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Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Aaron and Kyla’s Storybook Wedding

Your votes earned Aaron and Kyla the chance to have the wedding of their dreams. Now the ESSENCE Storybook Wedding winners share their special day with you. See their luxe, celeb-inspired “I dos.”

By Charreah K. Jackson · January 9, 2013October 28, 2020
01
Loving You

Aaron and Kyla met in literature class their sophomore year in college. The duo didn’t date until after graduation – when Kyla moved 400 miles away for an internship. Through the distance their love blossomed. Last spring, Aaron wrote a letter to enter the ESSENCE Storybook Wedding that changed their lives. On September 29, 2012 their magical nuptials took place at the Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta.

Derek Blanks
02
Fashion Forward

Designer Kevan Hall created a custom wedding gown for Kyla to wear on her special day, incorporating her desire for a sweetheart bustier and full skirt. Atlanta boutique Kelly’s Closet hosted Kyla’s fitting, where she squealed, “it’s perfect” when the dress arrived.

Derek Blanks
03
Something Blue for You

Kyla’s gown, along with her Jean-Michel Cazabat wedding shoes, were her ‘something new.’ She paid homage to her and Aaron’s alma mater with a Georgia Southern University garter for her ‘something blue.’

Derek Blanks
04
Bridal Beauty

“I loved every second of the getting ready process,” Kyla says. Her glam squad included makeup artist Rhonda  Peterson (left) and hairstylist Kortney Moffett.

Derek Blanks
05
Shine Bright

Kyla’s stepmom offered her diamond bracelet for ‘something borrowed’ and her mom provided her with ‘something old.’  “My mother gave Aaron and I one of her diamonds to use as the center stone in my engagement ring,” she says. “Now a piece of her will always be with me.”

Derek Blanks
06
Party Time

“Having my bridesmaids, my flower girl, my sister, my mom, stepmom and Aaron’s mom all together getting hair and make up was awesome! It kept me from getting nervous.”

Derek Blanks
07
Love Of My Life

One of Aaron’s favorite memories of their time together is driving Kyla back from Indianapolis to Atlanta in a U-Haul truck. “I flew up and packed her up and drove back,” he says. “She’ll say we drove 50/50. It was more like 90/10 of me driving for about 10 hours. I didn’t care and was just happy to have her moving back.”

Derek Blanks
08
Falling For You

It was a series of moments that made Kyla realize she could spend her life with Aaron. “He even came to my rescue and drove from Atlanta when I fell ill on a work trip in Nashville.”

Derek Blanks
09
Ribbon In the Sky

Kyla chose pink and blue for her wedding colors and the shades were present from her invitations to the bridal party.

Derek Blanks
10
Let It Flow

Kyla’s mother, Cynthia, helped her with her gown and flowing veil.

Derek Blanks
11
You’re Invited

Invitations from Diann Valentine’s Wedding Paper Divas collection set the mood for the romantic wedding. The artwork from the invitations was used throughout the ceremony and reception decor for continuity.

Derek Blanks
12
You’ve Got Male

Aaron’s groomsmen included his brother, Kyla’s brother and his closest friends since elementary school.

Derek Blanks
13
In Rememberance

To pay tribute to their ancestors, Aaron and Kyla included photos of loved ones who had passed in their decor.

Derek Blanks
14
Pretty In PInk

Kyla chose blush Alfred Angelo dresses in the modern vintage style for her bridesmaids. “As soon as I came across the style, I just knew it was the one,” Kyla says. “It’s perfect for outfitting six women with different shapes and sizes. My bridesmaids loved the dresses and how they fit!”

Derek Blanks
15
Here Comes the Bride

Aaron’s tiny cousin announced that Kyla was about to head down the aisle.

Derek Blanks
16
Daddy’s Little Girl

Kyla’s dad Byron escorted her down the aisle and also serenaded the couple during the ceremony. “As I was walking down the aisle, I was thinking, don’t trip, my dad should slow down and there’s the love of my life waiting for me!” Kyla remembers.

Derek Blanks
17
Someone Like You

A harpist played “A Whole New World” right before Aaron proposed at Disney World. And, as Kyla walked to the altar,  harpist Lyrika Holmes played and sang Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love.

Derek Blanks
18
Heart to Heart

“When I saw Kyla walk down the aisle I thought, wow, she’s beautiful,” Aaron says. “I realized that was the first step to our future together.”

Derek Blanks
19
Wedding Wonderland

Aaron and Kyla exchanged vows on a bed of rose petals provided by wedding florist Perfect Creations and Design.

Derek Blanks
20
Love’s Glow

Aaron and Kyla were surrounded by friends, family and hundreds of candles as they pledged their love.

Derek Blanks
21
Forever Together

“We decided to do a sand ceremony, which signified blending our two lives into one,” Kyla says. “As hard as it would be to separate those grains of sand, it would be just as difficult to separate Aaron and I.”

Derek Blanks
22
Sweet Salute

After sealing their bond with a kiss, the couple took their first communion as husband and wife.

Derek Blanks
23
By Your Side

“We jumped the broom to sweep away the past and jump into a new future together,” Kyla says.

