Featured in Issue 29, Cooma and Jared’s elevated wedding featured bohemian chic vibes with two gorgeous wedding dresses and luxurious decor.
After a chance meeting at a college party in 2011, Cooma and Jared’s lives were forever changed (and unbeknownst to them, forever entwined!).
Cooma recalls, “From across the room, I couldn’t help but notice this handsome tall dark-skinned black man, who was just my type. He had a confident demeanor and an infectious smile. I was immediately drawn to him, but I was too intimidated to make a move.”
Later that night as Cooma and her friends were figuring out where to go next, she turned around briefly and heard someone say, “Oh, so I get the over-the-shoulder?”. She looked back and of course, it was Jared! They struck up a conversation and after an hour of talking, Cooma bravely asked for Jared’s number. They’ve been inseparable ever since!
Following a surprise winter-wonderland proposal on a staycation at National Harbor, Jared and Cooma said “I Do” in a beautiful wedding at Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland. Their nuptials were an elevated bohemian affair with chic details, including a neutral color palette and pampas grass accents, with luxury chairs, grand floral arrangements, and candelabras.
The couple also blended their cultures (Cooma’s Ghanaian roots and Jared’s Black American background) by hosting a traditional Ghanaian wedding a few days prior to their American wedding and jumping the broom.
“It was a day that I will always cherish and remember,” Cooma shares. “And I am grateful for every moment.”
More details from their luxurious bohemian chic nuptials are below.
- Couple: Cooma Asonye Stokes & Jared Stokes
- Wedding Date: September 24, 2022
- Wedding Location: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
- Photographer for Wedding: Tunji Studio
Quick Facts From The Bride:
- Theme: Bohemian Chic & Elevated Luxury
- Wedding flowers: Roses and Pampas Grass
- Favorite item on the menu: Peppercorn Steak
- First dance song: “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross & “Adiepena” by KiDi
- Advice for brides: It’s easy to get caught up in the planning and stress of the day, but at the end of it all, what matters most is the love that you share with your partner. Take a deep breath, enjoy the moments, and trust that everything will come together beautifully. Remember that this is just the beginning of a lifetime together, so savor the day, but also look forward to all the amazing memories that are yet to come.
The bridal suite…
I absolutely loved the floral decor in my bridal room! Kadi, owner of Assembly by K, created a stunning bohemian luxe arch that set the perfect tone for the day. I was so happy with how the floral elements added to the overall design, creating a beautiful backdrop for getting ready. It was truly a special touch that helped make my wedding day even more memorable.
My bridal robe…
For my bridal robe, I wanted something unique and different. So, I opted for a nontraditional brown bridal robe that perfectly complemented the floral backdrop in my bridal room. I loved how the robe created a beautiful contrast and showed off my versatility in style between the ceremony, reception, and getting ready photos.
How we met…
We met on September 2, 2011, at a college party. He was a senior at George Washington University in DC, and I was a sophomore. From across the room, I couldn’t help but notice this handsome tall dark-skinned black man, who was just my type. He had a confident demeanor and an infectious smile. I was immediately drawn to him, but I was too intimidated to make a move.
By the end of the night, my friends and I were outside trying to figure out our next move. I turned around briefly and heard someone say, “Oh, so I get the over-the-shoulder?”. Turning to see who it was, it was the guy I had been admiring. I smiled and knew that I had to talk to him. He claimed to date that he noticed my smile first, however, my back was turned when he first spoke to me! I remember he was wearing a pink collared shirt, and I was wearing a black top and a striped black and white mini skirt – very on-brand for that era!
We struck up a conversation and I could tell he was interested in me, but after an hour, he still hadn’t asked for my number. Summoning all the courage I had, I asked him for his number. My excuse was that I would let him know where the after-party was. Little did I know, he was not a partygoer and was not interested in any after-party! He just said that to spend more time with me.
Since that day, we have been inseparable. That chance encounter at a college party changed my life’s course in ways I never could have imagined. And for that, I will always be grateful.
Our proposal story…
During the weekend of my proposal, I had absolutely no clue! I had planned a weekend staycation at the National Harbor with a few of my girlfriends. We were all excited to have a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. However, little did I know that my friends were in on a secret plan that would change my life forever.
Apparently, my now husband, Jared, had been scheming with my girlfriends to get me out of the apartment so that he could decorate it and set up the most romantic proposal ever. I remember complaining to my best friend that weekend about how Jared was not being responsive to my messages and how he was taking so long to propose. I had no idea that he was busy planning the surprise of a lifetime!
