Tynaiza & Devin Jump the Broom

Tynaiza and Devin…I can’t even type their names without smiling and getting that warm, happy feeling inside. When I met them in the Fall of 2019, I knew we were kindred spirits. After all, both of them are teachers and love the outdoors! Going on hikes together is one of their favorite pastimes, so we did not one, but two engagement sessions while hiking around in two of my favorite places to go: Westminster Park and McDowell Nature Preserve. Our time together was full of fun stories and laughter, and that’s exactly how their wedding went as well!

Tynaiza and Devin’s plans were to get married in May of 2020 and then move to China to begin a year of teaching overseas. And then the Coronavirus pandemic struck. They pushed back their wedding to July 4, and are now teaching their students in China virtually, but as soon as they are cleared to move, they’ll be heading overseas!

The Barn at Cranberry Creek was their chosen venue, and Tynaiza sent me a few photos when she and Devin toured it. But photos do not do justice to this place. Situated in the foothills of the Yadkin Valley region of NC, it is one of my favorite wedding venues thus far. It has a gorgeous barn with two levels and a beautifully designed open space with benches and an arbor, so there are several options for indoor or outdoor weddings. This place has everything a bride could ask for: a gorgeous bridal suite, a room inside of a silo (YES, INSIDE A SILO!) for the groom and his men to hang out and get ready, a great open space with market lights for an outdoor reception area and dancing, beautiful views of the rolling hills, and the perfect position for experiencing the most beautiful sunsets! They also did a job with making sure that everyone was safe during these Covid times with reminders about social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, and masks for guests if they needed them.

When I arrived to the venue ready to begin the day, Tynaiza and her ladies were having the best time in the bridal suite as their hair and makeup were completed. There was so much laughter and joking around, and everyone seemed so relaxed—there was no stress allowed at this wedding! The rest of the day followed suit, as Devin and his guys arrived and gifts were exchanged. And their gifts to each other were most impressive! Tynaiza gave Devin a Movado watch, and Devin gave Tynaiza the sweetest photo album he designed of their lives together and a spectacular pair of Jordans. It wasn’t surprising that his groomsmen were also decked out in different pairs of Jordan and Lebron shoes. (Apparently Devin has quite the obsession with shoes!) And then the ceremony began. One of the most special and symbolic parts of their ceremony was when Tynaiza and Devin “jumped the broom.” This tradition began during the pre-Civil War era to symbolize the union between and a man and woman and is still a popular tradition within the African-American community.

The reception began with a grand entrance of the bridesmaids, the groomsmen busing a move, and then the couple, who shared their first dance together. Tynaiza and her dad also performed a choreographed dance to a mashup of old school and new school hits from their respective generations, which was so fun and full of personality! During the evening, a storm was brewing in the distance, but it never reached the wedding venue…it did, however, cool things off and create some beautiful colors as the sun set! We could not have ordered a better day. After dinner, some of the most heartfelt and touching toasts to the couple were shared, and then there was a celebration full of dancing, music, pictures, hugs, and finally, their sparkler exit.

Tynaiza said, “Our favorite part of the wedding was when we got to read our vows to each other in front of our family and friends. Jumping the broom was so hilarious and so fun. Everything was lighthearted from the morning to the sparkler sendoff. It was a true depiction of our relationship (stress free and laid back!). We loved how accommodating our venue was by providing the opportunity to livestream the ceremony so family members who couldn't attend due to Covid could still feel included. It was the most perfect day, despite the circumstances. We loved every single minute of it.”

And I have to agree—-as a photographer, I loved every single minute of this day! Thank you, Tynaiza and Devin, for inviting me to be a part of your big day. I could not have imagined a better way to spend the fourth of July and wish you both the biggest blessings as you move to China and continue your teaching careers! I can’t wait to follow your adventures together.

Venue: The Barn at Cranberry Creek

Coordinator: Jaleesa at Butterfly Dreams

Lead Photographer: Kimberly Cauble Photography

2nd Shooter: Haylie Jeter Photography

Florist: Cut at an Angle

Catering: Family Catering Huntersville

Cake: Kim's Cake Creations

DJ: Montrell Covington

Wedding Dress: Winnie Couture

Rings: Jared’s

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie

Tuxes: Troy Allen Clothier