Wedding Ceremony

Priestley's Reception

Our Wedding

We met during a season of growth and healing, each of us learning to become our truest selves. What began as a thoughtful conversation gradually became a steady partnership rooted in mutual respect, gentle encouragement, and shared laughter. Over time we discovered a deep compatibility and our shared devoted love for God—balancing independence with togetherness, and ambition with compassion—that has guided us through challenges and joys alike. Damone proposed with a quiet, heartfelt moment that reflected everything we value: presence, honesty, and commitment. Now, as we prepare to marry on August 15, 2026, at Navarre Beach, FL, we look forward to celebrating with family and friends and to building a life anchored in Christ, love, and resilience that brought us here.

How an imperfect love turned out to be Perfectly Priestley...

Our Story

Photos

Meet the "Golden Girls". Shawanda's Besties. This group embodies over 30 years of friendship. Luciana and Shawanda met first. But in true Shawanda fashion, she didn’t just keep her amazing friends to herself—she introduced Luciana to Gaisha, and the rest is history. What started as a simple introduction blossomed into a trio so tight, so joyful, and so full of personality that they’ve become the real‑life embodiment of The Golden Girls. Each one brings her own sparkle, but together, they’re unstoppable.

Shawanda's Besties

Luciana and Shawanda have been close friends since sixth grade; Luciana has been there for every milestone—every triumph, every tear, every late‑night pep talk. She will stand proudly by Shawanda’s side as she begins this beautiful new chapter. Shawanda couldn’t imagine this day without her. Luciana brings warmth, steadfast friendship, and thoughtful care to the wedding party, as Matron of Honor for Shawanda and Damone’s wedding on August 15, 2026, in Navarre Beach, FL.

Luciana Moore

Gaisha and Shawanda first met in 1994 and have maintained a close friendship for over thirty years. Their bond began decades ago—two young girls who quickly realized they’d found a lifelong confidante in each other. Through every season of life, Gaisha has been a reliable source of laughter, honesty, and loyalty.

Gaisha will stand proudly by Shawanda’s side, celebrating a friendship that has shaped them both and a sisterhood that only grows stronger with time, offering steadfast devotion, calm leadership, and thoughtful support to the wedding party as the Maid of Honor for our ceremony on August 15, 2026, in Navarre Beach, FL.

Gaisha Allen

Fabian Priestley is Damone’s older brother and lifelong confidant. Their close relationship—built on shared memories and mutual support—makes Fabian’s role as Best Man especially meaningful. Fabian brings a steady presence, dependable leadership, and genuine pride as he stands beside Damone for our wedding on August 15, 2026, in Navarre Beach, FL.

Fabian Priestley

Wedding Party

Dress Code

Q + A

TRAVEL TIMES FROM MISSISSIPPI TO FLORIDA: The distance from <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Jackson,+Mississippi/Navarre+Beach,+Pensacola+Beach,+FL+32566/@31.3330923,-89.840625,476862m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x86282b7f90741b21:0x713cde441f038a0!2m2!1d-90.18065!2d32.2981392!1m5!1m1!1s0x8891272759229dbd:0xabacdf69a600c0c9!2m2!1d-86.8623721!2d30.3819528!3e0?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jackson, MS to Navarre Beach, Florida </a>is 247 miles - a 4 and half hour drive. TRAVEL TIMES FROM GEORGIA TO FLORIDA: The distance from <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Atlanta,+Georgia/Navarre+Beach,+Pensacola+Beach,+FL+32566/@32.0725058,-86.9947799,473076m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x88f5045d6993098d:0x66fede2f990b630b!2m2!1d-84.3885209!2d33.7501275!1m5!1m1!1s0x8891272759229dbd:0xabacdf69a600c0c9!2m2!1d-86.8623721!2d30.3819528!3e0?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Atlanta, GA to Navarre Beach, Florida</a> is 333 miles- a 5-hour drive.

Book your accommodations before: July 14, 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Navarre

Book your accommodations before: July 17, 2026

Residence Inn by Marriott Navarre Waterfront

Book your accommodations before: June 16, 2026

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Navarre Oceanfront

You may consider booking Airbnb if traveling with multiple wedding attendees.

AirBnB 

If traveling with multiple wedding attendees, booking thru VRBO maybe cost efficient.

VRBO

Travel

McGuire's Irish Pub is a popular spot for many travelers, known for its hearty portions and reasonable prices, particularly the 18¢ bean soup. While some reviewers warn of long wait times, especially during peak hours, others find the experience worth it. THIS PLACE IS WORTH THE WAIT!

McGuire's Irish Pub

Bistrology brings a fresh café and bar experience to Downtown Pensacola, serving breakfast, brunch and craft drinks in a stylish, jungle-themed setting.&nbsp; Whether you're stopping in for a morning coffee or gathering friends for the weekend Brunch Party — available Saturday and Sunday from 3:30–8 PM — Bistrology delivers a dining experience worth savoring.&nbsp;

Bistrology Breakfast & Brunch.

Feeling adventurous - Check out Radial Rides for all your parasailing, jet ski, and kayaking needs.

Radical Rides

Need retail therapy - Cordova Mall is the place for you to get you fix! Anchored by Dillard's, Belk, Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and World Market, Cordova Mall features more than 140 specialty stores including H&amp;M, Victoria's Secret/Pink, Jos. A. Banks, Loft, Chico's and Justice.

Cordova Mall

The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is the ultimate islander’s shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Just a short drive or relaxing boat ride away aboard the Portofino I (a complimentary excursion for all Premier guests), the Boardwalk is host to many eateries, clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and live music venues.

Shawanda & Damone

Shawanda & Damone

S&D

Wedding Ceremony

Priestley's Reception