As we were enjoying our staycation, I noticed that Jared had ordered three meals on Uber Eats, which was quite odd. When I mentioned it to my friend, she told me to mind my business and enjoy the weekend. Those extra meals turned out to be for the two friends who were helping Jared with his surprise proposal plan.
Fast forward to two days later, Sunday, December 13, 2020: my friends and I had dinner together, and the plan was to dress up since a few of them were content creators.
I had chosen a dress for the evening, but my friends didn’t like it and convinced me to wear one of theirs. This was also quite strange since they always love my outfit choices. But I didn’t think too much of it and just went along with it.
After dinner, I wanted to change before we hit the road, but my friends found a way to stop me from doing so. Looking back now, I realize that they were stalling me so that Jared could get everything set up for the big surprise.
When I got back to our apartment after the staycation, there was a note on the door saying, “Since you say I don’t get you anything, I got you a surprise. Put this blindfold on.” At this point, I still had no idea what was going on, but I followed the instructions and put the blindfold on. My friend who had come up to supposedly use the restroom, told me to put on my heels and lip gloss. It was all starting to feel a bit suspicious.
Once I entered the apartment, Jared took my hand and led me to the living room.
He started playing a song that he had made for me, and as soon as I took off the blindfold, I saw that he had transformed the living room into a beautiful winter wonderland. He was on one knee, and there was a photographer taking our photos. It was the most magical moment of my life.
I will never forget that day for as long as I live. It was the most beautiful and romantic surprise, and I am forever grateful to Jared and my friends for making it all happen.
When we knew we found “the one”…
I knew Jared was the one for me early on. I was drawn to him from the moment we met. We started dating, and about three months in, it hit me like a ton of bricks: I was in love with him.
We were in college, and winter break was coming up in December 2011. Jared would be going home for the holidays, and I would be staying on campus. When the day came for him to leave, I cried hysterically. I had no idea where this flood of emotions was coming from. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be without him for four weeks.
I tried to hide my tears, but Jared could see right through me. He hugged me tightly and promised me that we would stay in touch every day. And we did. We talked on the phone, also on ooVoo (for those who know), and sent each other text messages
We have been together ever since, and our love has only grown stronger with time. I am grateful for that winter break when I realized how much Jared meant to me.
Incorporating our cultures…
As someone who is half Ghanaian and half Nigerian, and with Jared being Black American, we wanted to honor both of our cultures during our wedding. We decided to have a traditional Ghanaian wedding a few days before our American wedding day, which was an amazing experience that immersed us in my culture.
For our American wedding day, we kept things pretty standard but still wanted to incorporate a nod to Jared’s culture. We decided to jump the broom as part of our ceremony, which is a tradition that dates back to the time of slavery in America. It was a beautiful moment that symbolized a new beginning for us as a married couple, while also honoring Jared’s heritage.
Overall, it was important for us to incorporate both of our cultures into our wedding day. We wanted to celebrate our differences and embrace the unique aspects of each of our backgrounds. Our wedding day was truly a reflection of who we are as a couple, and we are grateful to have been able to honor our cultures in such a meaningful way.
Our first look…
During our wedding day, my partner and I decided to have a first look before the ceremony, with only my Maid of Honor present. It was a truly special moment for us to have alone, to connect and share our love for each other before the festivities began.
Creating our wedding style…
I absolutely loved my wedding style, which was a beautiful combination of elevated luxury and bohemian chic. My inspiration was Coming to America, which was reflected in my hairstyle. From the bridal robe to the bouquets, corsages, and ceremony and reception room decor, the bohemian aspect was present throughout.
The elevated luxury element was reflected in my stunning wedding dress, the reception gown, the bridal party’s looks, as well as the marble and gold hues in the estate table, sweetheart backdrop, and dance floor. The neutral color palette and pampas grass accents added to the overall bohemian vibe, while the beautiful candelabras, luxury chairs, and grand floral arrangements brought a sense of luxury to the space.
I felt like the entire day was a true reflection of my personal taste and style. It was the perfect blend of everything I love, and it truly felt like a celebration of who I am as a person.
Overall, my wedding was a beautiful and meaningful day that I will never forget. I am so grateful to have been able to celebrate my love in such a stunning and personalized way.
My wedding dress & favorite accessory…
My wedding dress was an absolute dream come true. I had seen it on Valdrin Sahiti’s Instagram many years before my wedding day, and I just knew it was meant to be mine. As someone who loves drama and glamour, I selected a dress that was heavily beaded with crystals and pearls, and it did not disappoint.
