Silver letters with messages like “Sweet, Love Is Sweet,” “Kiss, Always Kiss” and more welcomed guests. Each table was named after various themes and family names, as well.
The Sias share a private joke as they exchange traditional vows.
Malonda shows off her bouquet of roses.
Malonda gives a thumbs-up seconds before meeting her groom.
Malonda shows off her beautiful wedding shoes.
Omowale prepares to take his bride’s ring.
The happy couple looks on as they receive a prayer.
Malonda and Omowale take a taste of the wedding cake together.
Omowale, Ameerah and Malonda hold hands as they become one.
Photos of the lovely bride and groom inside their 1934 Chevrolet.
Shoes say a lot about a couple. Malonda’s fuchsia satin open-toe pumps by Glint ‘Addison’ Peep Toe Pump added just a bit of spice that was needed. Omowale opted for Mezlan alligator Venetian shoes by Johnston Murphy.
The bride and groom say they have a sacred union.
Omowale and Malonda share a stolen moment.
“I knew that Omowale was the one, because he was the first man that I ever threw a party for,” says Malonda.
The couple shares a hearty laugh.
Malonda and Omowale share a tender moment.
“My hope for my marriage is that we will both remain the best of friends who put the sanctity of our union above all else,” shares Malonda.
Omowale looks very GQ posed in front of a 1934 Chevrolet.
Omowale steals a kiss from his lovely bride.
Omowale pretends to bang beats on the groom’s cake, which was formed in the shape of an African drum.
Omowale and Malonda stare lovingly into each other’s eyes as guests blow bubbles in their honor as husband and wife.
Malonda’s daughter, Ameerah, gives a thumbs-up before she makes her walk down the aisle.
“I love African drummers and dancers, so I had one of my closest friends perform for our guests prior to the party entrance,” says Malonda. “My friend Ateya, who performed, will be one of the dancers in the Kankouran West African Dance Company performing for President Obama for the inauguration.”
Malonda with her cousin Anthony.
Malonda met her husband in June 2007 through a mutual friend when Malonda hosted a book-signing for her work “My Life Isn’t Perfect But Thank God My Baby Is” at Omowale’s store.
The drummers wait patiently before they make their entrance and begin performing for Malonda and Omowale.
In addition to traditional cake, The Sias had a candy bar in apothecary jars which featured some of Malonda’s favorite candy treats from her childhood. There was also a self-serve sundae bar with six flavors of ice cream and fixings.
Malonda designed her own bouquet.
“I love my bouqet, I made it myself,” she says. “I purchased the rhinestones for the bouquet from a Web site, the rhinestone wrap from MJ Designs in NY and the roses from Costco. The end product was gorgeous, and I saved so much money without sacrificing style.”
Malonda cozies up to the wooden African statue.
Surrounded by friends and loved ones in traditional African garb, the bride and groom are all smiles as they prepare to exit.
Malonda shows no signs of the wedding jitters. " I knew Omowale was The One," she says.
Malonda checks out her custom-made bridal dress to make sure it doesn’t need any more steaming.
Malonda admires herself in the hotel lobby.
Malonda and Omowale arrive in style to their ceremony and reception, which was held at the Capitol Skyline Hotel in Washington, D.C., on July 19.
Life-size African wood statues serve as part of the decor for The Sias African-themed wedding.
Malonda’s daughter and flower girl, Ameerah Richard-Hurley, 5, prepares the aisle for her mom with a toss of flowers.
Another black wood statue greeted family and friends.
Omowale and Malonda display their great sense of humor. After the ceremony, Malonda produced, directed and starred in a surprise wedding video for Omowale which was played during the reception. I lip-synched “No One” by Alicia Keys.
“I did a Woman of Honor presentation for all of the special women in my life including my mom, mother-in-law, grandma, great aunt, and my preschool teacher who came from Florida,” says Malonda. "I gave each one of them a bouquet of flowers and acknowledged them in front of all the guests.
Malonda takes a quick second to give her best shot.
Malonda enjoys the ride to the reception to greet family and friends.
Malonda’s custom-made dress by Julius Bridal was her dream gown.
Malonda enjoys the view from her classic Chevy.
Malonda offers a close-up of her beautiful self
Malonda gets advice from her glam squad.
Malonda and Omowale’s wedding invitation is full of warmth.
Malonda, whose father is deceased, is escorted down the aisle by her uncle to the tribal rhythms of African drums.
Personalized mugs with heartfelt messages were given to the guests.
Omowale and Malonda share a moment before joining the guests.
The Sias are ready to join their family and friends to begin the celebration.
Malonda’s ring was a calla cut engagement ring with a butterfly diamond and 1.2 carat and the Quest Jewelers custom wedding bands were 1 carat.
Omowale’s ring was personalized by John Christian with their names, Malonda, Omowale and Omolonda (the couple’s names together). The rings are white gold and platinum with each of our birth stones as well as the stone for the month Of July, when we got married.
Omowale and Malonda’s family and friends welcome them as husband and wife.
Omowale and Malonda enjoy their ride to the festivities.
The Sias share a private moment at their reception.
The Sias seal the deal with a kiss.
Malonda and Omowale enjoy the antique Chevy, their stylish transportation of choice.
Omowale helps Malonda make their way out of the Chevy.
A personalized chair cover from the big day.
The Sias are ready to celebrate their love.
Omowale checks out the cake to make sure it’s edible.
Omowale hangs with his boys before attending the reception.
Omowale and Malonda enjoy some of Mother Nature’s beautiful weight.
Malonda bows her head in prayer.
Omowale captures a stolen memory with his circle of brothers.
Malonda and Omowale’s save-the-date cards are youthful and fun.
Omowale’s daughter, Kenyetta, Omowale, Malonda and the bride’s daughter Ameerah share camera time.
The three groomsmen await their instructions.
A guest book was available for friends and family to sign.
The African statues created an archway for the bride and groom.
Malonda and Omowale enjoy an impromptu stroll.
Designed by Julius Bridal, Malonda’s dress includes a pink sash that’s personalized with both the bride and groom’s name.
White roses help create a magical moment.
Another personal message given as a token of appreciation for the couple’s friends and loved ones.
