Around 180 guests attended the storybook wedding of NFL star Devon Still and homemaker Joyce Asha at the NY Public library on Friday.
The couple put their wedding plans on hold after Devon’s daughter, Leah Still, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer in 2014.
Joyce, who is not Leah’s mom, remained quietly in the background as Leah and Devon’s heartwarming story made headlines all over the world 2 years ago.
When they made it through the storm, Joyce agreed to marry Devon knowing that she will always take a backseat to his daughter.
Devon and Joyce’s wedding was chosen by TheKnot.com as the recipient of this year’s Dream Wedding. The wedding was streamed live by TheKnot.com.
Guests snacked on shiitake mushrooms and salted caramel macaroons while they awaited the arrival of the bride and groom.
The bride and groom, both 26, descended down opposite staircases at the NY Public Library. Joyce wore an embellished white gown with a flowing train and veil, while Devon was dressed in a traditional black tuxedo.
Devon wept silently when he saw his 6-year-old daughter Leah walk down the aisle, He couldn’t stop smiling at his strong, resilient daughter he calls “his inspiration.”
At the reception, Leah, Joyce and Devon danced to classical renditions of modern love songs such as John Legend‘s “All Of Me”.
“I love my new family,” said Leah as she wiped away tears. “Thank you for all your support,” she added. “This is my first real wedding!” Leah told PEOPLE. “It’s great!”
Before the ceremony, Devon presented Leah with a custom rose gold butterfly bracelet designed by Simon G. Jewelry.
The delicate bracelet features two diamond-encrusted butterflies with their wings spread wide – to symbolize new beginnings for the new family.
“I love this bracelet because my dad gave it to me, and I love my dad,” said Leah, who was declared cancer free in March 2015.
“My daughter is the strongest person I know,” Devon told PEOPLE. “She is my inspiration, my light.”
He added: “It’s the end to a rough patch, a difficult time for my daughter and for my family, because we postponed the wedding due to Leah’s cancer. Now that it’s here, I feel like it’s the end to a hard time but the start of our new beginning. And that makes me so excited.”
Joyce’s gown was designed by Pnina Tornai for @kleinfeldbridal. She was styled by @thestylishbride. Leah’s pink dress was designed by Hayley Paige, and Devon’s tux was tailored by Martin Greenfield Bespoke in NYC.
Francesca Events handled the event planning, and the wedding was designed by @davidbeahm.
Photos: Joseph Lin Photography (via People.com); theKnot.com, Instagram.com
