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01
Meet The Blackmons
Bride: Nia Imani Testamark
Groom: Javon Lawton Blackmon
Theme: Modern Summer Glam
Venue: Stone Ridge Event Center, Stone Mountain, GA
Wedding planner: Aeriel Coleman of The Forward Experience
Wedding dress: Anya Bridal
Photography: Morgan Olsen of InframesPhotography
Florist: Dana Hacman of Hacmanfloral.com
02
A Date With Destiny
“We met at my best friend’s birthday dinner,” Nia tells ESSENCE. “My best friend and her (now husband) helped bring Javon and I together. We sat on opposite sides of the table, and little did I know, the love of my life was sitting right across from me. After personally bringing me one of my favorite cocktails, we exchanged numbers and our love story began.”
03
Cuz We Like To Partyyy!
“It was a whirlwind being a bride. The day does really go by so fast! There were a few disappointing moments with friends and family leading up to the wedding, but my village truly surrounded me and loved on Javon and I through our journey.”
04
He Makes Her Smile With Her Heart
“Im so blessed to have such a genuinely happy person in my life. If you know Javon, then you know how happy, energetic and over the top he is. I think it’s the very thing that people yearn for daily, including myself.”
05
His Proverbs Wife
“Many want a Proverbs 31:10 wife in theory, but they never consider verse 17. My wife, even before we met, was a tremendous worker. That drive turns me on more than she will ever know.”
06
How He Proposed
“We attended Adele’s concert in Atlanta. Afterwards, we went back to my mom’s house and I’m thinking its a normal Saturday night. He pretended he had to take a call and told me to go ahead inside. I was greeted by sounds of Eric Benét and Tamia and my best friend walking me to a chair blindfolded. To my surprise all of my friends and family were inside waiting for me, and there Javon was on bended knee!”
07
A Godsend
“I prayed and asked God to send me my husband, and literally two months later I met Javon. He loves me in a way that I’ve never experienced or could even find the words to ask or pray for.”
08
It Takes A Village
“My husband and I both lived in New York City while planning a wedding in Atlanta. I don’t know what we would’ve done without our family’s physical and emotional support through the planning process.”
09
Loyal To The Soil
“There were tremendous storms that me and Nia had to brave before we got married. Even leading up to the wedding, a few of the groomsmen flaked on me days before the wedding, but it made my bond stronger than ever with Nia.”
10
She Said YES To The Dress…But It Took Some Searching
Originally, Nia had a pin board with wedding dresses she loved, but wasn’t satified when she actually tried them on. After traveling between New York City and Atlanta to find the dress of her dream, her matron and maid of honor helped drill down styles. “I purchased my wedding dress from Anya Bridal in Atlanta, GA. It was an Anya Bridal design and was absolutely perfect.”
11
Surrounded By Love
“I wish the events surrounding the wedding were better, but her family, along with my mother, father, brothers, and fraternity brothers, helped the experience become more enjoyable before the wedding. Everyone who supported us came and showed appreciation for our union.”
12
Here Comes The Bride
Javon’s niece is really trying to make us shed a tear, huh?
13
Homie, Lover, Friend
“I walked down the aisle to Hollywood Anderson’s “My Best Friend.” my father walked me down to my best friend.”
14
Jumping The Broom
“We wanted to incorporate a traditional moment and jumped the broom to honor our marriage and ancestors,” Nia told us.
15
Congratulations!
A kiss always seals the deal!
16
Blushing Beauties
“The beauty of melanin and how colors just melt into its beautiful tone made me want to go over the top. I started with my love for blush and golds and then tapped into my nudes, creams and silvers. I mixed and matched styles from different stores and price points. I wanted my girls to feel unique and confident in their dresses.”
17
Say Cheese!
They just killed the game with these his & hers grills.
18
Following Love’s Lead
“When people say there isn’t love at first sight, don’t believe them,” Javon says. “Because if you are blessed to live long enough you’ll witness it.”
19
Sophisticated DIY
“I had gold and silver for my glam and greenery and blush for my modern portion. Our special and unique touches included a special documentary style video that played during cocktail hour. We also had a donut wall that I built (DIY bride!) made with Sublime Donuts in Atlanta. Some things had to be cut out because my husband and I were laid off a month before our wedding, but we got creative and made it work! “
20
Make It Last Forever
“I documented a lot of moments via video and with my polaroid camera. I really wanted to be able to bask in my wedding day over and over again for years to come. Every detail- from the bridesmaid’s hair to the various colors of the dresses.”
21
Just A Taste
How cute are they?
22
First Dance
One of Nia’s most favorite moments of the wedding day was their entrance song. “Javon performed a skit right before I came out- it was a Love Jones/ Outkast ode to me, and then he joined me at the doors as we came out Apeshit by The Carters. It was absolutely perfect!”
23
Drop It Low
What good is a wedding reception without a dance battle with your girls?
24
The Honeymooners
“We went to Turks and Caicos a day after the wedding to ensure we got some rest!”
