Jocelyn and Devin met online at Black People Meet in May of 2018 within a week of signing up. After their initial meeting, they developed a connection so deep that they went out three more times that same week! The couple decided to become exclusive that same summer and they have been enjoying each other’s company ever since. After dating for over two years, Jocelyn and Devin became engaged, but had to rearrange their original wedding day plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about their love story and check out more from their intimate wedding ceremony in Maryland captured by photographer, LaTonya Smothers.
Bride: Jocelyn E. Cox, 36, Lecturer at Howard University, Author
Groom: Devin Cox, 39, Emergency Room Technician
Photography by: LaTonya Smothers, latonyaphotography.com
Place of residence: Mount Rainier, MD
Wedding date: October 31, 2020
Wedding location: First Baptist Church of North Brentwood, MD
Wedding theme/motif/inspiration: Black, white, and gold
Honeymoon Destination: Hilton Head, SC and New Orleans, LA
Engagement story:
Devin went to Jocelyn’s father’s house to ask for his blessing a few days before the couple had planned a trip to Richmond, VA to visit with friends (Jan 2020). While at the friends’ gathering, Devin played a song: “I Love You” by Machel Montano and asked Jocelyn to dance. She thought he was a little bit tipsy, but obliged. Mid dance, Devin said “you know this song is about you, right?” and got down on one knee to propose. It was a total (but welcomed) surprise!
What makes your love special?
We both love to dance at a party. We care deeply for one another. We both believe that our union is God ordained. Most importantly, we have FUN together! We can make each other laugh until our stomachs hurt!
From the Bride:
I felt like a queen on my day. I was so happy with everything! We had to change our plans due to COVID. We had a larger wedding planned, and a reception. We ended up having a small ceremony at the church I grew up in. But with all that had to change, I still felt so blessed to be marrying my best friend surrounded by my closest friends and family.
From the Groom:
I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t one minute late! Then, my bride was a few minutes late, so… lol. My wife looked so beautiful coming down the aisle! Because we couldn’t have a reception, some of our closest friends and family planned a socially distant gathering to wish us well and send us off. It was amazing to feel so supported and loved. I was so grateful.
Your best/most memorable moment:
Seeing each other in the sanctuary for the first time that day was the most memorable moment for us. We were happy to be finally taking this big step we’d been preparing for. We were also super excited that we both looked and felt so good!
Wedding song, explain choice for song:
“A Couple of Forevers” by Chrisette Michele; this song really speaks to the nature of our relationship. Seeing clearly was/is important. Our relationship feels like armor that protects us and of course, we plan to be together forever!
Favorite wedding detail:
Our talented family members added the perfect touches. Jocelyn’s cousin, Felicia Harrington (pianist) played as she walked down the aisle and Devin’s cousin, Damita Hardy sang “The Lord’s Prayer” later in the ceremony.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
We are looking forward to having new adventures together!
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Assign someone the role of planner/manager for the day. Even if you don’t hire a planner for the entire process, someone should plan to organize for you that day. We both turned off our phones and focused on ourselves. Our good friend, and wedding planner, made all of the last minute phone calls and arrangements. She tied up any loose ends so that we didn’t have to stress before the ceremony.
Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish them a fruitful marriage and many years of wedded bliss!
Sources
LaTonya Smothers|First Baptist Church of North Brentwood, MD|Oleg Cassini / David’s Bridal, Bowie, MD|
