A woman walks into a barbershop, and true love was instantly sparked.
Jashley Green, owner of the Tampa-based Shear Utopia Unisex Salon, was awestruck when a new prospective customer walked through the doors. “One evening when I was in the middle of cutting a client’s hair, I looked up and there Carol was,” Jashley says. “I overheard her talking about how she recently left the military and I was immediately intrigued by her confidence and her swagger.”
Jashley eventually became Carol’s barber, and their feelings for each other grew with every conversation. Within each other, they had found the consistency, care and partnership they had each been longing for. After a year of dating, Carol proposed to Jashley while on a family cruise.
Giving a nod to the city where the first met and where Jashley grew up, the couple made sure to incorporate performers from Tampa’s robust music scene. Tampa River Center, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a gorgeous view of the Hillsborough River, was the location of their magical day. Every guest headed to the dancefloor to show off their moves and celebrate this union of love.
See the photos from Carol and Jashley’s wedding ceremony below:
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01
Meet The Ellises!
Brides: Jashely Green, Owner of Shear Utopia Salon, 29, and Carol Ellis, Insurance Specialist, 40
Theme: A Modern Fairytale
Venue: Tampa River Center at Julian B. Lane Park, Tampa FL
Photographer: Ashley Canay
Décor: Royal Events and Services www.royaleventsservices.com
Carol’s Hair: Carla Jordan
Jashley’s Barber: Kenny Mention
Makeup: Jessica Cliatt
Wedding Gown: Royal Bridal
Custom Suit: J. Ricc Rawlings, The Style Lab at 5508 www.thestylelabat5508.com
Video: Chasing Film Pro
DJ: DJ Blackhaze
Band: The Beatdown Band
Violinist: Nancy Mizzle
Host: Comedian, Justin Goldiee Goldsmith
Drapery: Classic Events Rental
Cake: Sweeties Delights Bakery
Cupcakes: Alvin Bronson with Enchanted Dining @enchanted_dining
Catering: Catering by the Family
Coordinator: Visions Event Planners
Photo Booth: Tampa Magic Mirror
Bachelorette Venue: 7th + Grove
Transportation: American Limo & Transportation
Poet: Jasmine “Speak Life” Green
Officiator: Mrs. Meredith Scribner
Singers: Jay Camaro and Khalea Lynee
02
The Proposal
The proposal went down on the beautiful island of Turks and Caicos during a dune buggy excursion. “We got caught in the rain, so we pulled over at a local shop,” said Jashley. “Surprisingly, this place had one of the most amazing views on the island. I figured I would take a few selfies. When I turned around to grab my phone, Carol was on her knee and asked me to marry her. I could not imagine spending my life with anyone else. I immediately said yes.”
03
Walking To Forever
Jashley walked the aisle to “Always and Forever” played by a live saxophonist, Mr. Jay Singleton of the Beatdown Band.
04
Our Way
“We wanted to stick with the modern theme of our wedding, so we did not use too many religious traditions,” says Carol. “Jashley’s fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Meredith Scribner graciously officiated our wedding.”
05
Love Wins
Though Jashley and Carol’s parents chose not to attend their ceremony, the couple was completely surrounded by love. “I was not prepared to feel as much love as I felt from our family and friends,” says Carol. “We felt so happy, loved and supported. This was truly the happiest day of my life.”
06
Date With Destiny
“I was really lost until Jashley came along,” says Carol. “After I met her, it was as if everything made sense. It felt like I went through all of my unsuccessful relationships in order to learn what true love really felt like.”
07
Bridal Style
Jashley’s wedding gown was designed by Nhyra Bridal Couture. “Once I tried on my dress and walked out of that dressing room, I had the biggest smile on my face,” she tells ESSENCE. Carol’s tux was a custom design by J. Ricc Rollins II, of the Style Lab @ 5508. “I told Ric that I wanted to look like royalty he made it happen,” says Carol.
08
Bride Tribe
Carol and Jashley opted to go without a bridal party, but still heavily incorporated their friends into their day. “The entire morning of the wedding I was surrounded by my family and close friends who helped me get ready,” Jashley said.
09
Usher In The Love
“We did not have a bridal party. However, we did have four ushers. We went to Men’s Warehouse and the guys were excited to choose their tuxes from the Vera Wang collection. They went with a classic black tux with a rose gold vest to match the colors of the wedding.”
10
Flower Power
“We included both short and tall arrangements for the flowers to provide a staggered look,” Jashley says. “The short arrangements consisted of long-stemmed vases of various heights. The base of the flowers included small arrangements of hydrangeas, blush roses and spray roses. The long table arrangements consisted of hydrangeas, blush roses, white Tibet roses, and white phalaenopsis orchids with gold votives.”
11
Location, Location, Location!
To spare their guests from the extreme Florida temperatures, the couple opted for an indoor ceremony and reception.
12
Hometown Pride
“We wanted to showcase the city of Tampa. There is so much talent in this city and we wanted our family and friends to get a glimpse of why we believe Tampa was so special.”
13
Are You Not Entertained?
The entertainment at their reception was important to both Jashley and Carol. “I wanted to showcase the city of Tampa as well as the music and culture of the city,” says Jashley. “I wanted my favorite band, The Beatdown band to perform. Carol wanted a DJ, and I really wanted a saxophonist and a violinist.”
14
So Lit!
The couple’s party guests clearly had a blast.
15
Forever Flames
“Carol is so dope,” says Jashley. “She has the most amazing personality. I don’t know if it’s a military thing or what. But when she walks in a room, she commands attention. She is so funny, charismatic, and she always makes me laugh.”
16
Love Of My Life
“For me, there was little to no stress,” says Jashley. “Being a bride was an unforgettable experience. I couldn’t believe that I would really be spending the rest of my life with the person of my dreams.”
17
Sweet Tooth
“The cake was made by Sweeties Delights in Valrico, FL,” says Carol. “Jashley found a design she liked on Pinterest. We brought the picture to Sweeties and they were able to make an exact replica. We chose three flavors for each tier: red velvet, chocolate, and vanilla. Our cake was absolutely gorgeous and blended well with the decorations.”
18
Carol and Jashley’s Advice To Brides
“Have a budget, but also have a contingency as well. We originally planned for 50 guests, but that number ballooned to 120, which required more food, tables, decorations, etc. Therefore, it was great that we had contingency funds for additional people who wanted to share our big day.”
