Kristin and Jermaine have known of each other nearly as long as they can remember. But it was as students and student council members at Reading High School where their friendship blossomed. Explains Kristin, “I was two grades older, so the last time we saw each other was my graduation day in June 1997. He graduated in 1999. We reconnected when my niece, Diamante, helped me create a Facebook page in August 2009. At the time, Jermaine lived in Berks County, and I lived in New Jersey.” The rest, as they say, is history.
The couple dated long distance for about a year before Kristin, a freelance writer with Berks County Living and in charge of public relations at Reading School District, came back to Berks in the summer of 2010.
The Proposal
Jermaine was determined to catch his girlfriend off guard and surprise her when proposing. “He always said he would never propose on Christmas because it seemed cliché. So what does he do? He proposes on Christmas morning,” says Kristin. “Our sons were playing with their new gifts in the hallway, and he handed me a gift box that included an issue of The Knot magazine and a handwritten note that said, ‘Let’s go ring shopping.’ I thought it was sweet. He then asked me, ‘When do you want to go?’ While stuffing wrapping paper and bows in a trash bag, I responded, ‘You tell me, babe.’ He said, ‘What about now?’ I looked up, and there he was down on one knee with a ring box in his hand. He said some other sweet stuff, but I was crying so much I don’t remember his entire ‘will-you-marry-me’ speech. Here I am in my pajamas and a messy ponytail, and this amazing man just asked me to marry him. It was a blessed moment.”
The Big Day
The couple was married on Sept. 5 (their sixth anniversary) at Spring Valley Church of God in Temple with Kristin’s mother, Loretta Boyd, Jermaine’s mother, Brenda Clayborne, and numerous friends looking on and celebrating in the joyous occasion. Kristin’s sister, Andrea White, a teacher at 10th and Penn Elementary School in Reading, was her Matron of Honor. Diamante White, Kristin’s niece, was her Maid of Honor. Stephen Bealer, Jermaine’s best friend since his school days at Riverside Elementary School, served as Best Man. Kristin wore a gorgeous gown from Sweethearts Bridal in Sinking Spring, while the guys wore tuxes from the Men’s Wearhouse in Wyomissing. The quote wrapping up the sentiments of the day? “Once I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen,” by Winnie the Pooh. Such a wise bear.
The immensely fun reception was held in the ballroom at Green Valley Chateau, Sinking Spring, following the ceremony. The décor was accented in royal purple tones and perfected by Jody Bukowski of Simple Soiree in Berks, along with floral touches by Acacia Flowers of Wyomissing, and certainly carried out the wedding theme of Smile. Sparkle. Shine. The delicious cake was created by Ady Cakes in West Reading. The whole day even had its own hashtag: #TeamEdwards. Look it up on social media and you might see guests enjoying entertainment galore from Luis Serrano and the We Three Trio, or getting souvenir pictures in the An Event to Remember Photo Booth or maybe even an ice cream treat from the Sweet Ride Ice Cream Truck right outside. The day was commemorated with photography by Tania Colamarino of Ama Photography and videography by Fred Tamarri of Your Day Productions. Later, the couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The Best Part
Narrowing the amazing day down to one stand-out moment is difficult for Kristin, looking back. “There are too many memories to count,” she explains. “I loved hearing the ‘awws’ as our sons walked down the aisle and seeing Jermaine’s smile as I entered the sanctuary. I was proud to have my brother, David John Boyd, escort me. (Our father passed away from cancer in 2006.) I also enjoyed hearing my cousin, Kimberly Jordan-Gaskins, sing during the ceremony and watching the kids do the whip and nae-nae at the reception. Oh, and ending the night with dessert from Sweet Ride Ice Cream – yum!”
For Jermaine it was all about family. “I loved seeing Kristin and the boys walk down the aisle. Kristin looked beautiful in her dress, and I was proud of the boys. They looked like little gentlemen. I really enjoyed the entire day, especially seeing our family and friends who traveled to spend this special occasion with us,” he recalls.
Future Plans
The Edwards family, including their two boys, Jermaine II, 4, and Jayden, 2, calls Muhlenberg Township home. Jermaine is a CFP and works as a financial consultant at Fidelity Investments in King of Prussia. He is now researching MBA programs. Kristin is the Director of Community Engagement for the Reading School District, and she is the owner of Pink Lemonade Creative Services, LLC. They are active members of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Reading and love to spend time with family.
DETAILS
Transportation: New Rhoads Transportation in Douglassville
Jermaine's Hair: Danny Moore’s Barbershop in Reading; Kristin’s Hair & Nails: Tina’s Salon and Spa, West Reading
Make Up: Marlena Stewart, About Face, Exeter Township
Rehearsal Dinner: Catered by Johanny Cepeda at Mi Casa Su Casa in Reading
Designer (save the dates, invites, wedding program, wedding signage, stationery, etc.): Melissa Lascala
Printer (save the dates, invites, wedding program, wedding signage, stationery, etc.): Berks Digital
Guest and Hotel Arrangements: Jen Quick, Courtyard by Marriott Reading-Wyomissing
Signature Drink: The Love Potion (created by ViVÁ Catering)
