Raquel and Jahlell initially met while working for the same company where a friendship quickly formed between them. It wasn’t long before both realized they shared a special connection and the first chapter of their love story truly began. As time went by their connection only grew stronger and over their foundation of friendship love took root. For Jahlell, after only a few conversations he already knew Raquel was the person he was always meant to be with, and soon began dreaming of their perfect proposal…
Read all about Raquel & Jahlell’s love story, beautiful proposal, and experiences in their graceful manor wedding in Georgia.
Bride & Groom: Raquel & Jahlell
Occupations: Luxury Sales Assistant Manager & Car Sales Manager
Wedding date: June 30th 2018
Wedding location: Johns Creek, GA
How did you meet? We both worked for a car dealership in New York, I was a head receptionist and he was a car salesmen. We started out as good work friends, and decided to take our friendship a step further when we realized we had a special connection.
Tell us about the proposal. As crazy as it sounds Jahlell asked me to marry him during our first few months of dating. I, of course deemed this as a joke and figured this must be his way of saying he really liked me. He on the other hand knew he was going to marry me after a few conversations. After dating for a while ( 3 years) and moving in together, it was time to make things official. Parents and grandparents were inquiring about a ring and a set date. Jahlell’s grandmother at the time had become ill and he knew it was time to put a move on things. She had stage 4 cancer and one of her dying wish was to see her only grandchild get married. On Jan 13th, 2018 Jahlell proposed. Not in a fancy restaurant, with dimly lit candles and bunch of strangers surrounding us like he originally planned. But instead, he chose to propose in front of his terminally ill grandmother as she laid down in her bed smiling and filled with joy — his thoughts, “I don’t know if my grandmother will be here to see the wedding, so she has to be part of something.” It was the perfect proposal. He invited all of his family members and made sure to FaceTime all of my family back in New York. It was perfect. How could I not marry a man like this? His grandmother passed away a month later.
Describe your wedding attire. I wanted my dress to reflect my style. I’m very simple and classy, however, I love to make a statement. I wasn’t a big fan of embellishment or anything too fussy, and so I knew I wouldn’t want that style dress — no embellishments please!
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? At first I thought I would want a dress that was laced, form fitting and sleek. But after listening to a bridal consultant who encouraged me to try on all types of dresses, I fell in love with a fit and flare style dress. It was simple at the top and very dramatic at the bottom. I didn’t like lace and I knew for sure I didn’t want, nor like, any embellishments. The dress described me! Simple with a little bit of drama!
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? With my family being from Jamaica and his family is from Panama, we played a lot of reggae music!
Wedding party gifts: We didn’t have bridesmaids and groomsmen, however I did have a maid of honor and a junior bride who were my sisters. My maid of honor received a designer bag as a gift.
Ceremony entrance song: “Perfect Duet” by: Ed Sheeran, ft. Beyonce
First dance song: “Best Part” by: H.E.R, ft. Daniel Ceasar
What is your best memory from your wedding? My best memory from the wedding was our first look. It was the best ever! We got a moment to ourselves. We got to admire each others look. We prayed, cried, laughed. It was a great moment to share between the two of us before we saw our guest.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? If you have to splurge on anything, please let it be the photographer!
Vendors:
Venue: St. Ives Country Club
Day of Coordinator: Bob Cooper and Monica Jackson
Florist: Jose Viera – Atlanta Flower Man
Cake: Perfect Wedding Cake – Ramona Oskirka
Photographers: Sophia Barrett
Makeup Artist: Christian
Hairstylist: Shawon Pinder
Wedding Dress: Winnie Couture
Alterations: TK Bridal & Alterations
Bride Shoes: Tom Ford
Reception Dress: Linda Bezuidenhout
Alterations: Lawana Nelson
Junior Bride Dress: Pantora Mini
DJ: Mixmasterdavid
Stationery: Papyrus
Tux: Armani
Groom Shoes: Louis Vuitton
Beautiful couple, ceremony and story. Wishing them all of the best in the years to come
Thee perfect couple! I wish I was there to celebrate your special moment with you and Jah. Beautiful pics and your love story is so touching. All the best in many years to come :-)
Such a lovely day. All the best to the couple!