Photo by Mo Davis
The love story of Jasmine Owens and Glenwood Barbee began in the summer of 2015 on the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel. After exchanging a few pieces of information online, the two decided to meet in person at ABV in San Francisco. After the two started drinking and chatting, Glenwood learned that Jasmine had served in the Peace Corps before, which immediately caught his attention. "I found myself interested and realized that this is not just another online dating," Glenwood recalled.
On the other hand, Jasmine found Glenwood's shoes annoying "Those shoes are no longer in his collection," she pointed out. However, this did not stop her from pursuing him. At the end of their first date, she turned to him and asked, "So, are we going to have a second date or what?" The second date became the third date, and then another date. Before they knew it, they moved in together.
Four summers later, the couple received the keys to their first home. To commemorate this milestone, they took photos in front of the "sold" sign on the new property. Glenwood thinks this is the perfect opportunity to ask questions (and be in front of the camera at the same time!). "I know this is the first thing I want to do in my new home," Glenwood recalled. Jasmine gave a resounding "yes", they drank champagne on the back porch to celebrate their engagement and new home.
The lovebirds couldn't wait to start planning their wedding, but it took longer than expected because the pandemic delayed the process. However, with the support and guidance of wedding planner Michelle Norwood, arranging their big day was more seamless than they expected. The couple commented: “No other planner wants to spend two years planning a wedding with me.” “We want to make a decision from multiple options, and Michelle insists on this. We never rush to make a decision. Decide."
Although the couple did not have a clear wedding theme, they knew they wanted to hold a classic and timeless October wedding that would attract all 73 guests. "Our vision is to have an interesting wedding for everyone," Jasmine explained. Read on to find out how the couple’s important day unfolded, planned by Michelle Norwood Events and filmed by Mo Davis Photography.
A real wedding video of Jasmine Owens and Glenwood Barbee
Photo by Mo Davis
Since Jasmine likes to get ready to go, she wore a ball gown with a structured corset and low V-neck to create a wedding look. "I like formal wear," she said. "I feel like I am wearing a ball gown. I really want some timeless classics that are highly fashionable and modern, and [this dress] has everything I want. I like the architectural details on the top and how it stays away from my body. I feel great in this dress."
Photo by Mo Davis
For "borrowed things", Jasmine put on her grandmother's wedding ring. "It was originally a 0.75 carat diamond, which is more than 70 years old," she explained. "Over the years, my family has added [ring] birthstones to every child, creating heirlooms." To match the dazzling ring, she applied white polish on her nails and added gorgeous silver leaves detail.
Photo by Mo Davis
The couple’s guest of honor is their five-month-old son. Jasmine must remember her child when she becomes charming. "Our baby boy is very sensitive to strong smells, so I decided not to wear perfume," she admitted.
Photo by Mo Davis
I feel I have to find my clothes and say "yes" twice.
Photo by Mo Davis
When Jasmine went to buy clothes, periwinkle was the only color available in the dress she wanted. She liked this look very much, so she bought the white one before she had a chance to try it on. "I have to be firm in my conviction," she revealed. "Admittedly, I'm nervous about buying it." The dress finally arrived, and she got further confirmation that it was the one. "I think I have to find my dress and say'yes' twice," Jasmine added.
Photo by Mo Davis
The shiny bridal cloak complements Jasmine's styling. "The cape shines with a classic drape. It is the perfect match for my dress," the bride gushed.
Photo by Mo Davis
Jasmine's beautiful appearance is all about simplicity. She chose flawless bronze skin and bold red lip makeup. "I want to set off my facial features through makeup and look like myself," she revealed. For her hair, she chose a low-maintenance smooth bun inspired by the red carpet styling of Tracy Ellis Ross. She continued, "I want to feel comfortable on the wedding day, not worry about my hair."
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
"My bouquet is a series of relaxed early autumn ingredients, loosely designed, with a lot of dance moves and the unique touch of real pomegranate," said Jasmine. Lush autumn flowers and plants give her romantic bouquet color and volume.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
Glenwood wore a black tuxedo with a pointed collar for his wedding dress. "I want to keep my look simple and classic," the groom revealed. The white and copper corsage made of butterfly buttercup perfectly matches the autumn bouquet of jasmine.
Photo by Mo Davis
Jasmine and Glenwood knew that they wanted to hold a wedding at the Marigny Opera House in New Orleans because they liked how the venue was steeped in history while feeling modern and exciting at the same time. "What we like most about New Orleans is the mix of old and new, which is reflected in the Marini Opera House," the couple shared. "With so much beauty and history, it feels like the perfect place to add our wedding history to it."
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
Having some quiet moments to talk, laugh, visit the opera house, and share our excitement about getting married (finally!) is priceless.
Photo by Mo Davis
The magnificent appearance provided the perfect background for their first appearance. The couple recalled: "There are some quiet moments to talk, laugh, visit the opera house, and share our excitement about getting married (finally!) is priceless." Glenwood gave Jasmine a set of Tiffany & Co. pearls , Make this experience more special.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
I like the unique (and authentic) journey we have experienced together.
