Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?

We met in 2016 at the University of Miami and spent the first six years as flirty friends before slowly growing closer. Four years ago, that friendship naturally turned into a relationship. Because Davon plays basketball — we’ve lived all over the US, and even in Japan and Europe. That made us incredibly close, having to be each other’s worlds when you’re so far away from everyone you know in an unknown place.

Despite having very different personalities, our lives have always mirrored each other. We’ve gone through so many of the same things at the same time, and our values and souls are incredibly aligned. We both knew early on that we would never feel this way with anyone else. We’re truly best friends and soulmates.

When you started planning your wedding, what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?

We originally planned to get married in Long Island, New York — a central location for Davon’s family in New Jersey and mine in Toronto, New York, and Europe. When our venue unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy, we had less than eight months to pivot.

I had always secretly dreamed of getting married in Europe, so when the opportunity opened up, we decided to take the leap. Our wedding ended up being in the South of France — a place neither of us had ever been — and it was truly a dream come true.

I always imagined getting married on a private estate, and being able to have our families stay with us in the chateau all weekend was the cherry on top. The aesthetic was exactly what my mom and I had talked about since I was a little girl: classic, timeless, romantic. All white flowers cascading everywhere, chandeliers, beautiful silverware, and outdoors, and the breathtaking view of Monaco made it unforgettable.

What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?

It was incredibly important to both of us that every guest felt valued and appreciated for traveling to celebrate with us. My favorite detail was the handwritten cards we wrote for every single guest — even plus ones we had never met — to express our gratitude and excitement.

We also wanted our families, both blood and chosen, to be part of the ceremony. We included a ring blessing where our wedding bands were passed through the first row so our family could pray over them. Our officiant asked for quiet prayers, but the grandparents prayed out loud, and soon everyone followed. Hearing their words was so moving.

We incorporated meaningful mementos as well. My bouquet had a locket with photos of my grandmother and uncle, and I gifted Davon and his dad cufflinks with pictures of his grandparents on their wedding day — they were married for over sixty years.

Music was another huge priority for me, since I’ve worked in the industry for eight years and it’s a big part of our relationship. We handpicked every song for each moment — the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and the after-party — to create a distinct vibe throughout the weekend. Our goal was simply for everyone to have an unforgettable experience.

How did you decide on the location?

Once our original venue filed for bankruptcy, we shifted our search to Europe. I emailed over fifty venues and eventually narrowed it down to two in the South of France. The venue we chose had one weekend left in June — and it happened to be our anniversary. It felt like a sign.

Beyond that, it’s genuinely one of the most beautiful places in the world. It felt straight out of a movie.

Let’s talk dress! Give us all the deets!

My dresses! I knew I wanted to start with my ceremony gown and build the other looks around it so everything felt cohesive. I visited several boutiques in Miami and New York, but when I met Kati, we instantly clicked.

By the time I arrived at Chic, I knew I wanted to try Leah Da Gloria and had a clear vision: a ball gown with a drop waist. The Alexandra gown was in another city for a trunk show, so they shipped it in — and the moment I tried it on, I knew it was my dress.

A few months later, we returned to find my welcome party look and second dress. Kati understood my vibe perfectly and chose the most beautiful options. We ended up tailoring the welcome party gown into a midi, and I’m obsessed with it — I can’t wait to wear it again.

My goal was for my waist to be snatched to the gods, and thanks to Mari, the sweetest and most meticulous seamstress, we achieved exactly that.

How did your family and friends play into your wedding planning and wedding day?

My mom and I did most of the planning together — something we’ve dreamed about since I was little. She’s always been my best friend and biggest supporter, and sharing this experience with her was so special.

My stepdad and Davon helped with smaller parts, but my mom and I kept joking that we were planning the best surprise party for them.

She also organized one of my favorite moments: she, my mother‑in‑law, my granny‑in‑law, and my best friends wrote me letters, which my mom turned into a book I read the night before the wedding. I sobbed, but it’s a keepsake I’ll treasure forever.

One specific memory you’ll never forget…

Walking down the aisle and seeing all our family and friends from around the world — Hong Kong, Germany, Canada, the States, the UK, and more — gathered to celebrate us was overwhelming in the best way.

My second favorite moment was looking up at Davon as I walked toward him. He had insisted for months that he wouldn’t cry — he’s not usually emotional — but he was absolutely bawling. It was the sweetest reminder of how deep our love is.

How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?

I wanted to look elevated but still like myself. I found my makeup artist on TikTok after seeing a bridal look where the bride’s freckles were still visible — something I loved and wanted for myself.

My hair inspiration came from Pinterest. My favorite look was for the welcome party: a half‑up, half‑down pony that was absolute perfection.

Was there one vendor you wish everyone knew about?

KEJ Films — truly my favorite people ever. We flew our videographers in from Denver, and they are unbelievably talented. Our highlight film looks like a major motion picture.

Beyond their talent, they’re the sweetest couple. Elaine felt like family the morning of the wedding, and Davon said the same about Kaleb later in the day. We adore them and even grabbed dinner with them when we were in Denver. They’ll be in our lives forever.

Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?

We went to Capri, Positano, and Paris. Capri was our favorite — it was our first time, and it was breathtaking. We relaxed, ate endless pasta, and relived every moment of the wedding. It was a dream.