Get ready to celebrate with us!

We met just a few weeks into Jayla’s UNCW career. We’d both been using Tinder to pass the time, and stumbled upon each other’s profiles. Devon caved first, saw an absolute stunner and swiped… to no avail. A couple of days later, Jayla lie in her new dorm room, bored and unexpectant. She happened across a strikingly handsome Marine in his flight gear snapping a picture post-flight in a random airport and thought that he was definitely worth a swipe - and huzzah! A match! From then on, awkward introductions and ill-rehearsed get-to-know-you conversations were shared until Jayla was asked on a date on the 30th of August in 2021. However, Devon was shot down… with a genuine reason on Jayla’s behalf, but nonetheless. Even still, a rebound was had and a first date arrangement was made for Labor Day evening, six o’clock, at an italian pub by the name of Fat Tony’s at seven in the evening - sharp. September 6th, this was the day that Devon knew that he’d found the one, and that Jayla felt butterflies for the first time in what felt like Forever. The date was sprinkled with laughter, joy…awkward silence, yes, but overall lots and lots of fun. A second date was agreed upon and had for exactly a week later (09/11/2021) - a dinner and movie cliche sponsored by a lovely Yamaha FZ-6 and a first kiss captured by the stars. Weeks and dates passed, friends were met, and Jayla found herself falling hopelessly in love. Fast forward a year through first holidays, birthdays, ups, and downs together, and we arrive at Fat Tony’s again - 372 days after our first time there. We sit and talk and eat, Devon fidgeting away the whole time, and decide to redo our first date completely by taking a walk by the river that runs behind Downtown Wilmington. It’s hot for September, but breezy and comforting. We walk, and walk, and walk, and even take a bit of a detour down onto a dock. The sky is clear, the sun is beginning to set, and the bridge gleams in the distance - drawing Jayla’s attention. Spinning at the sound of her name, she turns to see Devon down on one knee, hoisting up a beautiful piece of jewelry, proclaiming his love and his life to the woman he loves most. No tears were shed - again… we’re awkward people - but quite the shock was registered. Surprise photographers made themselves known and continued to capture the moment and those that came after, and the wedding planning took off. We hope you’ll enjoy your time at the Highgrove Estate with us, and that you will join us in celebrating our union to your heart's content.