Photo by Mo Davis
Before the ceremony, the couple shared an intimate moment, took a group photo and reflected on their relationship. "I like the unique (and real) journey we have experienced together," Glenwood said.
Photo by Mo Davis
The groomsmen all wore the same classic pointed-collar tuxedo to complement the groom's appearance and the beauty of the venue.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
"We wanted to match the beauty of the Marini Opera House, so we chose something that perfected the space," the couple said of their ceremonial decorations. They line the aisles with geometric golden lanterns and 15-foot tall tree canopies, drawing your eyes to the ceiling. For their altar, the couple arranged an arch made of grass and flowers, surrounded it with more lanterns, and stacked wishing candles on the modern white bookshelf behind it.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
Jasmine's father escorted her down the aisle to the "here and now" of Luther Vandross.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
The lovebirds wrote down their heartfelt vows, adding personal touch to the ceremony. Jasmine puts a family portrait in her wedding dress pocket to keep her down-to-earth and calm when exchanging vows. “While reading my vows, I touched [photo] to remind me that my family has shared the love for more than 90 years,” she explained.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
After their officiating person, Glenwood's high school counselor declared them as husband and wife, the newlyweds retreated to Natalie Cole's "eternal love".
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
In true New Orleans fashion, the Knockaz Brass Band led the crowd on a walk to the reception desk while playing jazz, funk and current hits. Everyone danced while drinking wine.
Photo by Mo Davis
In order to foster a sense of community, Jasmine and Glenwood ensured to design an inclusive table layout for their garden-themed dinner. "The important thing is to have a communal table and family-style restaurant to bring our guests together," they said.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
"Everything in the Marini Opera House is very dramatic, so we chose to keep the tent simple and private," they explained. The couple hung green plants from the ceiling, and placed oatmeal linens, rust-colored velvet napkins, modern acrylic chargers and chic golden tableware on the table. They combined candles, fruits and flower arrangements to create their table runners.
Photo by Mo Davis
Our guests were shocked by the amount of vegetarian food in our meal.
Photo by Mo Davis
Since Jasmine is completely vegan and Glenwood is vegan, they chose a vegetarian menu, which contains delicious comfort food for dinner. “We worked with Joel Catering to create a perfect menu regardless of our guests’ dietary preferences,” they shared. "Joel Catering solves this problem by showing some amazing vegan dishes that are not boring."
The star of the lineup is autumn beet with butternut squash, mushrooms, okra, corn and broad beans. They also offer vegetable stews and fresh vegetables in tomato sauce, as well as assorted jams of vegan sausages, fried okra, fried Swiss chard and pickled tomatoes as main dishes. The couple added: “Our guests are shocked by the high vegetable content of our meal.”
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
The guests returned to the ceremony site to enjoy late night fun and endless dancing. High-top tables wrapped in emerald green velvet linen and golden bar stools replaced ceremonial seats. Of course, the towering trees are once again eye-catching.
Photo by Mo Davis
Although the two did not offer signature cocktails, they did offer a variety of beverage options-spirits, wine, beer and mixed drinks-for guests to enjoy. They painted the menu emerald green to match the decoration of the venue and surroundings.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
When the live band D'Play performed, everyone mixed in and danced. The couple want to go all out for musical entertainment. "You only live once, this is the first party people have attended after Covid," they shared.
Photo by Mo Davis
Jasmine and Glenwood showed their dance steps in their first dance and it was very interesting. They chose Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" to set the tone for the newlyweds' next chapter.
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
The couple wanted to set aside time to participate in the traditional father-daughter mother-son dance after the party. Jasmine and her father were spinning The Temptations' "My Girl" on the dance floor, while Glenwood and his mother wobbled with Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon".
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
Photo by Mo Davis
When Jasmine's parents got married 39 years ago, they offered a Barbie cake at the reception, so Jasmine surprised them with her own vegan Barbie cake. It cannot be more accidental. "How lucky I am, 39 years later, I married a man named Barbee," she thought. "It feels right." Jasmine even pulled her hair back into a ponytail to match Barbie's hairstyle.
Photo by Mo Davis
The couple’s wedding day is everything they dream of. They advise other couples not to let the stress of planning a wedding interfere with the experience, but instead advise other couples to take everything into consideration. "The things you worry about when planning the wedding don't matter after the wedding," they observed. "Let go, don't worry about the little things."
Bridal dress designer Anne Barge
Bridal Salon Kingsley James Couture Bride; Brandy
Virtue hair and makeup face
Nails Dat Glow Mobile Spa
Groom attire black dress
The groom's beauty Brandon Simmons
Groomsmen dress black evening dress
Engagement ring Lauren B Jewelry
Wedding ring Lauren B Jewelry; Tiffany & Co.
Invitations and Paper Products Eglantine Rose Letterpress
Music playback; violinist T-Ray; Knockaz brass band
Cake cake art; oak bread
Real rent rent; Firefly atmosphere event rental; Southern Hotel; Nüage design; Sir Johns
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