Bride: Dayniecia Dillard, 28, News Producer
Groom: Jamel Foster, 29, Contractor
Current Residence: Johnson City, Tennessee
Wedding date: April 20, 2024
Venue: Sea Pearl Beach House, South Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, Florida
Guests: 45
LOVE STORY
Once upon a time, in the summer of 2019, two souls were destined to meet in a serendipitous encounter that would change their lives forever. It all started when Jamel and Dayniecia first crossed paths on Tinder’s dating app. Little did they know that their unique love story was beginning to unfold. After about three months of chatting and getting to know each other, they finally decided to meet in person at the bustling Hooters in Johnson City, Tennessee. And that’s when the magic happened. Jamel first confessed his love for Dayniecia, and she reciprocated with a resounding “Yes,” setting the stage for their beautiful journey. Their love story bloomed at an extraordinary pace. In about a month, they exchanged heartfelt vows of commitment. Their bond was undeniable and their journey was a new beginning.
And so, their love story continues, filled with passion, sincerity and unwavering affection. Each day is another page in the book they are writing together and with every chapter, their love grows ever stronger.
PROPOSAL
Jamel’s proposal to Dayniecia in Birmingham, Alabama on August 26, 2022, was pure surprise and joy. “We were in Birmingham, Alabama for Jamel’s job interview,” shared the joyful bride. “Out of the blue, Jamel surprised me with a proposal! It was completely unexpected and so special. I could not have been happier at that moment. The proposal was spontaneous and truly unforgettable. Jamel used the promise ring I received as a birthday present the year before as an impromptu engagement ring. Later, we picked out a stunning white diamond marquise ring as my official engagement ring.’’
WEDDING FACTS
Let’s take a moment to soak in the magic of Jamel and Dayniecia’s romantic scene. A mesmerizing color scheme of black, red, and white that created the backdrop for an unforgettable wedding. The bride looked exquisite in her elegant black dress, perfectly complementing the groom’s beloved color, red.
The incredible Patricia Chambers with Destination Wedding Chicks in St. Augustine, Florida, was their long-distance wedding planner. She orchestrated every detail with finesse and grace, allowing the couple to revel in the bliss of their special day. It was truly remarkable to see everything seamlessly fall into place, especially considering they were from out of town.
ATTIRE
The bride was an absolute vision in a black strapless lace dress with a hint of nude underneath and a gorgeous pearl necklace from her hubby. Her choice of perfume, Burberry Her, added that perfect finishing touch of elegance. She added a sparkly rhinestone belt to her dress for a fun twist. And get this – her ‘something borrowed’ was a beautiful silk flower bouquet from a friend’s wedding, adorned with white flowers, black and red roses and wrapped in black lace. As for the “something blue”? Well, that remained a surprise until their enchanting wedding night.
At the same time, the bridesmaids decided to do things differently. They each rocked a unique red dress that genuinely reflected their style. Instead of the usual flower bouquets, they surprised the guests by handing out Jello shots as they confidently made their way down the aisle just before the bride’s grand entrance.
The groom looked dapper in a sleek black suit, topped off with a crisp white shirt and a bold red tie, standing out as the only one rocking a tie. Meanwhile, the groomsmen were a vision of sharp-looking men in black suits paired with fresh white undershirts. As the pre-ceremony frenzy ensued, the guys ensured everything was perfect for the big moment.
The crew, including the couple, kicked off their shoes and felt the sand between their toes for that barefoot beach wedding vibe.
VENUE
Jamel and Dayniecia’s love story took them to the breathtaking Sea Pearl Beach House in St. Augustine, Florida, a venue that was as enchanting as their love. The elegant interiors, lush gardens, and captivating views made it the perfect setting for their special day—it was like a scene straight out of a fairytale, leaving everyone in awe of its beauty.
To make their experience even more magical, the couple chose the venue’s Goddess all-inclusive package. This treat included a six-night stay at the beach house for them and their immediate family. From decor to catering, Patricia ensured every tiny detail was taken care of, allowing Jamel and Danyiecia to focus on what truly mattered – their deep love and commitment to each other.
