Wedding Ceremony

On the pages ahead, you’ll find everything you need for the celebration. Food will be provided. Liquor will be present.*NOTE* Although optional, we have a tab to book a hotel in case you don't want to travel back from Dacula Saturday night.Thank you for sharing this moment with us and for being part of the journey that brought us here.

Our Wedding

What started with a chaotic high school carpool somehow turned into a nine-year love story full of late-night phone calls, food adventures, inside jokes, and growing up side by side. We’ve been through a lot and laughed through even more. Here’s a glimpse into how we got from teenage awkwardness to forever.

Our Story

How We Met

We first crossed paths in high school band at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts. Neither of us realized that something so simple would end up shaping the rest of our lives.For Tajhae, it began when his friend Jimmy discovered that a girl from band lived on their street and asked if she could give them a ride. For Kimata, it started with confusion and fear. A stranger walked up to her and asked if she lived on Jimmy Lee’s Circle, and as a committed Investigation Discovery watcher, she panicked internally. Once he explained that he and his friend needed a carpool ride, everything settled.Soon enough, every morning involved stopping at Tajhae’s house first, then driving two houses down to wake up Jimmy in whatever way worked that day. Those chaotic rides became the backdrop to the beginning of something neither of them expected.

High School Years

High school turned that chance connection into something real.Tajhae:I was quiet and reserved, but the more I talked to her, the more natural it felt. She started coming over after school, and we talked for hours in the garage, not noticing how much of a bond we were building.Kimata:Once my mom told me he was cute, I couldn’t unsee it. Suddenly, my long “walks” around the neighborhood always ended at his house. We went from the garage to the living room, which felt like a major upgrade at the time.There were teenage mistakes, including the day her mom tracked her down to Tajhae’s house and dragged her home, resulting in a temporary breakup and a confiscated phone. But even teenage drama couldn’t stop something that was already taking root.Then senior year changed everything. During a school fundraiser, Kimata was struck by a vehicle during a police chase, an accident that shook everyone. Through that difficult time, Tajhae showed up every day. He helped her into her wheelchair, pushed her to classes, drove her to dual enrollment, and made sure she felt supported. She saw how steady he was. He saw how strong she was. Their relationship grew from young love into something much deeper.

College

College put distance between them, but somehow brought them closer.Kimata:I went to UGA, and he stayed closer to home in Jonesboro, yet we saw each other more than ever. We drove back and forth to see each other, always finding a way to stay connected.Tajhae:We talked every day and visited each other as often as possible. We grew through conversation, intention, and effort.Graduation season was overwhelming, but even in the chaos of ceremonies, exams, and family celebrations, they made sure to prioritize each other. Afterward, Kimata partnered with Tajhae’s mom to surprise him at his graduation dinner by tracking down a professor he admired. It was the kind of thoughtful gesture that reflected the way they had always cared for one another.

Life after college became real very quickly.Kimata:I started working at Resurgens Orthopaedics and studying for the MCAT. It was one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Work from eight to five, study from five to eleven, and barely have enough time to breathe. But even with my limited availability, Tajhae never once made me feel guilty. He supported me through late-night study sessions and exhaustion with surprise snow cones, fries, small treats, and constant encouragement.Tajhae:I knew what she was working toward mattered. My job was to show up in the ways she needed.When she finally received her acceptance to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee, her first choice, they celebrated together because the entire journey felt like something they had accomplished side by side.Now she is deep into medical school, and they live together, navigating adulthood as a team. The challenges and responsibilities are new, but so is the joy of building a life under the same roof.

All the Fun in Between

Between the major milestones, there has been an entire world of small moments that shaped who they are together.During the pandemic, they spent countless nights on the phone, keeping each other awake while Tajhae did DoorDash. Kimata worried so much about him being out late that she physically could not sleep until he was home, even if it meant being tired for class the next day.They became self-proclaimed Mexican food connoisseurs, trying every budget-friendly spot they could find throughout Athens and Jonesboro. Even when money was tight and life was busy, they always made the most of every anniversary, laughing their way through whatever they could afford.Their anniversaries tell their story as much as anything else. Their first anniversary included a Flipagram Kimata made with all their cutest pictures, including a visit to Tajhae’s mom at the World of Coca-Cola. Year five took them to an escape room and a hilarious, not-so-great Americana restaurant. Year six brought a VR game room, their first KBBQ, and the discovery that Tajhae should never own a motorcycle.June 2020 brought deep conversations about values when they attended a protest together. Year seven included what is still considered the best Italian restaurant on the south side of Atlanta and their first cannolis. Year eight was the proposal, where Kimata knew something was coming because Tajhae had been a nervous wreck all day, but knowing did not stop the tears from flowing. Year nine brought an 11.5K hike simply because they wanted an adventure.There were countless simple moments, too, like their first official date on November 20, 2016, at Cheddar’s, or the day Tajhae rushed into the boba shop just as Kimata started singing Jill Scott’s “He Loves Me” with the jazz ensemble, causing the entire shop to go wild because the timing was perfect.Those memories, scattered between the big chapters, are the pieces of their relationship that show their laughter, their growth, their resilience, and the joy they find in simply being together.

