Though Barbara and Jamal initially met at the birthday party of a mutual friend almost six years ago it wouldn’t be till a few months later that their love story would truly begin – reconnecting over Thanksgiving dinner at Jamal’s house, leaving them inseparable ever after.
Jamal knew Barbara was “the one” when “with each passing day, I grew to realize that she completes my life…”
Read all about Barbara and Jamal’s love story, sweet proposal, and experiences in their intimate classic church wedding in Cleveland – captured by MunaLuchi Coterie photography Jazzymae Photography.
Bride & Groom: Barbara & Jamal
Occupations: Professor & Network Engineer
Wedding date: September 30, 2017
Wedding location: Cleveland, OH
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met at a mutual friend’s birthday party almost six years ago, and we hung out for a little bit and had a great time, but parted ways afterwards. A few months later, I was invited to Thanksgiving dinner at Jamal’s family’s house. We reconnected, exchanged numbers this time, and we’ve been together almost since then.
Jamal proposed on a weeknight after a long day out. I had gone to get drinks with a few colleagues, and when I got home, I changed into pjs, washed the makeup off my face, and started working on the couch. He came to sit next to me, and we chatted for a bit. After telling me how much he loved me, he popped the question. In the moment, I thought he was joking, but when he put the ring in my lap, well…that was it. I started cracking up at how true to us it was (comfy and very low-key), and I said yes!
How did you know they were “the one”? Barbara: There were a lot of major life changes pretty early in our relationship– I finished grad school and moved to Ohio, Jamal went back to school, and we moved in together. Through it all, he was so unwavering in his commitment to us, and I realized that he helped me grow so much in so little time. I knew I could spend my life with him.
Jamal: I like to think that I can read people very well. Very early on, I felt that we had a connection, and from there I decided that Barbara was someone I wanted to get to know. With each passing day, I grew to realize that she completes my life.
What was wedding shopping like for you? Barbara: I knew early on that I wanted to look grown for my wedding day. I went shopping back home (Atlanta) with my mom, grandma and bridesmaid (my cousin). I stood firm: no strapless and no princess ballgown. Both the saleswoman and my mom paid close attention to what I wanted. My mom actually picked the perfect dress: a fit and flare with halter neck and lace back. I only went to one shop and tried on four dresses. Once I knew, I knew. My mom kept commenting on how my eyes lit up once I tried it on.
Jamal: I have always felt it imperative that a man knows how to carry himself in a suit, so, when it came to choosing for my wedding day, I already had a strong idea of what I wanted to see–Me and my guys were going to look like this was what we do every day. I chose a slim fit suit that would make us all stand out, with colors to complement my wife and to make all the guys feel good.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We share Caribbean heritage (my parents are from Haiti, and Jamal’s from Guyana), so we wanted our wedding to include aspects of both cultures. At our church ceremony, there was Scripture read in Haitian Creole. Our first look pictures and introduction included our flags, and our guests danced all night to soca, reggae, zouk, and kompa. There is a Guyanese tradition that the groom’s cake is black cake which we had served to our guests, and they could take home as favors.
Wedding Party gifts: Bridesmaids: Monogrammed tote with a personalized hanger, jewelry for the day (earrings and an arm cuff), a pashmina, and a handwritten thank you card. Groomsmen: A monogrammed decanter and glass set, and monogrammed cufflinks.
Favorite item on the menu: Salmon with lemon buerre blanc. The sauce was amazing.
First dance song: “Stay with You” by John Legend
What is your best memory from your wedding? Barbara: Our send off picture in front of the church. It was amazing to see all of our loved ones smiling and clapping for us after our ceremony.
Jamal: Our introduction as Mr. & Mrs. James at the reception. We grabbed our flags and danced in to Jidenna’s “Little Bit More.”
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Make sure to continue to commit to each other during the planning process. It gets overwhelming, but remember that love is what brought you to this point. Also, do a lot of research on your vendors, and trust them to do their job.
Vendors:
Photographer: JazzyMae Photography
First look: Western Reserve Historical Society
Ceremony location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Reception location: 700 Beta Banquet and Conference Center
Day-of Coordinator: Covesa Kelly Events
Videographer: Wake Up Call Media
DJ: LoKey Entertainment
Make-up: Sandra McFarland
Hair: Tangeana May
Florist/Decorator: Amour Events & Design
Cake: Top Tier Cakes
Transportation: All Occasion Limousine
Tuxes: American Commodore
Dress designer: Essence of Australia
Dress salon: J. Andrews Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
Bride’s Jewelry: Etsy
Alterations: Saroli’s Bridal
Shoes: Dillard’s
Invitations: Vistaprint
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