Derek Blanks
24
Love In the Air

Diann Valentine transformed the Georgia Freight Depot into a romantic haven with soft lighting by PA Universal Sound, Lighting & Media, chandeliers from Geri Sims, chairs from Sweet Seats and draping provided by Event Drapery, Inc.

Derek Blanks
25
Surprise, Surprise

Kyla was shocked when celebrity wedding planner Diann Valentine unveiled the reception space after the ceremony and wowed the couple by placing floral arrangements inside the tables, instead of on top. “I was completely blown away by how she turned my vision into reality,” Kyla says.

Derek Blanks
26
I Spy

Guests dined on top of flowers covered by glass tables.

Derek Blanks
27
Sweet Dreams

The custom candy bar created for the wedding stunned Aaron and fed his sweet tooth.

Derek Blanks
28
Sugar and Spice

Akeem Clayton Designs created the dessert bar with Candy Cake Co. cake pops and CamiCakes cupcakes. “Our minds go back to a happy time with candy,” Valentine says. “It’s a great way to add color.”

Derek Blanks
29
At Last

After a whirlwind engagement, Aaron and Kyla are all smiles as they enter their reception.

Derek Blanks
30
All Eyes On Me

The bridesmaids and groomsmen put the party in bridal party as they welcomed Aaron and Kyla to the dance floor.

Derek Blanks
31
With You

“Aaron’s character is ultimately what made me realize that he was the one,” Kyla says. “He’s a strong, loving, caring, kind, God-fearing man, and I knew that’s what I wanted and needed.”

Derek Blanks
32
Set the Mood

“The wedding was modern with a bit of edge and southern charm, just like Aaron and Kyla,” Valentine says. “That came across in the dresses, roses and décor.” 

Derek Blanks
33
Sweet Serenade

R&B singer Q Parker surprised the couple and sang “Love of My Life” for their first dance. “We love music and some of my favorite memories together are at concerts,” Kyla says. “Now our wedding is one of those times.”

Derek Blanks
34
This Moment for Life

“Marriage is the pinnacle of a relationship,” Aaron says. “It starts a new family.”

Derek Blanks
35
Double Dip

Guests were served dual entrées, an encrusted chicken stuffed with spinach and Boursin cheese plus beef ­tenderloin in wine, created by the team at Distinctive Capital Caterers. “At a wedding people are looking to try something new,” Valentine adds.

Derek Blanks
36
Cheers to You

Friends and family toasted the couple with miniature bottles of Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rosé.

Derek Blanks
37
Dear Momma

Aaron twirled the first woman in his life, his mother.

Derek Blanks
38
Sister, Sister

Kyla’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters celebrated her special day.

Derek Blanks
39
Calling all the Brothers Out There

Aaron’s Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers joined him on the dance floor, including his dad, right.

Derek Blanks
40
Red and Right

Kyla surprised Aaron with a groom’s cake of his fraternity letters from Sweet Auburn Bread Co. in Atlanta.

Derek Blanks
41
Happily Ever Now

“Kyla is my queen,” Aaron says. “She is supportive, intelligent, hardworking, and can cook better than Paula Deen!”

Derek Blanks
42
Next Up

The winner of Kyla’s bouquet toss enjoys her victory.

Derek Blanks
43
In the Air

Who says men aren’t trying to get married? Some of the single guys at Aaron and Kyla’s Wedding leap for the garter.

Derek Blanks
44
Party Starter

Tunes, from Stevie Wonder to the Wobble, were spun by Atlanta radio personality Bubby Love of V-103, who kept the crowd on their feet all night.

Derek Blanks
45
The Way You Move

The dance floor was packed as guests enjoyed sweet treats and cocktails courtesy of Voli Vodka.

Derek Blanks
46
Cuttin’ Up

The yellow crème wedding cake from Cake Café Atlanta was covered in jellybeans and continued the wedding’s sweet theme.

Derek Blanks
47
Click and Shoot

Guests captured memories from the night in the fun photo booth hosted by Cliff Robinson Photography.

Derek Blanks
48
Sitting Pretty

Aaron and Kyla’s sweetheart table included hand-painted lining from Wildflower linens.

Derek Blanks
49
Sugar Rush

Instead of traditional favors, guests took home sweet treats including gourmet popcorn from Cake Café Atlanta.

Derek Blanks
50
All Aboard

The Georgia Railroad Freight Depot in Atlanta was Kyla’s dream wedding venue with it’s exposed brick and southern charm.

Derek Blanks
51
Everybody In

“Early on I saw qualities in Kyla I would want for a wife,” Aaron says. “She’s fun to be around and has a good sense of humor.”

Derek Blanks
52
Double Take

Aaron’s older brother Gabriel served as his best man.

Derek Blanks
53
The Sweet Life

“We thank ESSENCE readers so much for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.” —The Maupins. For more of Aaron and Kyla’s Storybook Wedding pick up the February 2013 issue of ESSENCE, now on stands. Watch their proposal video and see which finalists they beat out here.

Derek Blanks

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