Courtney and Martin jumped the broom!

This was a fabulous wedding!

I might be a little bias because these two are friends, but I really thought this was a beautiful event. Held in Killeen, Texas at the welcoming home of Courtney's parents, the wedding was truly a community effort, my favorite kind. Courtney and Martin, along with help from family and friends, did all of the preparations, down to cooking the most wonderful buffet of food; gumbo, plantains, seaweed salad... not to mention the amazing cakes, one of which was a rum cake made by one of the guests.

They also made the favors, candles and buttons with the Osram Ne Nsoromma symbol, a moon and star symbol of love, faithfulness and harmony. The proverb goes, the North Star has a deep love for marriage. She is always in the sky waiting for the return of the moon, her husband.

The ceremony was performed by Courtney's grandfather, and finished with the two jumping the broom.

After the ceremony and a few family photos, the bride and groom changed out of their formal dress so they could dance the hot Texas summer night away in comfort and style.
Martin is a musician, playing in such bands as Antibalas and Ocote Soul Sounds, so it was no wonder they had a friend who was a fabulous DJ. Courtney's dad even got up and MC'd for awhile.

All and all it was a good time. Congratulations Courtney and Martin, well done!