“In the flush of love’s light we dare be brave and suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet, it is only love which sets us free.” Maya Angelou
I couldn’t find the words to describe the variety of emotions I was feeling when I saw this beautiful couple that got married in the midst of a storm– a pandemic within a pandemic.
Despite so many efforts to uplift Black women, The Legal System has failed Black women, sexual violence against African American women is staggering and the stereotypes and destructive misrepresentations of Black women continue in every form of media.
Honoring Black Love: yesterday was the 67th Anniversary of Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King Jr. where Ms. Mikki Taylor shared her thoughts on Coretta King and what her advocacy and leadership in the Civil Rights Movement of the ’60s meant to her and our community today.
All CORETTA SCOTT KING Quotes about “Community”. “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”. “Love is such a powerful force. It’s there for everyone to embrace that kind of unconditional love for all of humankind. That is the kind of love that impels people to go into the community and try to change conditions for others, to take risks for what they believe in.”
And then came along the “Gordons”. Kerry-Anne Gordon, or should I say Dr. Kerry Anne Gordon and her Engineer husband had both already planned on getting married before the COVID-19 pandemic. And now the racial unrest that leads to the death of so many that have presented racial disparities that were never addressed in our American society. But while all of this is going on love was also brewing in the midst of it and for that one day– those few hours, LOVE CAME OUT AND MADE THE WORLD STOP!
I had the honor of interviewing this beautiful couple and it was one of the only bone-chilling interviews I have ever experienced that visibly brought tears to my eyes and had me chocked up. Why so moved? Because the very thought of not being able to see my daughter get married and experience this kind of love and commitment would break my heart. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe any woman should feel the NEED to get married or have to get married if they choose not to. But the opportunity for them to experience this kind of love that the Gordon’s have should not be taken away from them because of an act of violence and untimely death at the hands of anyone. So I weep for Breonna Taylor, and Tamika Palmer her mother who had to stop dreaming of her daughter’s future.
But hope was restored to me when I saw the love that was blossoming for Kerry-Anne and Gordon and the possibility for a bright future.
So while people are free to get married–now anyone can do so. Black love continues to be challenged by some, and World Bride Magazine is honored to be able to share a diverse group of people who love completely, love deeply from all walks of life.
Thank you Dr. Kerry-Anne and Michael for showing us that “Love Never Fails”. (1Corinthians 13:8)
Gabriel FredericksPhilip Gabriel Photography
Full Names: Michael Gordon, Kerry-Anne Gordon
Occupation: Engineer, OBGYN
Cultural Background: West Indian, Jamaica
When planning your wedding what were the most important things to you?
An event that we would look back on fondly. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we still wanted to have a classy occasion. The pictures/videos will live on well past the pandemic, and we took the time to ensure that everything would look memorable as we looked back on them.
What does love mean to you?
Love speaks of the people around you who share in your life in a meaningful way. Some of these people are related to you, some are not. We all need a helping hand as we navigate life. Sometimes a complete stranger can show you love in a way that you would have never imagined to help you along your path.
What does family mean to you?
It has taken a lot for each of us to get to where we are from our start; Kerry-Anne migrating from Jamaica, and Mike being a first-generation child born to immigrants. We both admittedly would not have accomplished what we have had we not received assistance from family and friends along the journey. They don’t always give you monetary support, as that’s not always what you need. Oftentimes it is an emotional boost when you’re down and out. Showing up to events, cooking food, helping you get prepared; the little things that often go unnoticed that we all need to succeed. We can’t thank our family groups enough for what they’ve done for us over the course of our lives.
What are 7 tips you want to give couples planning their wedding/married life?
1: Having a vision of what you want your event to look like is invaluable. You will come across so many options and opinions that make it easy to get overwhelmed.
2: Choose vendors that you “like.” You will come across some stressful times, and having people that you get along with makes things so much easier.
3: Be prepared for a lot of ups and downs in the planning phase. We’ve known people who have looked at 20 plus venues before making a decision; the road can be long and arduous.
4: Be very detail-oriented. Thankfully Kerry is an extremely good planner and was able to take on the task of planning the wedding.
5: Communication is the biggest key that we are still working on. It goes a long way and you need daily when dealing with the ups and downs of life.
6: Attend premarital counseling. It can be easy to overlook but will pay dividends in your future together.
7: Be sure that both of you are ready for the commitment that stands in front of you. Both Kerry and I are 100% into our union and have no regrets about the path we’ve chosen.
And there you have it. Please follow them on Instagram at @meetthegordons.
All wedding photos courtesy of Gabriel Fredericks Philip Gabriel Photography, www.philipgabriel.com.