The West Venue

Wedding Day

Reception

Our Wedding

Tairi &amp; Elmer first met in Albany, GA at Albany State University in 2016. Although it wasn’t until one year later that they started dating, their bond was instant. Their connection was, of course, through their shared experiences in their respective school’s band programs.

Zero Quarter

Tairi: At first, I knew we were going to be friends. That's just how the band world works; it is small. I think when he was at band practice, he was playing "Needed Me" by Rihanna. Not gonna lie, I thought he was a white guy because he was light - skinned, wearing gray - colored contact lenses. Then, he got on the phone with his mother, who only speaks Spanish, and I thought to myself "Oh! This one has some flavor to him!"Elmer: I thought she was quirky, at first. She seemed really smart, and she was in band as an instrumentalist. It wasn't until later that I realized that she played flute and piccolo.

1st Quarter - First Impressions

First Date: Sky ZoneFirst Apartment: Avenue 33 in 2021.First House: After adopting Whiskeys younger sister, Kahlua in July of 2021, Tairi &amp; Elmer moved into their first house in August of 2021.Favorite Traditions:Tairi: Going to JSU Marching Southerners Alumni Reunion or vacationing to Disney World. Most recently, the couple started making gingerbread houses for Christmas, where Tairi’s was voted as the best! This sparked a new tradition for their holiday season!Elmer: I had never been to Disney world before I met Tairi, so I like going there.First Trip Together: Panama City, Florida in 2018

2nd Quarter - Dancing Through Life

Elmer secretly had the ring for several days prior to the engagement. Tairi initially wanted the proposal to be at Walt Disney World, where they were planning to vacation for Christmas in 2024. Instead, Tairi &amp; Elmer were in the privacy of their house, while only they were present. After Elmer revealed the ring to Tairi, she did not believe, at first, that he was trying to give her the engagement ring. So, she tossed him back the box with the ring inside. "Oh, okay! You can just propose at Disney then! I'm so excited!" Tairi exclaimed. Elmer tossed the box back to her, with Tairi looking back in genuine confusion. She examined the box once again, then gave it back. "Oh, so you don't want it anymore?" Elmer asked, raising a curious eyebrow. Tairi finally understood what the implication was when the intense game of Hot Potato ended. Elmer proceeded to propose to Tairi, and she obviously said YES!!

3rd Quarter - The Proposal

Tairi: I like that Elmer is patient, and that is kind. He knows my childhood, my traumas, and he understands where I'm coming from. I know that when I get a little too anxious or aggressive with my words, he will either let me vent while he listens or send me a reel about puppies.Lastly, what I like Elmer is that we have similarly shared stories. It helps that were both born in September. Naturally, that meant that many of our experiences in school and in life were the same, too. Since we are both heavily involved in the band world, I like that we can go anywhere in the band scene and know at least one person.Elmer: I really like the color of her eyes. They're really light brown and they light up in the sun. She has a great personality, which may be weird to other people, but she's my little weirdo now. I also like how knowledgeable she is, not just about music, but about life in general. She is always teaching me new things every day.

4th Quarter - What I Like About You

Tairi: I look forward to creating a family with Elmer and strengthening our bond. From the first day we started dating, I always felt that we would be married one day. I believe Elmer will make a wonderful husband and father.I pray that when we're old and gray in the distant future, I will look back on wonderful memories and experiences I've had with Elmer.Elmer: I know it seems really simple, but I just want our future to be a happy one. I know I'm going to be working hard to make that happen because I don't like seeing Tairi sad, upset, or stressed.

5th Quarter - Our Future

Our Story

Photos

Registry

I’m Jada Clark, and I met Ms. Vital and Mr. V my senior year of high school, because Ms. Vital was my assistant band director and Mr. V took our pictures on the field and in the stands 

Jada Clark

Oshia K. Smalls is from Orangeburg, SC. She is the fiancé of Tairi’s childhood best friend, Brandon Heater. Oshia and Tairi met in 2019 at Brandon’s college graduation party. They then learned they were fraternity sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity Incorporated!

Oshia K. Smalls

Hey ! I’m Saffiyah and I met Miss Vital my junior year of high school when she was Morrow's assistant band director.

From the very beginning, you were just that person—so cool, so genuine, and full of love. You really became more than just a director to me… like a big sister, a mentor, even a little bit of a second mom when I needed it.

You always showed up for us in ways that meant everything—like the time you did my hair (still one of my favorite memories 🥰). And I’ll never forget how you introduced me to GAMB—Georgia Mass Band—because that experience was truly unmatched and so much fun.

I love you so much, and I’m forever grateful for the impact you’ve had on my life. I’m so proud of you and so happy for this next chapter 🤍

