There are few better feelings than those associated with moments in life that seem to fit together life a puzzle. Two complimentary elements coming together to form a perfect union. When those puzzle pieces are people and that union a relationship, life becomes one blissful moment after another. For Jannora and Miles the “coincidence” of an engineering conference in Maryland bringing them together at just the right moment was nothing short of serendipity, and perhaps even fate…
Read all about Jannora and Miles’ love story, romantic poetry-reading proposal, and wedding experience. Featuring the event planning work of MunaLuchi Coterie member ValiaRose Events.
Bride & Groom: Jannora & Miles Gamble
Occupations: Jannora – Elementary School Teacher, Miles – Quality Engineer
Wedding Date: 9/25/16
Wedding Location: The Southern Kitchen, Birmingham, AL
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal: We met in 2012 in Miami during spring break while I was in school at The University of Maryland and Miles was at Alabama A&M. I was with my girlfriends and a few guy friends who are in the same fraternity as him. Miles and his frat brothers saw us and joined us on the beach. Later that night, we randomly saw each other again and exchanged information.
We continued to keep in touch and then in 2013 when I was leaving Maryland to move to Texas, Miles happened to be in the area for an engineering conference and was able to make it to my going away party. We hung out the whole weekend. After that we would talk on the phone every day, all day. I even stopped in Alabama to visit before moving to Texas. We became really great friends and would visit one another in our respective states. A few months later, we went to New Orleans for Miles’ birthday and decided to take our friendship to the next level the same day he told me he loved me for the first time.
In May of 2015, we went to New York for my birthday where our friends came to celebrate with us for the weekend. We went to a poetry spot, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and he got up and read a poem he wrote for me after midnight when it was officially my birthday. He performed for me the previous year so I figured we were starting a tradition. I was on the stage with him because he told me he had some dialogue I would be a part of for his poem. The title of the poem was “Mary and Me” and during the last line he pulled a ring box out of his pocket and asked, “So how do you feel about marrying me?” I was literally speechless. I just couldn’t get the word “Yes” out because I was so surprised and thankful that this man God sent to me felt as strongly about me as I do him. He must have been on his knee for about five minutes because I was so busy crying and in a state of shock. Then he pointed and showed me that my whole family was there to witness and the tears started pouring out even more. I’m getting emotional now just thinking about it. It was so perfect! I’m usually the planner in the relationship and it was such a surprise to know he made sure the most important people in my life were present for our special moment.
Describe your wedding dress. My wedding dress was a beautiful, ivory Allure gown with satin material and beading. I found my dress at the first place I went to. I didn’t know it at first, but once I went to the second boutique, I realized I couldn’t stop thinking about it and didn’t even want to look any longer. I told my mother and grandmother I was ready to go back and get the dress I knew Miles would love seeing me walk down the aisle in.
Describe your wedding style? Our wedding fit us and our style perfectly. We made sure to do things we knew represented us and the couple we are. From the music we chose to the food we served, everyone knew whose wedding they were attending. We made it our own and didn’t want to follow anyone else’s traditions; we even came out for the reception to Gucci Mane in matching gold grillz.
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids – Floral rompers and jewelry. Groomsmen gifts: Cigars, custom bowties, pocket squares, and lapel flowers.
First dance song: “Stars” by Kindred the Family Soul
What is your best memory from the wedding? The best memory from our wedding is one we can both agree on … the dances with our parents! Miles and his family are originally from East Chicago and he was able to two step with his mother to their favorite Stevie Wonder song. I danced with my dad to “Ether” by Nas for the father-daughter dance and everyone looked around thinking it was a mistake until they realized how turned up my dad was.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? The best wedding advice we can give to engaged couples is to have a wedding that reflects you both. Pick a wedding planner like ValiaRose Events that listens and understands your vision. They stood behind our vision and values of not impressing anyone else. Our planner strived for quality, not quantity, and we invested the rest!
Vendors:
Wedding Planner: ValiaRose Events
Wedding Dress: Allure
Wedding Dress Salon: Anya Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Sorella Vita
Bride’s Hair: Alicia Rose
Hair Provided by: Long Locks Virgin Hair
Bridesmaids’ Hair: Tahesa Nelson
Makeup: Camille Corsey
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bowties: Knotted Handcrafted Bowties
Ceremony and Reception Location: The Southern Kitchen, Birmingham, AL
Photography: Bri McDaniel Photography
Videography: IA Film Group
Florist: Akeem Clayton
Lighting: B Brian
DJ: DJ Dirty Vegas
Cake: K&J’s Elegant Pastries
Chairs: Sweet Seats of Birmingham
Rentals: Events Rentals Unlimited Birmingham
Stationery: Minted
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