Carrington walked down the aisle to “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross. Schnelle walked down to the traditional bridal march remixed with the instrumental ballad version of “Liberian Girl” by Michael Jackson.

During our ceremony we honored our ancestors who are no longer with us by having their names recited.

We honor and forever hold the memories of Doris Clemens, Charles Goodridge, Ella Mae Shelby, Buford Shelby, Schnelle Wilks, Roscoe Henderson, Edward Henderson, Dorothy Solari, Robert Solari, Faye Hall Moore, Mattie Smith, Elizabeth Moore, John Wesley Moore, Mary Hall, Rosalie Moore.

The kola nut plays an important part in many West African wedding traditions and is a symbol of healing, respect, hospitality, unity, and transparency.

The kola nut was broken by Schnelle’s mom and shared between Schnelle and Carrington as a symbolic way of saying they will always heal their differences and their love is greater than any hard times they might endure.

Lighting of a unity candle symbolizes the joining of two individuals into marital bond.

Broom jumping is an African-American ritual, handed down from generation to generation a a reminder of a time when their vows were not legally sanctioned.

During enslavement, African-Americans sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom into the bonds of domesticity.

The small ritual was a legal and bonding act connecting them with the heritage of the homeland and giving legitimacy, dignity, and strength to their unions.

Today, it is practiced with honor for our ancestors and the beauty of our rich heritage.