Fall 2017 MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Feature: Leslie and Jason

MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Fall 2017 Feature: Leslie and Jason
Print copies available for pre-order here!

Read all about Leslie & Jason’s love story, romantic surprise proposal, and experiences at their luxurious New Orleans wedding! View the vendor list below.

Bride & Groom: Leslie & Jason
Wedding Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Wedding Date: June 24th 2017

“I noticed Leslie at the spot while out with my teammates,” NFL veteran Jason Williams fondly remembers, “I made up my mind that I was interested and I would find a way to get her attention…”
“I never went out much until I moved to Dallas, and met a few friends,” Leslie recalls, “I honestly don’t remember who I was with the night I met Jason besides a few coworkers…I knew that night would be extremely fun-filled. However, I did not know that I would be meeting my husband-to-be…”
This night would mark the beginning of Leslie and Jason’s love story; a relationship in the making spanning numerous years, long-distance, and multiple professional NFL football teams. “The spot” was a social venue in Downtown Dallas formerly known as the Velvet Room.
“In an effort to let her know I was interested, I bumped her a few times but she simply moved each time. I tried bumping her again and I knew I had her when she turned around and said, ‘excuse you.’”
“I was quite agitated,” Leslie remembers, “because in the midst of having fun, I felt continual bumps in my back by this massive elbow and I was sure the individual behind me had the stature of a linebacker. I noticed that despite adjusting my seating, moving, making noticeable signs of frustration, he was still extremely adamant about getting my attention. After turning around and asking that he excuse himself from bumping me, he took that interaction as an opportunity to introduce himself and ask if he could buy me a drink…”
“I then asked her to allow me to get her a drink and she expeditiously declined. Despite her refusal to accept my offer, I reached out my hand and introduced myself. I did not let her hand go, but guided her to my section since she and her coworkers were right next to mine. At that moment, I made up my mind that I had to have her…Leslie had a spark that made her constantly stand out in a room. I did not know the night that I initially met her that I would meet someone so genuine, sincere and loving…”
“After more small talk, he asked me for my contact info and I politely declined but offered to take his information, saved his number in my phone, said goodbye, left the spot and that was that for a few weeks. Finally, about two weeks later, I decided to reach out to Jason with a simple ‘good morning,’ to which he replied, ‘what took you so long, light-skin?’ Even in that moment I chuckled, responded, and we’ve been in each other’s lives ever since…”

For months, Leslie had some inclination that Jason would propose, it was no secret that he loved her and planned to make her his wife. But after several talks and ongoing conversations, there was still no formal proposal. Little did Leslie know that Jason was planning the perfect proposal… On April 23, 2016, Leslie and Jason were celebrating Jason’s birthday while also attending a golfing event. Catching Leslie by complete surprise, and surrounded by hundreds of his Western Illinois alumni, Jason, on bended knee, expressed his absolute love for Leslie and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him as husband and wife…

For Leslie, wedding shopping was “awesome!” With her mother and wedding planner present, they flew from Chicago to Atlanta to visit Lori’s Bridal where the television show Say Yes to the Dress is filmed. Leslie didn’t want a “typical dress,” and although their gowns were stunning she wanted a more customized vision to come to life. From there they traveled to Winnie Couture and after the first three dresses Leslie wanted them all in one with two other additions added. The planner worked with the designer to create the custom dress of Leslie’s dreams – a custom Winnie Couture mermaid, comprised of five gowns mastered into one. Her second dress was a Thurley officially from Australia – it was the first time Thurley sent a dress to the United States.

What is your best memory from your wedding?
Every portion of our wedding was a best memory. From the elegance of the Romeo and Juliet candlelight ceremony to the crystallized, blinged out reception that was a celebration and party all in one.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Be patient and supportive to one another more often than usual. Make sure marriage counseling is a priority and joining a church to have more support, backing and guidance.

Vendors:
Wedding dress designer – Custom Winnie Couture
Wedding dress salon – Winnie Couture (Atlanta)
Bridesmaids dresses – Bella Bridesmaids Chicago
Hair: Kyra Duhe – Urban Suite Salon – New Orleans, LA
Makeup: Chamonique Short – Dallas, TX
Shoes: Louboutin
Ceremony location & reception location: Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Photography Martha Ramirez UDS Photography
Videography: Prime Design Films
Wedding planner: Tiffany Cook of Tiffany Cook Events
Florist: Nola Florist
Candelabras: candles & Dance floor: Firefly Ambiance
Cake: Melissa’s Fine Pastries
Stationery: Sandi Spells Designs
Event design & décor: Tiffany Cook Events
DJ: DJ K Tim
Second Line Band: Kinfolk Brass Band
Instrumental Trio: Harry Hardin
Photobooth: Boogie Booth