found boutiques that carried their lines. It was also important for me to support a black or minority owned business. The Bridal Shoppe in Wylie, TX was just that. The owner is actually from New York so it was perfect. My gown was a satin trumpet gown with lace off-the-shoulder straps, a beaded lace applique sweetheart bodice with an asymmetrically dropped waist, a pleated tulle skirt with scattered applique’s, a back corset and a chapel train. I am not a skinny girl, so it was important for me to find something fit me just right.
Fav ACCESSORY – Cute slippers that said “I DO” – I wore them throughout the weekend when my feet would hurt.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Exchanging the vows that we wrote for each other. That was the most emotional moment of the day. I also wasn’t expecting Jerrod to react the way he did. My man does not cry, but he couldn’t help it after I walked into the chapel.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Walk into this new season with those who are for you! People are going to show their true colors and feelings. Those who really love you and support your union will be there for you. Try not to worry about those who don’t show up the way you thought they would. Take note and remember to show appreciation to those who did.
We are both 1st generation college graduates and the “breed winners” of our families. We funded our wedding with our own money and didn’t use any credit or loans. This was a real journey for us and it truly brought us closer together. We learned so much about ourselves and our families. We wanted to use our wedding day to inspire our younger family members and show them that anything is possible. We did not lean on Mommy, Daddy or Grandma to fund the wedding of our dreams and we really take pride in that.
Vendors
- Bride’s dress: The Bridal Shoppe Wylie
- Bridal hair: Shear Blessings Hair Salon
- Bridesmaids dresses: Hebeos
- Cakes/desserts: Cake Daddy DFW
- Ceremony venue: D’vine Grace Vineyards
- Entertainment: Shena Renee Music & DJ Bowtie
- Event Planner: Truly Ewers Events
- Florals: Haute Floral
- Groom’s attire: Mister Tuxedo Dallas
- Groomsmen attire: Mister Tuxedo Dallas
- Makeup: Janaye Faces
- Photography: Lorena Burns Photography
- Reception venue: D’vine Grace Vineyards
- Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals
- Stationery: Minted
- Videography: Lorena Burns Photography
Absolutely Beautiful!!! The photographer captured amazing shots of this happy couple. Just beautiful!!!!!
I hate that I missed Paige and Jerrod’s wedding, my family members that did attend said that it was the wedding of the Century. Congratulations Paige and Jerrod to the beginning of something beautiful.
Aww Thank you Cousin!!! Love you!
Congratulations! Beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing. Inspiring to read about you both funding your wedding not through loans or credit cards.
Thank you!!!