Nikkia and James met in 1999. "I had the biggest crush on James and his gold Fubu jacket in 7th grade. You couldn’t miss him! We became friends and maintained a close friendship throughout high school," said Nikkia. "Tragically, my long time mentor passed in a car accident in route to my high school graduation. James dedicated his entire summer to my emotional well being. He was my rock. I fell in love with his spirit and we started dating on August 1, 2004." Nikkia and James celebrated their union with a "Country Garden Chic" themed wedding. Check out their special day captured by Natarsha Wright Photography!
Bride: Nikkia Jackson, 28, Executive Assistant
Groom: James Powel (Trey), III, 29, Administrative Officer
Place of residence: Camp Springs, MD
Wedding date: 5/17/15
Wedding location: Newton White Mansion, Mitchellville, MD
Wedding theme: Country Garden Chic
Honeymoon Destination: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Engagement story:
I looked terrible! Couldn’t it wait?! I was babysitting my 3 year old cousin (Samiyah), cooking dinner, and had a matted natural ponytail. It was wash day! I had just sat on the couch when Samiyah walked in and I caught a glimmer in her hand. Assuming she was playing in jewelry, I told her to “put it back” and asked Trey to double check on her. Samiyah came back with her head hung in shame, threw the piece of jewelry on the floor, and ran. I looked down and Trey was on his knee! With a RING! Trey disclosed the details later: There was a plan – but when he got the call of my ring arriving that day, he couldn’t wait! He picked it up while I napped and proposed when I woke up. It was completely a move of the heart with no fancy flair and I loved it.
From the Groom:
It was …weird! I was surprised at how little men have to do. I expected to be busy but I made a breakfast run for the ladies, went back to my suite to watch ESPN, and took a nap. It wasn’t until later in the afternoon when the groomsman started to arrive that I felt anxious or even did anything. No nervousness. I only wanted to marry her! Plain and simple. Once that mission was complete, it was time to celebrate our love with those that know it best! It was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for more.
From the Bride:
Overwhelmed with love and too happy to cry! It was amazing to meet the King with my King! I was so focused on my husband that I barely remember the ceremony. Dinner was amazing! We actually didn’t have air conditioning in the reception and the temperature reached above 90. We ate and drank until we were stuffed, drenched with sweat, and danced until we were put out! Shoes came off, hair went up, makeup faded, dresses were tied up, and ties came off! Love was pouring out of each and every one of guests. I’ll never forget how incredibly special and fulfilled I felt in that moment.
What makes your love special?
It’s purity. It’s slow manifestation. It’s patience and youthfulness. Our foundation has provided us a rare opportunity of learning each other’s hearts, young. We poured so much love into our friendship that our relationship bursts with trust, support, and encouragement. In our weakest moments and strongest trials, we hold that cup for the other to quench from.
Favorite wedding detail:
Absolutely the tablescapes and food! Our reception was beautifully transformed by high/low centerpieces of delicate baby’s breath and roses with tables accented by metallic candles and antique literature. Our dinner selections reflected each of our Southern Maryland families with fresh crab and garden fruit/vegetable inclusions. Our guests are are still complimenting us on our dinner selections.
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img src='https://www.blackbride.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/238343-8993-l-BabEGaM.jpg'>
Wedding song:
Jesse Powell, “You.” It’s been my “wedding song” since I was a little girl!
Most memorable moment:
The heat! Let's be honest, formal is not always comfortable and certain conditions can (and will!) trump vanity. The heat did exactly that and love was the primary focus. It kept us out of mirrors before every photo op and created a very relaxed and down-home atmosphere for guests.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
Traveling and building our family. We can’t wait to share our lives with children and sow our love into them! We imagine so many details and aspects of the future but “together” is what excites us most.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Relax! You’ve planned and stressed and have done whatever you’re going to do. Leave the rest to the powers that be and trust them. You’ll miss the light in each others eyes looking over your shoulder.
Congratulations to the newlyweds Nikkia and James! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!
Vendors:
Photographer: Natarsha Wright Photography
Ceremony and reception location: Newton White Mansion
Bridal gown: Essence of Australia, Serendipity Bridal
Bridal party attire: David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux: Calvin Klein, Jos. A. Bank
Cake: Baltimore Cakery
Caterer & Favors : Zeffert and Gold
Wedding planners: Jamesa Adams of Jayne Heir Weddings
Music: Dwayne Blythe
Hair and makeup: Hair: Tiffani Banks of TiffaniSade
Bridal Makeup: Denyelle Duckett of Denyelle D. Beauty
Bridesmaids Makeup: Tiffani Henry of Makeup by TiffaniNCo
Flowers: Makini Brereton of Makini Regal Designs
Stationery: www.minted.com
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the creator of the Single Bride Blog and the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink
