“I’ve felt since day one like I’ve known Travis all of my life,” says Jamia. “We had instant chemistry, respect and affection for each other. I’ve always felt like I could be 100 percent of myself around him, and I really appreciate that he sees me clearly and gets me.”
“Elizabeth Cannon Couture designed my dress and it was perfect,” says Jamia. “We designed it together over the course of six to eight months. I met with her in her studio and we went on trips to fabric and accessory stores together. The process was extremely special and I highly recommend Elizabeth’s beautiful work. My mom designed her own dress and encouraged me to work with a designer to get a one-of-a-kind look that really captured the essence of who I am and what I stand for.”
“I have locs, so I asked my dress designer to make me a headpiece that fit the mood and theme of my wedding,” says Jamia. “I knew I wasn’t a veil person, and that I’d be wearing my hair up. I told the team at Alison Harper that I wanted a style I could dance in without it coming undone, and those were my only parameters.”
Jamia chose these pretty pumps from Kate Spade for her vintage-inspired walk down the aisle.
“I knew the dress was the one because the designer executed my vision perfectly and added flair that made it even better than my original desires,” Jamia admits. (If you’re already in love with her gown, just wait until you see the back.)
“To complement my gown, I wore jewelry that my mom bought in Saudi Arabia where I grew up as an American expat,” says Jamia.
“It is such a blessing to know my soul mate and to have found a man whose heart is as big, open, and warm as my own,” says Jamia. “When I think of Travis, I think of joy, happiness, compassion and laughter and those are the qualities that I know will be nourishing for a lifetime.”
The back of Jamia’s custom gown left us in awe of it. Click that “like” button if you agree.
Jamia had lots to say when we asked her what she loves most about her new husband Travis. “We are both only children and value family, spirituality, travel, friendship and creativity,” she shares. “We’re both dreamers and doers who will settle for nothing less than what we feel is our soul’s purpose. Plus. he makes a mean omelette, serenades me on various instruments, and writes me beautiful songs.”
Travis got a first look at his lovely bride Jamia before their ceremony. “He was a wonderful blessing that I didn’t expect,” says the bride. “I’m so grateful to have found such an amazing partner.”
“Travis is always striving to be a better person,” says Jamia. “He’s reflective and constantly in pursuit of personal, creative and professional development. I love the fact that he’s not complacent.”
“We ordered the dresses for my circle of sisters from twobirds Bridesmaid because their dresses are beautiful, versatile and they look great on every body type,” says Jamia. “I chose slate gray because it is a color that works on every skin tone and matched my wedding theme perfectly.”
“I wanted to make sure that I chose a dress they would want to wear again and have fun wearing,” says Jamia. “They loved the dresses and took lots of pictures of themselves dancing around in them and making beautiful shapes with them.”
“Travis is both my lover and my friend,” says Jamia. “He makes me laugh and feel valued and supported every day.”
Jamia and Travis tied the knot at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C. “Our close family friend Tommie told us about his lovely church community and how it was the oldest multiracial congregation in the District of Columbia,” she shares. “Tommie is a deacon at the church and he offered a blessing at our wedding among many other sacred gifts. We also liked the church because they are in alignment with our values and support marriage, gender and racial equality.”
Travis and Jamia were on a budget when they planned their big day, so they found lots of savvy ways to save. “Since we had a close familial connection with the church, we saved on the space for the rehearsal dinner and the ceremony,” she recalls. “The church printed all of our programs in-house and our wedding planner, Tracy Leaman of Events To a T, is a friend and former colleague and so we received a discount on her services.”
“The church treated us like family and we had a great time visiting the church and engaging in Christian pre-marriage counseling with Pastor Kidd before the wedding,” the bride shares.
Jamia’s parents walked her down the aisle toward Travis to the sound of “Rigaudon” by André Campra, played beautifully by the church’s organist Tom Mitts.
“It was so blissful looking into his eyes at the altar,” says Jamia. “I could see his eyes smiling and welling up a little bit too.”
Jamia and Travis married on her parents’ 39th wedding anniversary in honor of their love. Excuse us. we need a tissue.
Jamia and Travis jumped the broom after they were officially pronounced husband and wife.
“When Travis proposed, my reaction was sheer and utter delight and elation,” says Jamia. “I felt so blessed to be able to marry my best friend. We had been talking about marriage for a few years but I didn’t see the proposal coming when it did.”
The newlywds hopped a ride with their bridal party.
“For our first dance, we chose ‘Overjoyed’ by Stevie Wonder which was sung by our amazing band DC Fusion,” Jamia recalls. Excellent choice.
The band kept Jamia, Travis and their guests on their feet all night long.
“I loved everything about our wedding; I soaked it all in,” says Jamia. “Basked in all of the light of it all.”
“We served chocolate and vanilla vegan, gluten-free cupcakes from Sticky Fingers DC,” says Jamia. “I’m allergic to gluten and dairy, and several of my bridesmaids are too, so we made sure everyone could eat the cake. It was so delicious that my gluten-free and vegan wary Dad devoured the leftovers before I had a chance to freeze it for next year. We all laughed.”
The newlyweds team up for a little cake-cutting fun.
Vintage accents here, there and everywhere helped Jamia and Travis take their guests back in time to the jazz-era for a little reception fun.
“I hugged everyone all night long and danced with as many people as I could,” the bride recalls. “I savored every kiss, embrace, belly laugh and deep eye gaze I could get. It was truly magical. My favorite part was dancing with our friends and family all night long to our amazing band.”
If you enjoyed Jamia and Travis’ big day as much as we did, don’t forget to leave them a little comment love below. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now.
