Jasmine and De’Varus are high school sweethearts whose relationship overcame the test of time. When this match-made-in-heaven ties the knot they dress it up with blush and champagne— and of course lots of fun!
Bride Name:
Jasmine Wilson
Groom Name:
De’Varus May
Wedding Location:
Birmingham, Alabama
Wedding Date:
August 1st, 2015
Alma Mater of Bride:
Vanderbilt University
Alma Mater of Groom:
Auburn University
Current City Where you Live:
Birmingham, Alabama
Hometown:
Birmingham, Alabama
How did you meet?
De’Varus and I met in high school. We were the typical combination of football player and cheerleader who happened to cross paths, with the help of classmates, during our afternoon practices!
How long did you date?
We started dating in high school and have been together EVER SINCE, in the midst of going to separate colleges and starting our careers in separate states. With no break-ups or breaks, yes, that’s quite a long time! 🙂
How did he propose?
De’Varus proposed on my birthday weekend in March 2014. I didn’t have any plans, and we were still long distance at the time, so I was just happy he was coming in town to spend the weekend with me. Little did I know, he had other intentions! We started off the day at breakfast, in which he told me he wanted to take me to the botanical gardens afterwards. When we got there, we noticed there was a private wedding going on that day, so while I was trying to make sure we were not in the way while walking around, he was guiding us right toward it! He led me to this beautiful table set up right by the pond, with flowers and what looked like lunch for two. Everything starts to become fuzzy at this point, but I remember asking, “Aren’t we interrupting this other couple??” And he says, “No Jasmine, this is actually all for you!” Of course I was in utter shock, and as he begins to explain everything in our relationship that has brought us to this point, the tears start rolling, and I’m sure you all know what happens next!
When did you know he was the one?
I knew De’Varus was the one by the time I graduated from college. Going off to school, let alone in two different states, definitely had its ups and downs. But I realized that if we were able to overcome the distance and time, in the midst of being quite active at our respective universities, we could overcome anything, together.
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
I love how eager to learn De’Varus is. He is always reading and researching, especially when it comes to his interests; which in return, motivates me to continue reaching personal goals for myself.
What part of wedding planning made you crazy?
Wedding planning can become quite stressful if you find yourself trying to please everyone! You have to stay cognizant that even though everyone is not going to be 100% satisfied at the end of the day, what matters is the day is about the bride & groom!
What part of wedding planning could you not live without?
I have definitely grown a true appreciation for fresh flowers! They added such a lively touch to the decor throughout the wedding day!
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
“FINALLY!” lol
What was your favorite part about the ceremony?
In addition to enjoying the reciting of vows and taking communion together, another favorite part about our ceremony was my Pastor’s mention of the longevity De’Varus and I have endured to get to that point. We have literally matured mentally and spiritually, together, so being able to get married in the church I have grown up in as long as we have dated was very sentimental.
What was your favorite part about the wedding?
I love how our wedding really exuded both of our personalities throughout the day! It was classy & elegant, but also a really good time! De’Varus wanted to ensure that our day was nice, but fun! Our guests stayed on the dance floor, which is exactly what we wanted!
Who were your wedding vendors?
Flowers: CeCe Designs
Catering: The Happy Catering Company
Dress: The Something Blue Shoppe
Makeup: Beauty Barr Makeup Studios
Rentals: Top Notch Events & Rentals
Wedding Planner: I Do! I Do! Wedding Planning
Photographer: K. Bryant Images
Videographer: Studio 5 Agency
Cake: Evelyn Criswell Catering
Reception Venue: Rosewood Hall
Accommodations: The Tutwiler Hotel
What were your wedding colors?
Champagne, Ivory, and Blush
What was your wedding theme?
Southern ‘Chic’ Hospitality
What is your favorite part about being married to each other?
Our favorite part about being married at this point is the fact that we are FINALLY in the same city & same state after being long distance for years! It’s like we’re getting to know each other all over again after being together for so long.
What did you learn about each other through the wedding planning process?
I think we learned through the wedding planning process that although some of our preferences differed, we always came to the conclusion that we did not want to sacrifice anything to the point where we were not able to include all of our family and friends. De’Varus and I have been together for over 10 years, and we have met a lot of people along the way that are close to us; so we wanted to ensure that we not only had a nice wedding, but a fun reunion!
What southern traditions did you do at your wedding?
Our ceremony was very traditional in the sense that we were married in the church that I grew up in, in addition reciting vows and taking communion.
Did you have any southern food on your menu? If so what and why?
Down South, I think we all appreciate a good tasting casserole from time to time! Thus, at our wedding, one of our signature sides included ‘southern potato souffle,’ sort of like a twice-baked potato casserole, in which our guests really enjoyed!
What southern decor did you include in your wedding?
Along with our soft color palette of champagne, ivory, and blush, we included simplistic elements of candles, pearls, and mirror signs of calligraphy to embrace a romantic, elegant, and classy tone at our wedding. We also provided lounge areas at our cocktail hour which include vintage decor and furniture.
What did you love about being a southern bride?
I love that my personality was exuded throughout my experience as a southern bride–simplicity, elegance, and class! I also really enjoyed that fact that our main focus of making sure all of our family and friends were brought together to have a good time was never deterred from; which is what being from the south is all about–family over everything!