In the heart of Atlanta, a love story unfolds—one that proves true love defies time, distance and circumstance. Meet Shantrice, a driven enterprise account manager in tech sales, and Jeremiah, a passionate recruiter guiding high school students toward their college dreams. Their journey from college sweethearts to newlyweds is a testament to love, patience and destiny—proving that when two hearts are meant to be, fate finds a way.
Shantrice and Jeremiah’s love story began in college—though neither knew at the time just how significant their meeting would be. Shantrice was a student at the University of Alabama, while Jeremiah attended Stillman College. Their paths first crossed at an Omega Psi Phi pledging event, where Shantrice’s brother was pledging, and Jeremiah, already a member of the fraternity, couldn’t help but notice her. Their conversation left an impression, with Shantrice wondering, Who is this guy?
Despite the initial spark, neither made a move. But fate has a way of orchestrating second chances. They met again at a tailgate party, where Shantrice’s best friend nudged her to reconnect with Jeremiah. “Our friends are the ultimate matchmakers, and sometimes they get it right,” says Shantrice.
During college, they fell for each other, but after graduation, distance forced them apart. Yet, love has a way of bending time and space. Though they went their separate ways, destiny wasn’t done with them just yet—leading them back to each other once more, proving that some love stories are simply meant to be.
The Proposal
During a family vacation in Aruba with Jeremiah’s family and Shantrice’s brother, what began as a planned photoshoot turned into the surprise of a lifetime.
“It was our turn to take a couple’s photo, and they asked me to face the opposite direction for a pose. When they told me to turn around, he was already down on one knee! It was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve experienced—standing on the beach in Aruba, surrounded by the people we love,” Shantrice recalls.
After the heartfelt proposal, the newly engaged couple shared a private photoshoot to capture the joy of the moment. The surprises didn’t end there—when they returned to their room, they were greeted with roses, Champagne and a heartfelt video filled with congratulations from their closest family and friends, making an already magical day even more unforgettable.
The Wedding Details
When it came to planning their wedding, one thing was non-negotiable for Jeremiah and Shantrice—it couldn’t interfere with football season. As die-hard football fans, along with many of their family and friends, they carefully chose a date that fell outside the season. “We wanted people to focus on us, not on a game,” Jeremiah explains.
To bring their vision to life, the couple enlisted luxury event planner and designer Leslie DeRamus of Leslo Events. They selected the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Atlanta as their venue—an architectural gem that seamlessly blended timeless elegance with modern sophistication. “The courthouse’s marble floors, walls and ceilings gave it a pristine, classic feel, which we loved,” Jeremiah says. The central location also made it easy for friends and family to attend.
With a curated guest list of just under 120 close family and friends, the couple opted for a chic black-and-white color palette, accented by delicate arrangements of baby’s breath. Architectural integration played a key role in the décor, with the ceremony’s focal point being a breathtaking 12-foot arch filled with baby’s breath and adorned with a custom-designed black laser-cut acrylic logo of the couple’s initials. Framed by flowing white lamour drapery, the arch redefined traditional wedding design. “We wanted to create a true ‘wow’ moment,” says DeRamus.
The arch also served as a striking backdrop for the wedding cake. Glass trio hurricanes and white pillar candles in elegant glass cylinders lined the ceremony space, while black Chiavari chairs with satin cushions complemented the guests’ sophisticated black attire. A white tempered glass aisle seamlessly transitioned into the reception dance floor, enhancing the venue’s refined aesthetic. The impeccably dressed guests and dramatic styling became as much a part of the décor as the carefully curated design itself—creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
No detail was overlooked when it came to the couple’s signature style. Shantrice stunned in a custom mermaid-style gown from Winnie Couture Atlanta, featuring a sculpted bodice and a layered organza and tulle skirt. She carried an elegant bouquet of ivory roses, white orchids and baby’s breath, perfectly complementing the ethereal beauty of her dress.
The bridal party radiated sophistication in two custom luxe stretch satin gowns by Dessy Group, ordered from Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta. Their bouquets echoed the bride’s, featuring delicate roses for a cohesive, timeless look.
Jeremiah made a statement in a classic white shawl tuxedo, accented with a black pocket square and bow tie from Jim’s Formal Wear. His groomsmen matched the wedding’s refined aesthetic in Vera Wang modern-fit tuxedos from Men’s Wearhouse, striking the perfect balance of contemporary elegance and tradition.
The Reception
The evening unfolded like a symphony of celebration, beginning with the sultry notes of a saxophone serenading guests during the cocktail hour. Under the warm glow of string lights, modern hits were reimagined into smooth jazz renditions, setting the stage for an atmosphere of refined revelry.
As the reception began, the bridal party made a grand entrance that was equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. Bridesmaids burst through the doors, playfully wielding “Poppin’ Bottles for Bailey” signs that shimmered under the party lights, while each held a miniature cardboard cutout of Jeremiah’s grinning face. The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers as the high-energy entrance set the tone for the night. The DJ seamlessly took over from the saxophonist, spinning beats that kept the dance floor packed until the final song.
For the reception, Leslo Events curated three distinct table settings. The head table—a stunning 16-foot estate table reserved for the couple, their bridal party and close family—was adorned with cascading baby’s breath floral runners, glass trio hurricanes and textured black votives for a striking contrast.
Guest tables featured two elegant designs. One set was dressed with lush candles, delicate bud vases, assorted pillar candles and black textured votives, while the second table incorporated low floral centerpieces of ivory roses, orchids and baby’s breath in sleek black square vessels. Each table was marked with frosted acrylic numbers accented in black, seamlessly tying into the modern aesthetic.
The menu cards at the head table were customized with each bridal party member’s name, while Shantrice and Jeremiah’s menus bore “The Bride” and “The Groom.” Each card featured their custom wedding logo, guest names and the evening’s curated menu.
“For a modern touch, we designed a digital seating chart with a scannable QR code,” says DeRamus. “Guests could easily find their seats by scanning the code at cocktail tables, allowing for a seamless transition into the reception.” To maintain a fluid and relaxed atmosphere, assigned seating was table-based, eliminating the need for individual place cards.
The couple’s three-tiered vanilla buttercream wedding cake by A Pinch Bakery was strategically placed in front of the floral arch, creating a breathtaking focal point. Surrounded by a halo of baby’s breath and flickering votive candles, the cake presentation added an extra wow moment to the evening.
Alongside an evening of music, laughter and dancing, guests enjoyed a sleek photo booth, capturing memories through photos, GIFs and Boomerangs. “We incorporated a black-and-white glam filter for a timeless touch,” DeRamus notes.
From the heartfelt details to the high-energy celebration, Shantrice and Jeremiah’s wedding was a masterful blend of elegance, innovation and pure joy—an unforgettable night that reflected their love story in every way.
The Team
Planning & Design: @lesloevents
Photographer: @milanesphotography
Videographer: @aloveexperience
Venue: @historicdekalbch
Stationary: @lovekenedie
Floral: @xpressions_floraldesigns
Aisle/Dance Floor: @atlantadancefloors
Drapery: @uniqueeventelements
Chairs: @luvdecorrentals
DJ: @jsquaredentertainment
Catering: @phenomenalfoodcatering
Cake: @apinchbakery
Sax: @chriskingsax
Photobooth: @strikeaposeatl
Transportation: @gogopartybus
MUA: @softglamexpert
Hair: @bysharalaurie @crownedbyjameialesha
Gown: @winniecouture
Assistants: @simplyelegantdetails @snazzyjag