The Wedding

Very early in our relationship I thought that once I became a doctor, I would keep the last name Thomas and be Mrs. Smith privately. But the way he has supported me through every challenge and milestone, I realized that I wanted to be Dr. Smith. Because I did not get here alone. He has been just as much a part of this journey as I am. And I cannot imagine going through any of it without him.Planning a wedding has been its own adventure, full of unexpected twists. They changed their original vision from a destination venue to a shady stateside courthouse situation that was not what it claimed to be and finally found a place that feels right for who they are now. The timing is not perfect, but it fits their lives and everything they are working toward.They are grateful to celebrate this moment with the people who have been part of their journey from the very beginning. And through all the planning, Kimata holds one truth: with Tajhae by her side, it will all turn out exactly the way it is meant to.Here is to a lifetime to go.

Photos

Edward Oberlton

Alecia Taylor

Sorrell Carr

Nyeta Thomas

Jimmy Scott

Zahria Thomas

Genesis Harris

Kaiya Roland

Wedding Party

We’re celebrating at Chateau 1870 in Dacula, a beautifully restored estate with soft, romantic character, and we’d love for our guests to match the setting with elevated but comfortable cocktail attire. Think dresses or jumpsuits in graceful early-spring fabrics and suits or dressy separates in polished tones and details that feel special without being formal. Not black-tie, but definitely your “I clean up nicely” look.Seasonal Guidance for March 21, 2026Late March in Georgia brings mild weather with a soft evening breeze. Expect temperatures around the mid-60s during the day and dipping closer to the high-50s at night. To match the season and the charm of Chateau 1870, lean into romantic early-spring colors like blush, mauve, champagne, slate blue, sage, soft navy, taupe and warm neutrals. Earthy tones photograph beautifully against the venue’s stone and greenery. Loud neons and tropical prints tend to clash with the estate’s aesthetic.Fabric SuggestionsFor the Ladies:Choose fabrics that flow well and feel comfortable in early spring. Satin, chiffon, crepe, georgette, silk blends, organza accents, and light tulle all work perfectly. Bring a shawl, wrap, or light evening coat in case the temperature dips after sunset.For the Fellas: Opt for lightweight wool or wool-blend suits, cotton or linen-blend jackets, polished dress shirts, and clean dress shoes. Think structured, breathable, and put-together. Skip heavy winter fabrics like thick tweed, velvet, or flannel.We want everyone to feel confident, comfortable, and ready to celebrate with us. If you would wear it to a classy evening out in early spring, you’re right on target.

Dress Code

Q + A

Located 26 miles from Historic Stone Mountain Villiage, Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia offers 3-star accommodations in Buford and features a bar. Offering a restaurant, the property also has free bikes, as well as an indoor pool and a fitness center. Stone Mountain Carving is 30 miles from the hotel and MARTA-Indian Creek Station is 30 miles away. The rooms will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine. Guests at the hotel can enjoy an à la carte or an American breakfast. With staff speaking English and Spanish, advice is available at the reception. Bradley Observatory is 31 miles from Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia.

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia

Located in Lawrenceville, Georgia, this hotel is just is specially designed for extended stays. Each room features a kitchenette, and the hotel offers free WiFi. Every room is equipped with a stovetop, a microwave and a refrigerator. A flat-screen cable TV is also provided. Dishes are available for purchase. The hotel also provides guests with laundry and ironing facilities. Vending machines are available for added guest convenience. Gwinnett Braves baseball games at Coolray Field are just 14 minutes' drive from this hotel. Guests will be 1.1 mi from Gwinnett Historic Courthouse and 17 minutes' drive from Mall of Georgia.

HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Atlanta - Lawrenceville

Days Inn by Wyndham Lawrenceville is located in Lawrenceville, 18 miles from Stone Mountain Carving and 22 miles from Historic Stone Mountain Villiage. The 1-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The hotel features family rooms. At the hotel, every room includes a desk. All guest rooms in Days Inn by Wyndham Lawrenceville are equipped with a TV and free toiletries. The reception at the accommodation can provide tips on the area. MARTA-Indian Creek Station is 26 miles from Days Inn by Wyndham Lawrenceville, while Bradley Observatory is 26 miles away.

Days Inn by Wyndham Lawrenceville

Located 30 miles from Stone Mountain Carving, Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Buford - Mall of Georgia by IHG offers 2-star accommodations in Buford and features a fitness center, a shared lounge and a terrace. The hotel has an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Breakfast is available, and includes buffet, continental and American options. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Buford - Mall of Georgia by IHG. MARTA-Indian Creek Station is 31 miles from the accommodation.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Buford – Mall of Georgia by IHG

Hampton Inn Atlanta-Mall Of Georgia has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a shared lounge and restaurant in Buford. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a business center and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 26 miles from Historic Stone Mountain Villiage. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All rooms at Hampton Inn Atlanta-Mall Of Georgia have air conditioning and a desk. The accommodation offers a buffet or American breakfast. Stone Mountain Carving is 30 miles from Hampton Inn Atlanta-Mall Of Georgia, while MARTA-Indian Creek Station is 30 miles from the property.

Hampton Inn Atlanta-Mall Of Georgia

Located off Interstate 85, this Buford hotel is 13 miles from Lake Lanier. Guests will enjoy an indoor pool, a daily breakfast buffet, and free property-wide Wi-Fi. All guest rooms feature a microwave and small refrigerator. Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites by Marriott Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia also includes a seating area and cable television. Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites guests can stay active in the on-site fitness center. A business center and meeting facilities are offered as well. Guests will be 10 minutes’ walk from the Mall of Georgia.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia

Hotels

Things to Do

Registry

Chateau1870 491 Harbins RdDacula, GA 30019United States

Tajhae + Kimata

Tajhae + Kimata

Wedding Party