Former Cincinnati Bengals player, Devon Still, got engaged to his girlfriend of three yearsĀ Asha Joyce, in 2014. Just weeks later, his 4-year old daughter with his ex Channing Smythe, beganĀ treatments to fight her stage 4 neuroblastoma. As you can imagine, his life became a whirlwind of cancer treatments and media attention, leaving his engagement to Asha Joyce on theĀ back burner.Ā
“When we first got engaged, we didn’t jump right into planning because Leah was our number-one priority. It was all about getting her better,” Still tells People.
During his 2015 ESPY speech, Still thanked Asha for standing by him in such a tough time, Ā “You stood by my side, you let me know that you weren’t going anywhere, that you were going to be there for me,” he said, later adding, “I promise you I’m going to try and give you the wedding of your dreams.”Ā
It appears they are one step closer to making that happen. No longer a member of the Bengals organization, Devon Still and AshaĀ received some good news. Wedding planning site, TheKnot.com chose the couple as recipients ofĀ their Dream Wedding giveaway. The site will be helping the couple plan the fantasy ceremony every step of the way from the venue, flowers, dresses and more. TheKnot.com will also be raising money forĀ other families facing pediatric cancers by setting up a charity registry.
Another interesting turn in the wedding is that Devon and Asha are allowing fans to vote on everyĀ aspect, including what dress Asha should wear.Ā “I’ve grown a lot of trust in a lot of people throughout Leah’s battle with cancer, so I’m pretty sure they can get it right,” Still tells People. “It’s going to be interesting to see how America views us and what they think is best.”
Leah, who’s now 5 years old and in remission, willĀ also be part of the wedding. She will be a flower girl and has already determined that she will be wearing a pink dress.Ā “When we first started talking about the wedding, she made it clear she wanted it to be pink and gold because those are her favorite colors,” Still shares. Asha will also be wearing a pink dress, as that is her favorite color as well.Ā