REAL WEDDING:: Javonn Harden + Davy Crocklen II {I KNEW I LOVED YOU}

::AS SEEN IN THE MARCH/APRIL 2022 ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Written by: Jessica Burke | Photos: Audie J. Photography

javonn + davy’s story

“The day we got married was actually the exact day we met 10 years ago,” shares Javonn. “Well lets just say he knew and saw me before I even knew of his existence. He was interested in me months before I met him.”

Time went on and one fateful day, Javonn was visiting with her best friend at her home. “She mentioned that he had just moved a few houses down from her and he would be perfect for me. Of course I was curious to see this ‘Mr. Right’ so we made an excuse to knock on his door and the rest was history.”

Davy popped the question in December of 2020 after returning from a family Christmas vacation with the couple’s two boys to Disney World.

“Once we returned back home I thought the excitement was over but boy was I in for a big surprise!” says Javonn. On the evening of December 29th, Davy returned home from work as he normally did and before Javonn could get up to greet him, their son, Davy Jr, walked into the room and handed her a box. She opened the box and then ran to the living room.

“Davy was there on one knee waiting for me. I could not have asked for a better proposal!” she says. “It was so pure and genuine. No big audience, just the two of us and our kids.“

glittery silver wedding shoes and wedding rings

wedding planner becomes the bride

Javonn not only is a professional wedding planner, but she also owns the rental company and venue where the wedding reception took place!

“Believe it or not but planning my own wedding was one for the books,” she shares.

“I imagined that being my very own planner would be stressful but it was actually fun watching all my hard work unfold on one of the best days of my life. I was able to close my venue 3 weeks before the wedding to start the design production. My family and vendors were very supportive of me and I was still able to enjoy the perks of being a bride the week of the wedding.”

Javonn and her bridesmaids celebrate before the wedding

the wedding gown

Javonn flew to Dallas to find “the dress” at Ese Azenabor’s boutique. “They treated me like royalty,” she says. “I tried on two gowns and I immediately fell in love. Every gown there is a Custom Couture Bespoke gown so my dress was a hand made one of one.”

Javonn wore a one-of-a-kind Ese Azenabor wedding gown

the wedding ceremony

“The ceremony was held at the New Orleans Museum of Art because I wanted to give my guests a true New Orleans experience,” says Javonn. “Before the ceremony began, guests were allowed to view the art exhibits throughout the museum. Once the ceremony was over guests were served champagne as the Second Line band played music.“

Davy waits for Javonn at the altar

the bride and groom meet at the altar

the wedding ceremony at the New Orleans Museum of Art

The First Kiss

The bride and groom Second Line out of the New Orleans Museum of Art after the wedding ceremony.

the wedding reception

The wedding reception took place at Javonn’s venue The Eventistry in New Orleans. Reception highlights included luxurious decor, a hookah lounge, a magazine cover photo booth and a Cafe Du Monde Beignet Truck!

Interactive champagne wall