Where so many people are complaining of COVID stopping and ruining all of their plans. This is actually where this love story begins.
They met during the pandemic, connected with each other, fell in love and joined in a sacred union within a years time. Tashia tells her story way better than I ever could so I’ll share what she has to say about it.
“I never thought I’d be the one saying that divine timing trumps “perceived time” EVERY time. When it’s time..it’s just time! Nobody can tell YOU about the flow of YOUR life. After all, you’re the one co-creating it. Only YOU know all the nooks and crannies of how you want that to show up. And then..you simply show up for what you want.
Both of us were in alignment with co-creating a new reality for ourselves. Like magnets, we were drawn to the town we met (his hometown and a new start in a new place for me)..the rest is OURstory.”
Our Bride Says…
“Honoring, researching and uplifting our indigenous ancestors is something that both of us truly value. It was very important for us to incorporate a Native American ceremony into our special day. I love my aunt even more for telling us of this ceremony and making sure it was honored on our behalf as our event coordinator. We plan on being in ceremony again to further honor this as well.
(Let’s normalize saying INDIGENOUS more..it’s more accurate than Native American. Some of us BEEN here and were NOT transported over. “Native”, my ass).
My lineage originates from the Meherrin & Tsalagi (aka Cherokee. Yes I’m a legit one) tribes. His lineage originates directly from Choctaw. And there’s more being revealed. Although we do not have direct living elders to pass on our original traditions to us, we have been led by our ancestral ones to create NEW traditions, laws and culture customs to pass on to our children.
When I moved to the Eastern Shore last year, I didn’t know it then, but I moved right onto potent ancestral land. They literally sent for me and brought me to my husband..who is very well-versed in TRUE indigenous history. There are ALOT of tribes that originated in this part of Maryland and Delaware. Their essence is everywhere. Our rivers, streets and towns are named after them. And they make sure to make themselves known to us. In recent times, there has been articles released of lost things and information being found regarding this. Coincidence? I think not.
You can wipe out the body, but you can NEVER wipe out the soul of original people. And that’s on Mary had a little lamb, horse, goat and cow!!
We give honor to the people of the Nanticoke, Assateague, Lenni Lenape, Wicomiss, Pocomoke and Choptank tribes, whose land we walk on daily in union and whose waters we bless on a regular basis. They are far from forgotten.”
Like many celebrations this year, this was an intimate celebration. This microwedding included only their family and close friends. The Brides father was the officiant and their family helped coordinate and serve food to the guests. This was truly a celebration of love, unity and acceptance from both families as they became one.
Vendors
Photos: Megapixels Media
Makeup: Imah Usen
Wedding Dress: Batani Khalfani
Florals: Agatha Best & Teresa Smith
Event Coordinator & Faciliator: Teresa Smith
Officiant: Bride’s dad, Mark Mandel
Bride: Tashia Ariel (seriously, go follow her)
If you love what you see here
and would love to have us photograph your wedding or help with your vision, we would be absolutely honored to assist. Feel free to reach out and ask us any questions at hello@megapixelsmedia.com.
The Avery Research Center