“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” – Maya Angelou

Where do I even start to being Daryllyn and Dorian? They are both smart, funny, hard working, driven, and caring. Daryllyn is getting her Ph.D in social work while teaching and working full time. No big deal right? #boss. And Dorian not only works in government for the city of Tacoma, but he is on the Washington State Commission for African American Affairs. When you both end up in the white house, remember me okay?

These two starting dating a little over two years ago, and within one year, Dorian knew he had to put a ring on it. Because a woman like Daryllyn does not come around every dynasty! (Sorry had to throw in a Mulan quote, it felt right).

Their Hidden Meadows wedding in Snohomish, Washington, was perfection. What makes Snohomish so beautiful is it’s endless farmland and rolling hills nestled at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. I loved all the details from their wedding from their copper origami center pieces filled with flowers to their cake with sprigs of lavender. It was a gorgeous and elegant garden event.

They also incorporated some important traditions into their ceremony. First, they poured sand into a vase symbolizing the joining of two lives now becoming one.  And at the end of the ceremony, these two jumped the broom (and a gorgeous broom it was I must add).  As their pastor detailed, jumping the broom has long ties to African tradition, but during slavery in America, slaves would jump the broom in lieu of a marriage ceremony (since that was illegal). This ritual was a legal and bonding act connecting them with the heritage of the home land and giving legitimacy, dignity, and strength to their unions. The pastor then detailed how the bride would use the broom to clean the house afterward, to which Daryllyn literally laughed out loud. (I’m with you girl! LOL).

During the reception, the couple surprised everyone by doing their first dance a little differently. Dorian started by having Daryllyn sit in a chair as he serenaded her. Then after a few moments, Daryllyn rose to join him and sing the song together while dancing. It was beautiful. And adding to that beauty was how during Daryllyn’s dance with her father, each of Daryllyn’s three brothers and her mother took a turn as well.

This was the day that Daryllyn and Dorian had long for prayed. It was a beautiful day, with blue skies and not a drop of rain, surrounded by their most cherished friends and family. I know you two are changing the world, and I’m proud to know you both!