There is no better Christmas gift than the gift of love. Jairus knew that Christmas Eve was the right moment to pull off a surprise proposal to his sweetheart Jessica. After Jessica’s family returned home from a Christmas Eve service, they began their tradition of exchanging gifts. After the gift giving was over, Jairus stood up and announced that there was one more gift to be given. Jessica was blindfolded for what seemed like an eternity, and when the blindfold came off, Jairus was kneeling with an engagement ring in his hand.
This fun loving couple’s winter wedding was full of vibrant colors. Jessica shares, “I wanted my guests to be wowed but not overwhelmed at the use of color when walking into the reception venue. I also incorporated a little (ok a lot) of bling in my wedding.” Their vision was brought to life by their planner Chioma Nwogu of Dure Events. Jessica was radiant in a fit and flare, sweetheart gown, which she accented with a Swarovski crystal sash for a little bling. Jessica is Nigerian American and Jairus is from New Orleans, so it was very important for them to showcase both of their cultures. The wedding party entered the reception wearing Mardi Gras masks while a second line played. Guest dinned on Nigerian food, and Jessica and Jairus changed into traditional Nigerian attire later in the reception. Their colorful and lively nuptials were perfectly planned by Dure Events, and expertly photographed by Raheem Osanyin of Rhphotoarts.
- Bride: Jessica Camille
- Groom: Jairus Camille
- Wedding Date: 10/25/2013
- Wedding Location: Wedding ceremony was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas and the Wedding reception at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas
The Proposal
Jairus proposed Christmas Eve 2012 amongst my immediate family. Jairus knowing how close I am to my family made sure they were involved and present during the surprise proposal. That evening the entire family including Jairus went to Christmas Eve service and soon after we returned to my mom’s house to open gifts. After the gift-giving was over, Jairus stood up and announced there was one more gift to be given. He left the room and I was blindfolded and told to stand up. By this time, I had some clue what was going on but all the same a million thoughts were running through my head. After standing for what seemed like an eternity, the blindfold came off and before me was Jairus kneeling with an engagement ring in hand asking me to be his wife. The rest is history.
Wedding Theme
I definitely was not afraid of color when thinking about my wedding design inspiration. I wanted my guests to be wowed but not overwhelmed at the use of color when walking into the reception venue. I also incorporated a little (ok a lot) of bling in my wedding. I cannot talk about my wedding design without mentioning my spectacular wedding planner Chioma Nwogu. I had a vision and it was Chioma who brought my vision to life. She went above and beyond in every aspect of the word and no detail was left unturned. I trusted her with one of the biggest moments in my life and she definitely delivered. Even my husband was at lost for words (which never happens) when we entered our reception venue. Thanks Chi!
Wedding Style
My wedding dress was a fitted strapless, sweetheart gown with a fit and flare silhouette accented with a Swarovski crystal sash to incorporate a little bling.
Incorporation of Culture
Since I am Nigerian American and my husband is from New Orleans, Louisiana it was very important for us to showcase both cultures. My culture was represented in the food and our traditional wear and his culture was represented in the entrance of the bridal party with the bridesmaids and groomsmen entering with mardi gras masks on while second line music was being played.
Most Memorable Moment
For both of us the best memory had to be seeing each other actually enjoy the night. We made a promise to each other that we were going to have fun regardless of any mishaps, and that promise came to fruition for sure!
Wedding Advice
I would say brides should allow the groom to have an opinion about the wedding planning. I had a vision for my wedding and was guilty of not including my fiancé in on a lot of things. I had to sit back and allow him to also make a decision or two about the planning process. This also helps set the tone of the marriage in the fact that everything you do will be a joint venture.
Vendors
- Wedding dress designer: Allure Bridals style 8966
- Wedding dress salon: Wedding by Debbie in Katy, Texas
- Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo Style 7168 in Tealness and Berry
- Bride’s Hair/Makeup: Lyzadora
- Bridesmaids makeup: Alaina Saulsberry with Color Du Jour
- Shoes: Gucci
- Ceremony location: St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
- Reception location: Sweetwater Country Club
- Photography: Raheem Osanyin of Rhphotoarts
- Videographer: Maverick Productions
- Wedding planner: Chioma Nwogu of Dure Events
- Florist/Event designer: Darryl and Co.
- Stationery: Isabella Invitations
- Cocktail hour entertainment: Mr. Vsax
- DJ: DJ Tunes
- Wedding cake: Supreme Kakes
Dure Events is a member of The Coterie, Munaluchi’s exclusive wedding collective. Click here to view her portfolio. To learn more about The Coterie, click here.
Wow what amazing photos very regal