Black Voices: Money and Employment News from Across the Nation
- Devin Singletary and Toyonnie Smith married and share son Miles, welcomed in 2019.
- The wedding embraced a modern fairytale theme with lush pink and white roses, cinematic design, and intimate luxury details.
- Toyonnie Smith's three couture looks: a bold red robe, a sculpted rosette-covered ceremony gown, and a blush, fully beaded reception dress.
- Standout moments: emotional aisle walk, heartfelt vows, and a joyous reception; Devin's breathless reaction seeing Toyonnie was unforgettable.
The phrase “It was written in the stars” isn’t an elusive fairytale for some couples. It’s their lived reality. New York Giants running back Devin Singletary and Toyonnie Smith have a love story that was written in the stars, materializing while they were both in their mother’s wombs. After about eight years of dating, they recently tied the knot in a luxurious ceremony held at the St. Regis Bal Harbour in Miami, Florida.
What’s the story behind their Bridal Bliss? Devin and Toyonnie first connected through their mothers. They were close friends who happened to be pregnant at the same time. Consequently, the longtime couple grew up in the same circles, staying in close proximity to one another throughout the years.
“We grew up around each other without realizing we were building the foundation of something much greater,” Toyonnie explains.
Together for nearly a decade before tying the knot, they first became a family in 2019, welcoming son Miles. As they enjoy the first stage of being husband and wife, they say they look forward to their evolution as a couple.
Toyonnie says they’re anticipating “Continuing to grow together, to build, to deepen what we’ve already created. Marriage, to us, is about intention—choosing each other daily, even in the quiet moments.”
The two are clearly aligned since Devin shares similar sentiments about their future together.
“There’s a deep excitement in knowing we’ll navigate it all side by side—the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. At its core, it’s about building a life with my best friend: exploring the world, creating something meaningful, and laying the foundation for a future that reflects both our dreams and our shared vision,” he shares.
We spoke to the newlyweds about their wedding day, which featured countless pink-and-white roses, immaculate centerpieces, couture fashion, and their ageless love at its center.
ESSENCE: How did you know you’d found your person?
Toyonnie Smith: It was his consistency that revealed everything. In a world that often feels uncertain, he was steady—patient, calm, and intentional in a way that never left room for doubt. There was a quiet assurance in how he loved me. I didn’t have to question it; I felt it.
He became my peace, my clarity. The person I wanted to share everything with. And more than that, he challenged me to grow—softly, but powerfully. Loving him made me want to evolve into the best version of myself. That’s how I knew… it wasn’t just love, it was alignment.
Devin Singletary: I knew I had found my person in the way she showed up—consistently, without hesitation, no matter the circumstances. She’s been my steady force and my greatest motivator, always pushing me to grow and holding me to a higher standard, while standing right beside me through it all. There’s a strength in her independence—she’s always had her own drive, never looking for handouts, carving her own path with purpose. What sets her apart is her honesty and authenticity; she keeps it real, always. She’s truly one of one, and from early on, I knew there was something rare and undeniable about what we share.
What inspired the theme for your nuptials and the decor design?
Toyonnie: The vision was a modern fairytale—cinematic, immersive, and deeply intentional. I wanted it to feel like stepping into a love story you don’t just witness, but experience. Something timeless, yet entirely our own.
Florals played a central role—they were lush, layered, and unapologetically rich. I’ve always loved flowers, so I wanted them to feel abundant, almost dreamlike. Every detail was designed to evoke softness and romance, balanced with elevated structure and luxury finishes.
It was about creating a world. One that felt intimate yet grand, delicate yet powerful. A visual reflection of our love story: deeply rooted, beautifully detailed, and impossible to overlook.
Toyonnie! Love the gowns, including your get-ready-with-me robe. How did you land on all three looks?
Toyonnie: I approached my wedding wardrobe the way one approaches a red carpet moment. Each look needed to tell a story, evoke emotion, and leave an impression.
The robe was my opening statement. I chose red intentionally. It’s bold, powerful, and unforgettable. I wanted to step into the day with presence, to set the tone before anything even began. It was dramatic, elevated, and unapologetically me.
For the ceremony gown, I leaned into romance and artistry. Roses are my favorite flower, so incorporating over 100 hand-placed rosettes into the design felt deeply personal. The silhouette—a sculpted fit-and-flare—was chosen to celebrate my shape, while the structured, cone-inspired base added an architectural element that made the gown feel truly couture. Of course, I added touches of sparkle. It needed that layer of glamour. Working alongside my designer, we blended multiple ideas into one cohesive vision that felt iconic and entirely one-of-one.
The second look was about release—freedom, movement, celebration. I wanted something that allowed me to fully step into the joy of the night. Moving away from tradition, I chose a blush pink, fully beaded gown that echoed the softness of the decor while still making a statement. The slit added fluidity and ease, allowing me to dance, connect, and be fully present. It was playful, elevated, and the perfect transition into celebration.
What were your favorite moments from the day?
Toyonnie: There was a moment—standing still, taking it all in—where everything felt almost surreal. Seeing the vision come to life, surrounded by the people who mean the most to us, was overwhelming in the most beautiful way.
Walking down the aisle was deeply emotional. It felt like time paused, like the world softened around us, and it was just us in that space.
And then the reception was pure energy, pure joy. That moment of release, of celebration, of stepping into our new chapter surrounded by love… it was unforgettable.
Devin: My favorite moments from the day began quietly, with breakfast alongside my partner in crime: my soon-to-be wife. A calm, intimate start before everything unfolded. From there, the day felt cinematic, as if we had stepped into a world created just for us. Entering the ceremony was surreal, and walking down the aisle felt almost weightless, like I was floating through a dream. The atmosphere was nothing short of magical.
But the most unforgettable moment came when I saw her turn the corner. It was breathtaking—like the entire room paused and the air shifted. In that instant, nothing else existed. Watching her walk toward me filled me with a kind of joy that’s impossible to fully capture in words. As we read our vows, you could feel the love surrounding us, shared not just between us but with everyone present. We closed the night with a vibrant reception, celebrating wholeheartedly and dancing as if time didn’t exist.
Vendors
Wedding Planner|Designer: MBM Events & Design/@mbmeventsdesign
Photographer: Igor Trifonov/@itrifonovv
Floral Production & Custom Backdrops: Rodri Studio/@rodristudio
Cinematographers: @bricksgroup
Social Media: Unleashed Vizuals/@unleashedvizuals
Makeup Artist: Tia Codrington/@mua_ttt_tia
Hair Stylist: @ruthieshaircafe
Bridal Gowns: @bridesbynona
Bridal Robes: @vtabi_official
Drapery & Carpet Production: @coastaleventsmiami
Staging, Lighting & Flooring Production: @mpeeventgroup
Guest Photo Experience: The Monochromatic Experience/@themonochromaticexperience
Cake Designer: Cakes by John Gerard/@cakesbyjohngerard
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