CEREMONY
Jamel and Dayniecia’s wedding day was incredible! Imagine a secluded beach, the sun dipping below the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean, and the radiance of the couple’s love matching the brilliance of the stars above. It was an enchanting and unforgettable moment that the newlyweds will forever hold dear.
The venue’s florist adorned the wedding arch with striking black and red flowers, creating a breathtaking backdrop for their special day.
“As I walked down the aisle, the captivating notes of “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts played,” said the bride.
Surrounded by 45 of their closest family and friends, Jamel and Dayniecia exchanged their traditional vows. It was an intimate and profoundly moving experience that will be etched in the hearts of everyone present.
As they strolled back up the aisle as a married couple, the soulful beats of “You’ve Got the Best of My Love” by The Emotions perfectly captured their sheer joy and love.
COCKTAIL HOUR/RECEPTION
Can you imagine a more romantic setting than having their toes in the sand as they said their vows? And the cocktail hour and reception! A spectacular feature of the beach house was the million-diamond dance floor. “We transformed the beach house’s driveway into a magnificent dance floor, painting it white and sprinkling it with silver glitter,” said Patricia Chambers. “When the sunlight or night lights hit the floor, it looks like a million diamonds sparkling. To top it off, we built beautiful poles around the driveway’s edge, allowing us to drape a lightweight cloth over the dance floor. It’s like stepping into a fairytale whenever we host a wedding!”
The wedding arch doubling as a focal point for the cocktail hour and reception décor was such a stunning idea. And let’s not forget the couple’s first dance songs—”Juke Jam” by Chance the Rapper, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and “Hey Mama” by Kanye West—such great choices!
The nachos, fajita bar and cold, refreshing adult beverages were a massive hit with everyone at the party.
The wedding cake was a vanilla creation with white icing from a local bakery. But wait, there is more! To add flair, the bride’s mother and aunt skillfully adorned the cake with icing in the couple’s wedding colors and added a grand cake topper.
The guests enjoyed gourmet popcorn from Pop’s Kernel Gourmet Popcorn in Memphis, which was the perfect snack to keep everyone munching and chatting away!
The bride decided to have a unique guest book where guests wrote their heartfelt messages on tiny hearts and dropped them inside a framed engagement photo. It was such a unique and cherished keepsake from the day. And the bride’s bouquet toss added that extra special touch to the celebration! Such beautiful and memorable moments!
Ending the night at the beach house and ensuring everyone returned safely with the hired driver was a thoughtful gesture. And that advice – “Don’t sweat the small stuff, relax and enjoy yourself” – is something we all need to remember.
But what mattered were the groom’s words: “It was a beautiful celebration of love and togetherness – being surrounded by the people who care about us the most made the day unforgettable.”
Big Daddy’s Classic Rental from Saint Augustine made it easy for guests at nearby hotels and Airbnb accommodations to get to and from the beach house. This hassle-free transportation arrangement ensured that everyone had a safe and seamless journey.
Groom: @Jamelfoster20
VENDORS
Venue/Planner/Accommodations/Florist: Chambers, Destination Wedding Chicks – @destinationweddingchicks
https://destinationweddingchicks.com
Photographer: Charlie’s Angels Photography – @charliesangelspotography
https://www.charliesangelsphotography.com/
Catering: The Spot Café, Saint Augustine, FL
Music: Reko Rivers – @reko_rivers904
Transportation: Big Daddy’s Classic Rental, Saint Augustine, FL
Officiant: Bethany Kepple – @bethaknee76
Rings: Zales, Johnson City, TN
Gown: David’s Bridal, Johnson City, TN
Hair/Makeup: Kira Jones – @poppinby_ki
Dresses: JJ’s House – @jjshouseofficial
Formalwear: Amazon – @amazon
Invitations: Zola – @zola
Restaurant: Hooters – @hooters
