“When Leo proposed, I couldn’t believe it,” says Kia, 31. "At that time, we had been together for a long time. I was ecstatic. It was one of the best days of my life.” Leo and Kia were happily dating for five years before he popped the question.
“My hair was styled by my good friend Farrah Bledsoe,” says Kia who also enlisted the help of Stacy Mitchell when it came time for makeup. “Farrah owns Remedy Hair Salon in Orland Park, IL. She’s awesome. The day of my wedding, she was on time and ready for whatever I tossed at her. I had planned to wear my hair up, but once my makeup was done, Farrah said it would look best down. It was a good decision.”
“When it came to my accessories, I felt simple and chic were the key,” says Kia. “I chose blush pink Badgley Mischka heels with rose petals on the top.” A romantic choice we loved instantly.
“I knew that I would find true love,” Kia recalls. “I didn’t think I would fall in love this way, but I’m grateful that my love story started out the way it did.”
Even the smallest bridal party members were feeling good and having fun on Leo and Kia's big day.
“The man I prayed for is now my husband,” says the bride. “I love that Leo is a real man. He can make his own decisions, and I love that he loves God and is not afraid to let people know it.”
Pretty pink accents were all over Leo and Kia's wedding details. The newlyweds, like many couples today, planned to jump the broom in style.
"I was a little scared to pick accessories," says Kia. "I didn't want to have too much on." Kia went with these lovely, chandelier pearl drop earrings.
Kia's bridal portraits are just too sweet for words.
"The way our story played out makes it even sweeter because love found us," says Kia.
"No matter how many events I've planned before, I knew I could not do it all by myself for my wedding," Kia admits. "When I met wedding planner Anika, of Anika Kai Events, it was love at first sight. I could see some of my personality in her. I know that God brought us together for a reason. I still keep in contact with her."
“It was great being a bride,” says Kia. “The day of your wedding you are never left alone. There is always someone there to comfort you and make sure everything runs smoothly. All the attention is on you. It was more than I dreamed of and it was like a fairytale.”
"My mom encouraged me to try my gown on," recalls Kia. "When I stepped into it, and she helped zip me up, I fell in love." Excellent selection Kia! You looked stunning.
"When I saw my florist's work, I was excited," says Kia. "I knew I wanted a beautiful bouquet of orchids and that's exactly what she gave me. I loved the shape of them in the bouquet. It was so very romantic."
Kia's bridesmaids carried these darling mini bouquets. So sweet!
"Leo treats me like a queen every day," admits Kia, who's been spoiled by his good love and can't wait to spend forever in his arms.
“I felt great that day,” Leo recalls. “There were good friends, good music and good vibes. The best part is sharing the day with everyone around you who all have played a significant role in your life.”
The groomsmen purchased their classic tuxedo look from Jos A. Banks. "The groom helped to pick his attire, but I had a little say in it," admits Kia.
"I can honestly say I never even thought about true love until I met Kia," admits the proud groom. Let's hear it for these picture-perfect lovebirds. They looked amazing on their big day.
Kia's father and stepfather had the honor of walking her down the aisle. "There was no way I could choose just one," she says. "They both mean so much to me."
Kia walked down the aisle to "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders. "The lyrics to the song just reminded me of how much we love each other and will do anything for each other. I was so nervous because Rockefeller Chapel's aisle is so long. I couldn't keep my composure and I started to cry. My fathers cracked jokes and kept me calm."
“We didn’t write our own vows, because I don’t think I could have gotten through them,” says Kia. “I was so emotional. We went with traditional vows. I felt a sense of relief looking into his eyes at the altar. I felt like the man that was made for me was finally here. It was official.”
Leo and Kia's wedding officiate was a very special guest – her mom! “It was important to both of us to have someone who knew us perform our ceremony. She was amazing and everyone felt the love in the room.”
"We were so nervous, but after I saw how happy and beautiful Tekia looked, we held each other's hands and all of the stress and anxiety just went away," says Leo.
For her reception style, Kia wanted an old Hollywood glame vibe and she found it at the Hotel Sax Chicago. The damask wallpaper, red velvet curtains and oversized furniture made their photo shoot feel like something right out of a classic movie.
"When I came across Hotel Sax, it had all of the vintage and modern elements that I was looking for in a reception venue," says Kia. "The colors and theme of our wedding just blended so well."
Kia looked and felt like a star on her wedding day. She worked her gorgeous gown for the cameras just like an A-list actress would on the red carpet or the big screen. Didn't she look fabulous, ladies?
"My wedding day was like a dream," says Kia, and Leo agrees. The couple felt the love every step of the way.
"As guests started to walk into the ballroom, a collective gasp could be heard," recalls Kia. "They were transported back into an Old Hollywood themed era with details like black satin chair covers, fancy table linens with florals, drapings and lights everywhere."
The DJ played Mint Condition's "Someone to Love" as Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins shared their very first dance as husband and wife.
“I knew I wanted hydrangeas and calla lilies,” explains Kia. “I chose hydrangeas because they’re full and lovely and calla lilies because they’re my favorite flower.”
"Our wedding cake was grand," says Kia. "I wanted our cake to represent us as a family. Each tier was ivory with sparkle dust eternity circles."
"I wanted all ivory floral centerpieces with a touch of blush," says Kia. "I trusted my florist, Grace of Vale of Enna Flowers, and I loved what she did with the high and low arrangements."
"We booked the hottest deejay in Chicago, DJ Vince Adams," Kia tells us. "He was amazing and made sure that the dance floor was packed all night. He was fun but also very professional. We loved every moment of the party."
Join us in congratulating Kia and Leo on their new marriage. Tell us your favorite wedding detail below and leave them a little comment love. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!
