A Timeless Destination Wedding in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Chantal and Jarrell’s story began in 2011, when they were introduced through mutual friends at a lively pregame for a party—a carefree night that would later hold special meaning. Their paths crossed again about a year later, this time through their involvement in Greek life. Chantal became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the spring of 2012, while Jarrell joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the fall of that same year.

From that point on, a genuine friendship began to grow and evolved into something deeper. They recently entered the next phase of their relationship by becoming husband and wife. Get inspired by their gorgeous destination wedding that was also featured in the summer 2025 issue of Black Bride Magazine.

Bride: Chantal Thomas, 32, Software Engineer

Groom: Jarrell Cooper, 32, Strategy Consultant

Photography By: Andre Gouin

Place of Residence: Washington, DC

Wedding Date: May 3, 2025

Wedding Location: Villa la Joya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Wedding Theme/Motif/Inspiration: Our wedding was inspired by timeless elegance and modern sophistication, brought to life through a chic black and white color palette with a hint of green through plants and greenery. The overall atmosphere was luxurious yet inviting.

Honeymoon Destination: We are planning to visit a few countries in East Africa for our honeymoon in September 2025.

Briefly tell us about your wedding experience and how the both of you felt on your big day.

Chantal and Jarrell tied the knot exactly two years after their engagement, pouring heart and soul into planning their dream celebration. In the days leading up to the wedding, they were overwhelmed with love and support from family and friends–the weekend felt like a joyful reunion.

On the big day, emotions ran high as they watched two years of planning unfold and celebrated the next chapter in their 10-year journey together.

Wedding song, and the significance of the song: Every song we chose told a part of our love story. Jarrell entered to “Cupid” by 112—a nod to ’90s R&B and the beginning of our journey. Our bridal party set the tone with “I Do” by Rotimi, celebrating love and commitment. Chantal walked down the aisle to “Do 4 Love” by Snoh Aalegra, a soulful anthem of devotion. As newlyweds, we recessed to “Die for You” by The Weeknd, capturing the depth of our bond. Our first dance to “Superstar” by Usher was an emotional tribute to seeing each other as the stars of our own story. And for our outfit change re-entry, “On the Run” by Jay-Z & Beyoncé perfectly embodied our ride-or-die energy.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

Marriage is another chapter in the foundation we’ve already laid, and we’re excited to grow stronger in every aspect of life as a team.