A Celebration of Love and Congolese Roots: Kayaya & Meshach’s Tropical Desert Wedding

Planned by Natori, Real Wedding, Royal Palms Wedding, Scottsdale Wedding Planner

January 20, 2026

Kayaya and Meshach

October 4th, 2025

Royal Palms

Kayaya and Meshach’s love story sparked in 2019 with a first date that naturally flowed into three, an instant connection neither wanted to end. From cross-country visits during Kayaya’s travel-nursing years to bonding with each other’s families, their relationship grew through distance, dedication, and countless sweet moments (including Meshach’s first true Congolese party!). Through the challenges of the pandemic and the intensity of graduate school, they continued to choose each other, celebrating milestones, discovering passions, and traveling the world, culminating in a magical Costa Rica proposal.

From my very first call with Kayaya, I knew this wedding would be two things: a huge, joy-filled party and a celebration rich with tropical elements inspired by her Congolese heritage. With Kayaya living in Texas and Meshach in Nashville, creating a wedding atmosphere that allowed them, and their guests, to “travel” somewhere new together felt especially meaningful. The moment Kayaya stepped onto the grounds of Royal Palms, she knew it was her dream venue. From that point forward, her vision never wavered: warm, saturated hues, real palm leaves, and gold accents that brought a lush, tropical feel to the Arizona desert.

Designing this experience was such a fun creative process. The real palms incorporated into the seating chart and suspended above the dance floor became instant showstoppers and truly transformed the space. And because an unforgettable party was always top priority, the celebration delivered beyond expectations. The Sunflower King filled the day with soulful, heartfelt music, and DJ Mixed Kid kept the checkered dance floor packed until 1:30 AM. Everything about the night felt vibrant, intentional, and completely true to them.

The day overflowed with meaningful highlights, but a few moments truly stood out. Kayaya wowed guests with two custom gowns made in Turkey, each stunning in its own way. Her main ceremony gown was a beautiful off-the-shoulder ballgown, while her dancing gown was a sleek, sexy floor-length fitted masterpiece. Another favorite is when Meshach surprised her with a mariachi band, a sweet nod to the surprise he planned the day after their Costa Rica proposal, and the joy on her face as the music started while she took photos with her bridesmaids was unforgettable. And of course, their four-legged family member made a subtle, adorable appearance through the “Sadie Sangria” signature cocktail, a guest favorite and the perfect personal touch. – Lead Planner Natori