Bridal Bliss: Inside Kayla And Terrell’s Fairytale Wedding At The Biltmore Estate

It’s true that love can find you anywhere. But isn’t it special when it finds you walking in your purpose? While Kayla Brianna (daughter of former NBA champion and Inside the NBA co-host Kenny “The Jets” Smith) was focused on mastering her craft as a singer, she met the man who would be her husband: NFL player Terrell Edmunds.

The Las Vegas Raiders‘ safety first set eyes on Kayla during her music video premiere during the 2018 BET weekend in Los Angeles. Terrell reached out after the music premiere, and in Kayla’s words, “the rest became history.” That event, about eight years ago, set the stage for their love story, which has remained a page-turning romance.

I knew I had found my person because there was an immediate sense of safety and comfort I hadn’t experienced before,” she tells ESSENCE. “I could fully be myself and never felt like I had to dim my light.”

For Terrell, the ease and comfort that he feels with Kayla is unlike anything he’d experienced before.

“For me, it just felt easy,” the athlete says. “Being with Kayla felt natural, peaceful, and effortless from the beginning.”

To say “I do,” the couple chose to go full-on fairytale, marrying at The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, which from the outside looks almost like a castle. They even incorporated a horse and carriage. The highlight of the day for both parties was sharing this once-in-a-lifetime moment with the people they love most. Here, Kayla and Terrell share more about their venue, looks, and love story for this week’s Bridal Bliss.

ESSENCE: Why did you choose your wedding venue?

Kayla: I always knew I wanted to get married somewhere that felt grand and like an unforgettable experience. The Biltmore Estate felt like the perfect fit—not only because we both have ties to North Carolina, but because of its breathtaking architecture and timeless romance. Our wedding theme was very much fairytale-inspired. Our tagline was “Happily Ever Edmunds,” so it felt like the perfect place to bring that vision to life.

Tell us about finding your wedding dress!

Kayla: Wedding dress shopping was such a fun experience! We went to Kleinfeld in New York for a three-hour appointment, and I honestly went in with no real idea of what I wanted. But the moment I put on the dress, it truly felt like it chose me. I got emotional right away, and knowing it was a Pnina Tornai design made it feel even more special.

What were your favorite moments from the wedding day?

Kayla: Some of my favorite moments were seeing how many people showed up to celebrate and support us, and watching all of the planning from the past year come to life in the most beautiful way. Our band, Sol and the Gang, brought such incredible energy, and there was a moment where the little girl in me was just thinking, “Wow…I got married.”

Terrell: For me, seeing Kayla arrive in the horse and carriage was unforgettable. Sharing the mother-son dance was a really special moment, and just looking around and seeing so many people show up to celebrate and support our love meant a lot.

What are you most looking forward to in marriage?

Kayla: I’m looking forward to starting our own traditions, creating our legacy together, and continuing to grow in love through every new chapter.

Terrell: I’m most looking forward to building a family and continuing to grow together through every stage of life. 

Vendors

Venue: Biltmore Estate — @biltmoreestate

Planner: Asheville Event Co — @ashevilleeventco

Photographer: REEM Photography — @photosbyReem

Band: Sol and the Gang — @solandthegang

Videographer: Iris Films — @irisfilms

Hair: Glam by Maame — @glambymaame

Makeup: B for Beaute — @bforbeaute.co