Saffiyah Clemons

Wedding Party

Travel

Things to Do

Frequently Asked Questions About the Big Day

If you are wondering about some of the details of Tairi and Elmer's wedding day, here are a few of the frequently asked questions that guests like you may have! What is the address of the wedding ceremony and reception?The wedding ceremony and reception will be held at The West Venue in Atlanta, GA. The address is 1710 Defoor Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. What time does the ceremony start?The wedding ceremony will start at 5:30. Guests are encouraged to begin arriving to the venue at 5:00pm. Guests will be able to sit on the Bride's side or the Groom's side upon arrival for the ceremony. Is the wedding outdoors or indoors?Due to the date being in the springtime, we wanted guests to feel comfortable indoors. Plan to bring a light cover up or shawl if you are more prone to the chill. What is the easiest way to get to and from the wedding venue?Follow Defoor Ave NW from the southeast and turn left into the venue. There will be a gate at the venue that you will be passing on the left - hand side before a three - way intersection. A secondary way to reach the venue would be to come from the west side, which is Chattahoochee Ave NW, take a left onto Taylor St. NW. The the venue parking lot will be on the right - hand side. There will be a small entry way with a security arm and it leads into the parking lot on the hill. Is there parking available near your wedding venue?Yes! And it is free parking! There are approximately 75 slots available for parking on the premise. Are there any blocks reserved for hotels?As of March 19th, no; there aren't any hotel room blocks booked. If you need any assistance with rooming for the wedding, please text Tairi at 678-381-4106 or Elmer at 404-596-2972. The couple prefers text during this busy time, and they apologize in advance for any missed messages. Can I bring a plus one?The couple is happy that you wish to enjoy their special day with your loved ones, as well! Guests are permitted one plus per party/household. Plus ones include a boyfriend or girlfriend, engaged couples, and a married spouse. Please ensure that you contact the Bride and Groom before including your plus one, and do inform them of any changes! Are children allowed at the wedding events?While the couple are acknowledging and allowing the presence of several children at their wedding ceremony and reception, there will be no other children, those under 18, given permission to attend the wedding ceremony or reception, including but not limited to: relatives of the Bride, relatives of the Groom, etc. What is the dress code for the wedding?Guests are encouraged to wear formal or black-tie attire. The couple invites guests to dress in the colors of their wedding, which include dark, navy, or marine blue, rose gold, or champagne gold, and silver. Under NO circumstances are guests permitted to wear any shades of white. This includes, but is not limited to: white, off-white, ivory, cream, eggshell, mostly white attire, etc. Any guests that appear to be wearing any shades of white will not be permitted to enter the venue. Guests are encouraged to bring a light cover up, shawl, or coat in case there is a lot of cool air inside the venue space. Where is the couple registered?You can find all items that are on the couple's registry by visiting the Registry page. Am I required to bring a gift?It is not required. It is highly encouraged. The couple will be accepting gifts from guests during the wedding reception. What type of food will be served at the wedding reception?In order to incorporate the cultures of both Tairi &amp; Elmer, the couple has curated a menu that features both Soul food and Hispanic food. There will be a buffet spread of this delicious cuisine served during the reception dinner. The couple will also be serving little bites for a cocktail hour shortly before the reception. Is there an open bar?Guests will be able to visit the bartender during the reception hours. Guests are permitted to bring their own spirits to the event. Please note that all alcoholic beverages MUST be served by the on-site bartender. Guests will not be able to consume their spirits straight from the table. Additionally, NO SHOTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO BE TAKEN DURING THE RECEPTION!! What time will the wedding reception begin? Will there be an after-party following the reception?Guests who RSVP to the wedding ceremony will be automatic yes for the reception, unless the guest(s) or the bride and groom specifically say otherwise. To give the couple their privacy following the wedding reception, there will be no after-party; though, this is subject to change. The reception will end at approximately 10:00pm to allow the venue time to clean up and for the guests to send off the newlyweds. Is there going to be a time gap between the ceremony and reception?Yes, there will be a cocktail hour where guests can enjoy finger foods and cocktails while the wedding party and their families go to take photos. The cocktail hour should be roughly 45 to 60 minutes. Will there be other wedding-related events occurring that aren't the wedding ceremony and reception?The couple will not be having any "after - party" activities. They wish to rest after the wedding day! Am I allowed to take photo at your wedding?There will be a photographer &amp; videographer for the wedding ceremony, so no phones will be allowed during that time. However, guests will be able to take pictures and record videos during the wedding reception, which will be shared using a specific app, which will be provided at the reception. (TBD). Can I post wedding photos and videos on social media?The couple asks that they are the first to post photos &amp; videos online through their personal social media accounts and through the photographer's website. Once the official photos &amp; videos have been posted, guests will be able to post their own photos &amp; videos. If I cannot attend, will there be a live stream to the wedding?During the wedding ceremony, the couple will be live streaming their wedding ceremony. However, there will not be an official live stream for the reception. Is there anything else I must know as a guest for this wedding event?We ask that you are respectful during this sacred time. If there are disturbances during the ceremony or reception, the couple asks that the distraction be handled swiftly and modestly, so as to not upset the newlyweds (mostly the bride). While all gifts and contributions to the couple are encouraged and appreciated, they are not required. The couple also asks in advance that all guests download the app Kahoot! It onto their smartphones so that they can play a group game during the wedding reception. We hope to see you all there and we hope you are ready to celebrate the love shared between Tairi, Elmer, and their respective families and friends!

FAQs

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Guests are encouraged to wear formal or black-tie attire, as the theme is "Band Banquet." The couple invites guests to dress in the colors of their wedding, which include dark, navy, or marine blue, rose gold, or champagne gold, and silver. Under NO circumstances are guests permitted to wear any shades of white. This includes, but is not limited to: white, off-white, ivory, cream, eggshell, mostly white attire, etc. Any guests that appear to be wearing any shades of white will not be permitted to enter the venue. Guests are encouraged to bring a light cover up, shawl, or coat in case there is a lot of cool air inside the venue space.

Tairi & Elmer

Tairi & Elmer

T&E