Mashaun and Elvis met years ago at a social event in Atlanta. They both were dating someone else at the time. A few years later, they both were single and ran into each other again at another event. Elvis noticed that Mashaun had cut his locs but because of previous interactions, Mashaun was a bit dismissive and guarded.
It took seven months before they went on a date. In February 2017, Elvis proposed and they decided to get married on June 23, 2018, just ten days from their four-year anniversary.
They wanted their wedding day to represent them as a unit, and the ceremony was both simple and non-traditional with a relaxed and celebratory reception. Mashaun was focused on making sure the ceremony was simple but also expertly paired legal and spiritual components. Elvis was adamant that he wanted to party. So the couple mixed the two—Mashaun focused on the ceremony, while Elvis focused on the wardrobe, décor and party. Mashaun wrote his vows in advance and Elvis spoke from the heart on the spot. The wedding color scheme was inspired by their birthstones, amethyst for Mashaun and aquamarine for Elvis in March. Their first dance was to “Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai.
We wanted our love to shine, but we did not anticipate how much that theme would permeate throughout the day. In addition, we were intentional about creating an environment where we felt supported and loved. We wanted those that were in attendance to be there for the both of us—and we definitely felt that as well. Since #Elshaun2018, we have been showered with messages of thanks, testimonials, blessings and well wishes above and beyond what we could have ever expected. —from Mashaun and Elvis
SEARCH FOR LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVE WEDDING VENDORS
VENDORS
Photographer: Hlee Moua Artistry
Ceremony Venue: GCS Event Hall
Reception Venue: GCS Event Hall
Event Planners: Mathew Contee Jr., Dwayne Cox, Brandin Cureton
DJ: Sir Daniel
Invitation Designer: Graphics in Atlanta
Marrier’s Attire: K&G / Grooms T-shirt Designed by E’s Qualitee Designs
Jewelry: Jewlr
Catering: Miss Crumpy’s
Cake Designer: Rakenya Woodson, Roc Sweets
Officiant: Honorable Shannon Frison, Massachusetts Superior Court Justice