Acknowledging those Who Came Before...

Since our Covenant Ceremony was held on indigenous land, we incorporated a “land acknowledgment” that recognized the Algonkian people of the area. Land acknowledgments offer a counter-narrative to the “discovery doctrine” and raises awareness about the history of the land.

We also acknowledged the elders, mentors, friends, and family who influenced our lives. We requested all guests in person and virtually streaming say the names of ancestors, elders, forefathers, foremothers, AND people who affirm the power of love in their heart.

Last summer, we traveled to West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone) and brought back water in honor of their loved ones. Our mothers began the invocation by calling on the names of our forebearers.

We also modified the opening prayer to focus on the four cardinal directions of life--East, South, West, and North.

Sharing the directional prayer, as offered (adapted for use, as part of the covenant ceremony)--

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East: Communication of the heart, mind, and body. Fresh beginnings with the rising of each morning Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South: the warmth of hearth and home. The heat of the heart’s passion. The light created by both to lighten the darkest of times.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West: the deep commitments of the lake. The swift excitement of the river. The refreshing cleansing of the rain. The all-encompassing passion of the sea.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North: a Firm foundation on which to build. The fertility of the fields to enrich your lives. A stable home to which you may always return.

Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes the things, which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools that must be used collectively to create what you seek in marriage. Amen

The Dress of Faith

The Journey to becoming Mrs. Jenkins was a faith journey with GOD.

A year prior to entering into a courtship with Aaron, I attended a New Years' revival service where TD Jakes preached that your blessing would be found in your obedience. I was moved by the spirit to start preparing myself for marriage. I even went out and bought my wedding dress, three years prior to getting engaged and married. There was NO relationship or possibilities on the horizon, yet I went with three of my girlfriend in search of my dress. I know they thought I was crazy...but joined me in faith!

We went to one store and less than an hour later, I walked out with my dress. It was the same dress that I had seen several years prior when I went dress shopping with one of my sister-friends for her wedding. At the time the dress was $3K in NJ but when I found in VA, it had been marked down by 90%. I took it as a sign. On my worst days, when my faith would waiver about marriage & my relationship status, I'd wear my dress & always feel a peace that surpasses all understanding.

One of the details that I loved about the dress was the feathers that remind me of Psalm 91:4 GOD will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield. Amen

I could've never imagined that a global pandemic would limit a bride’s ability to find a dress for their big day! I’m so grateful that not only did I find the dress of my dreams but I had the privilege of having my girls with me, something that may not have been an option had I not been obedient in faith three years ago.

I got the dress upgraded for the covenants ceremony! As I sashayed down the aisled & hotel, I celebrated with each step in the dress that GOD gave me.

Wearing my dress to the covenant ceremony was a personal affirmation that GOD keeps his promises #JoyfullyJenkins2020

Photo Credit: Derrell Todd

The Trinity

On Oct 3, 2020 - I married my forever friend during an intimate covenant ceremony with family & friends.

The trinity & final act of our ceremonial marriage journey!

Last year we traveled to Africa, where Aaron sought the blessing from my (birth) father, uncles, and elders in my life. During the final days of the trip, my father was so moved that he insisted on a cultural marriage ceremony to introduce Aaron to the rest of the family. We obliged and honored his wishes. A week later, he had a minor stroke. He encouraged us to move forward with the official ceremony but we still had marriage counseling classes to complete.

We had no clue what COVID would have in store for us...my father wasn't able to attend the wedding ceremony this weekend but to honor him, we decided to legally get married on the date of the cultural wedding ceremony we participated in Africa. Due to COVID, the only option was a zoom civil ceremony, so Chaplain Barry Black of the U.S. Senate who had been a mentor to both of us - agreed to officiate our civil ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.

Can you imagine? A year prior, we were on a West African Blessing Tour, experiencing the rich culture, tragedy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade & resilience of black people. A year later, we are standing in the Capitol before the first African-American Chaplain of the Senate affirming our love for each other under the dome built by slaves, standing boldly liberated & free in love! While the cultural ceremony was special (for the father) and the civil ceremony was beautiful (under the son), THIS covenant ceremony was for the HOLY SPIRIT, the final act of our trinity marriage ceremony, unique with GODs fingerprints every step of the way!

Marriage is a process between two people that can take place in many forms from elopements to cultural ceremonies, civil ceremonies to covenant ceremonies. There is no perfect blueprint for the journey but trust with GOD all things are possible! #JoyfullyJenkins2020

Civil Ceremony by Tony Brown