What I loved most about my dress was that it was a two-in-one design, with a detachable train that gave me an alternate look. The fit was perfect, and the dress truly complimented my body type in all the right ways.
One of my favorite accessories from the day was my shoes. I had selected a stunning bedazzled heel from Aquazzura that cost $1,300, and my dearest auntie had gifted them to me as a wedding present. They were the perfect pairing for my luxurious dress and completed my bridal look in the most beautiful way possible. Overall, I felt like a true princess on my wedding day in my dreamy dress and stunning shoes.
Our welcome wall…
It was important to my husband and me that our wedding day was a celebration of our love story, which began on September 2, 2011. One of our favorite personal touches was the addition of an 8ft by 8ft storyboard designed by Black Frame Creative and printed by Haddad Events.
This allowed us to showcase our journey together and give our guests a glimpse into what we had been up to for the past 11 years. It was a beautiful touch and I loved that everyone got to see and share in our experiences.
A bohemian chic ceremony…
Favorite wedding day memories…
One of my favorite memories from my wedding day was walking down the aisle. It was a truly magical experience to have my mother by my side and to see my future husband looking at me with so much emotion. I felt so loved and supported in that moment.
To top it off, my planner, Lola, CEO of MasterPlan Events, and Edwina, owner of Everything Luxe Decor, surprised me with the extra decor in the ceremony room. It was beyond my expectations and made the moment even more special. I will never forget how beautiful and perfect it all felt.
Our vows…
Jared and I knew from the start that we wanted to write our own personal vows to each other. Although I’m not always the most eloquent with words, I was determined to make this moment special for us.
So, I started working on my vows three months in advance and spent the week leading up to the wedding perfecting them. It was important to me to use this opportunity to make promises to my husband and show him how much he means to me.
Jared, on the other hand, has a natural gift for public speaking and his words always have a way of moving me to tears. When he read his vows, he spoke with so much love, life, and power that it touched my soul. I was blown away by his ability to capture the essence of our love and our journey together.
We both gifted each other a written version of our vows as a keepsake to cherish forever. It was truly a beautiful moment and one of the highlights of our wedding day.
Mr. & Mrs…
Advice for other engaged couples…
A first look is a beautiful way to connect with your partner before the ceremony and take in the emotions of the day together. It’s a great opportunity for some alone time, and it can help calm any nerves you may be feeling.
The moment of walking down the aisle is also special and emotional, so don’t worry about making your partner cry – chances are, they will cry no matter what! Remember that the most important thing is the love you share and the commitment you’re making to each other.
So take a deep breath, enjoy the day, and savor every moment together.
A grande finale…
We decided to do an outfit change for the reception party. I wore a stunning gold embellished dress from Valdrin Sahiti, while Jared changed into a stylish black suit. His blazer was embroidered with rose gold roses, and he also switched into sleek velvet Christian Louboutins loafers comfortable for dancing. It was the perfect way to start the night and transition into the festivities.
Cheers to the bride & groom!
Looking for more elevated, bohemian chic weddings?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Event planner: MasterPlan Events
- Photography: Tunji Studio
- Videography: Maxwell Jennings
- Bride’s 1st & 2nd dress: Valdrin Sahiti
- Bride’s robe: Saadia Sanusi
- Bride’s headpiece: Collier Accessory
- Veil: Valdrin Sahiti
- Bride’s shoes: Aquazzurra
- Bridesmaids dresses: Saadia Sanusi
- Cakes/desserts: Fluffy Thoughts
- Catering: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
- Ceremony venue: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
- Florals: Everything Luxe Décor
- Entertainment (DJ): DJ Akuaa
- Entertainment (MC): Fresh Impressionz
- Entertainment (360 Booth): Dab inc
- Enlarged bride & groom photos: Haddad Events
- Florals for bridal room: Assembly by K
- Groom’s attire: Eaden Myles
- Groom’s shoes: Magnanni
- Groomsmen attire: Eaden Myles
- Hair: Lavoure
- Hair extensions: Jenti Hair
- Hair (groom): Da’Cari Abraham
- Lighting: The LightSource Company
- Linens: Select Event Group
- Makeup (bride): Makeup by Pnang
- Makeup (bridesmaids): Freestyle on the Beat
- Monogram design: Black Frame Creative
- Reception venue: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
- Rentals: Select Event Group
- Stationery: Etsy
Leave a Reply