Luxe Basketball Court wedding includes contemporary designs, custom floral decor, and meaningful symbolism and numerology throughout.
A basketball court might not seem like an ideal wedding location; however, for Sharonda and Jimmie, this unexpected venue in the gymnasium of the JW Marriot Marquis Miami turned out to be the ultimate location!
In this unique space, the couple created a wedding day filled with love, energy, synchronicity, and significant numerology. Wedding planner JG Eventi shares, “It was extremely important to the couple to create an atmosphere of good and loving energy for their union.”
To bring their vision to life, the basketball court was transformed into a luxe contemporary white space bursting with luscious floral centerpieces including selenite wand details (promoting peace, calm, and clarity), a gorgeous flower wall backdrop constructed in a tetrahedron/pyramid shape (attracting positive energy), and tourmaline (fostering compassion) and blue Angelite crystals (representing communication). The flower of life was another symbol seen throughout their wedding day.
Our wedding aisle, wedding invitation, wedding cake, and reception dance floor all included the flower of life to symbolize the overlapping family circles that have enriched our life, and to represent the blueprint for our many family generations to come.
– Sharonda (The Bride)
The couple’s quest for good vibes and positive energy was truly felt in every detail. They even started their ceremony with a sound bath performed by their wedding officiant, Sharonda wore a headband made out of selenite crystals, and their entire reception space was designed with symmetry in mind.
Read more about their love story below!
- Couple: Sharonda & Jimmie Chatmon III
- Occupations: Sharonda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Jimmie is a COO and Director of Vacation Rentals Company
Quick Facts:
- Wedding Date: March 23, 2023
- Location of wedding: Miami, FL
- Length of engagement: 13 months
- Number of Months Spent on Wedding Planning: 10 months
- Fun fact: Their actual wedding date; 3.23.23 is said to be a palindrome because it can be read the same way backward and forward.
- Bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids made PJs, Slippers, Hangover Kits, Vitamin patches, Skincare (sunscreen, face masks, 24K gold eye masks) champagne tumblers, and wedding jewelry. Groomsman received Flasks, Hangover Kits, and Vitamin patches.
- Gifts for one another: Custom Grills and new watches (Tissot)
- Ceremony entrance song: “Yebba’s Heartbreak” by Drake
- First dance song: “Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder
When and how did the two of you meet, and what is most memorable about your first meeting?
We met at the end of 2013, on campus, while both attending the University of Miami. The most memorable thing was the deep sense of familiarity. But we didn’t exchange numbers for another 3 months and 2 more campus run-ins.
The proposal…
The proposal happened in Sharonda’s hometown of Winston-Salem, NC on Valentine’s Day. It was a private moment shared between Sharonda and Jimmie, before heading to brunch.
Who gave you the most planning advice?
Our wedding planner, the amazing Jessica of JG Eventi.
What was the best planning advice you received?
To do exactly what we wanted to do, and ONLY that.
Who helped you make the final decisions?
We kept all final decisions between us, with advisement from our planner.
Wedding Style:
A white off-the-shoulder corset gown with a trumpet silhouette, with lace and bead finishings. The bride wore a cathedral-length veil.
The ceremony…
My wedding shopping experience…
The shopping experience was very pleasant. It only took one visit to one store and trying on 5 different dresses. The shop is owned by a family friend who had me send pictures of inspiration prior to my visit.
Cultural elements…
We wanted to seize the opportunity to create partnerships within our community and people of color. We prioritized this with all of our vendors, including Shani Lynn Art for our custom wedding painting, Sarsha Lepeche Beauty for bridal party makeup, Junkie Bride for bridal party hair, Curate Entertainment for music/entertainment, and our wedding officiant—LaCriscia Fowlkes of Rooted in Love& Truth. The bride also included businesses of color in her wardrobe with a second-look dress by Alieva Label, 2nd look shoes by Amina Jalil, and a bridal bag by Brandon Blackwood.
Our best wedding day memories…
We had a special “HBCU hour” in place of the traditional “Hora Loca” that takes place at Miami weddings, we put together a special playlist for the DJ to spin, including Swag Surfing.
Sweet details…
Their first dance…
Our advice for other engaged couples…
Schedule times to discuss wedding plans with your partner (outside of meetings with the
wedding planner). It can be very tempting to just start a conversation so you don’t forget, but it can be overwhelming and exhausting for one or both of you. We quickly learned this was needed and had weekly meetings for about 6 months.
Looking for more unique venues like this basketball court wedding?
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Vendors:
- Planning & Design: JG Eventi
- Makeup: Sarsha Lepeche Beauty LLC
- Hair: Junkie Bride
- Officiant: Rooted In Love and Truth
- Videography: Dream Light Visuals
- Bridal Dress: Elegant Forever Bridal
- 2nd Dress: Alieva
- Shoes: Aminah Abdul Jalil
- https://elegantforever.com/https://www.instagram.com/elegantforeverbridal/
- Jewelry: Stacks Customs Jewelry
- Music: Curate Entertainment
- Photography: Evan Rich Photography
- Venue: JW Marriot Marquis Miami
- Floral Design: A Lavish Event Design
- Stationery & Signs: The Invitorium
- Groom Attire: Jaxson Maximus
- Production & Lighting: W Event Design
- Decor & Rentals: Contempo Linen & Event
- Favors & Gifts: Dinah Alvarez Skin Care Atelier
- Other: Society Bridal Valet
- Cakes: Sweet Guilt
- Live Artist: Shani Lynn Art
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