Inspiration

An Outdoor Fairytale Wedding in Texas

In 2011, Xavier noticed Imani when she was on campus visiting Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU) one night. Walking outside alone, she realized there was a guy walking behind her in the parking lot, and ran!  That fall, Imani attended SOSU and was asked by a classmate for help studying for Algebra.  As soon as she entered the room, she heard this amazing voice singing in the shower. Imani asked, “Who is that?!” and he said, “Oh, that’s just my roommate.” Out of the shower comes Xavier still singing, and Imani instantly fell in love!  Six years later, through ups and downs, graduating college, and becoming parents, their love has grown.  

Share in the love on their beautiful day captured by DLacy Photography

Bride:  Imani Leshan Smith, 27, Lactation Specialist

Groom: Xavier MarQuise Smith, 28, Sr. Safety Coordinator

Place of residence: Garland, Texas

Wedding date: July 25, 2019

Wedding location: The Springs Event Venue, Terrell, Texas

Wedding theme/motif/inspiration: Romantic, Elegant, Upscale

Wedding day highlights video:   https://youtu.be/rVPa4TyAXSM

Engagement Story:

It was July 4, 2018 and the couple had plans to watch the fireworks with all of their friends and family that evening. Earlier that day however, it was trouble in paradise as Imani became more and more annoyed with Xavier.   On the car ride to watch the fireworks, she did not say a word. After making it to McKinney, the were eating and having a great time with their friends and family. It was now dark, and the show was about to start.

Xavier yelled “Imani, why did you put two shirts on Makhi?!” (Makhi is their son). Confused, Imani said, “I didn’t!” He yelled back “YES YOU DID! CAN YOU TAKE THIS OFF OF HIM?! YOU KNOW HE GETS TOO HOT!” Imani is now even more irritated and yells, “BRING HIM HERE X! I KNOW I DIDN’T PUT TWO SHRITS ON HIM!!” 

Everyone starts flashing their light, but she thought it was to help her see . Then she read the words: “Mommy, will you marry my daddy?” on her son’s shirt.  Xavier was now down on one knee with the ring in his hands. After Imani said YES! Xavier thanked everyone for being there for the engagement and then, as if on cue, the first firecracker brightened the sky. 

What makes your love special? 

What makes our love special is how we have watched each other grow from young teenagers to young adults; from young adults to first time parents, and now becoming husband and wife. We have blossomed right in front of each other’s eyes. Has it been an easy journey? Not at all, but definitely a beautiful one that neither one of us would change. The most beautiful thing about it all is that the growth has not stopped. We are still pushing each other to thrive and be the best we can be at every possible moment. It’s amazing having a partner who is your biggest fan.

From the Bride: 

Honestly, I was stressed. You just want everything to be perfect being the bride. Things started a little bit later than scheduled, and a couple of things went wrong, but what is a wedding day without something happening? As I was taking pre-wedding photos, my son, Makhi, came into my dressing room with his tuxedo on and melted my heart so much.  It also made me realize that this was really happening. I was getting married! My nerves were everywhere, starting from the night before the wedding, but all of that ended when I walked to the end of the aisle and saw the man of my dreams. That turned the entire day around for me.

From the Groom: 

From my flawless bride to my handsome ring bearer, the wedding day was an experience I will not forget. The bridesmaids possessed looked immaculate in their dresses, matching the tailored groomsmen! There are not enough thank you’s in the world to say to those that helped make our big day special!

Your best/most memorable moment: It was walking down the aisle to the song, “Latched” by Sam Smith. As I was walking closer to my future husband, the music turned off. I almost lost it. Then, Xavier’s cousin Darnell, played “You for Me” by Johnny Gill, on the piano and Xavier grabbed a microphone and sang the song to me as I continued to walk down the aisle . I cried the entire way there.

 

Wedding song explain choice for song:  I first heard the original version by Disclosure in college. I would turn it all the way up and jam out! Everyone knew it was my favorite song. When Sam Smith made a slow, acoustic version not too long after, I made up my mind that it would be my wedding song. 

 

Favorite wedding detail (favors, cake, food, band, etc.): Bride: My favorite detail were the cakes. The way that Edith (baker) coordinated the colors and flavors of the cake were perfect. Each tier of the cake was a different flavor from lemon, white chocolate raspberry, and sweet vanilla. Both cakes represented us so well from the quilted, elegant pattern on the bride’s cake to the perfect Vikings football cake for my husband.

Groom: My favorite detail about the wedding were the earrings my wife wore during the reception. They were the earrings I bought for her on our first Valentine’s Day 6 years ago.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

Building an empire together, not only to continue to grow as family with more children, but also as business owners. We also want to continue to learn each other and love effortlessly. 

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

 As difficult as it will be , don’t waste time stressing. Everyth
ing worked out perfectly fine. Everyone loved every detail about our wedding. The only thing that truly matters about your big day is you and your husband-to-be. That’s it!  

Please feel free to include any other interesting anecdotes from your big day!

An amazing fact about our wedding is that most of the vendors were family and close friends. Also, my wedding dress was made all the way in Michigan! We did everything via phone or text and my dress ended up being the most beautiful piece! Manal was amazing to work with and very professional.

Congratulations to the happy couple!  We wish you many years of wedded bliss!

Sources

Delra Lacy|The Springs Event Venue|The Springs Event Venue|Brides & Tailor|JASY|Peyman, TR Menswear|Peyman, TR Menswear|Edith Tasset|Divine Memory Makers|Jazzmin Lewis|Dominique Martinez|Divine Memory Makers|Vistaprint|Va’vumm|Kinda Turner|Virtureel Weddings

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