Among a sea of protesters and loud “Black Lives Matter” chants, Dr. Kerry-Anne and Michael Gordon held hands while holding up the other in a fist in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protesters in Philadelphia. The couple’s wedding has gone viral as their last-minute ceremony became a symbol of love and hope.
“We wanted a quiet simple first look moment… but God has other plans,” the couple posted on their Instagram. “This was truly one of the best moments of our lives that we will cherish forever. We are so lucky to have shared it with you all!”
Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins who is Jamaican born and raised is an OB-GYN and captain in the Army Reserve Medical Corps. Michael Gordon is a Navy veteran. Just before their vows, they stood proud among the protesters. She in her white wedding gown, and he in his tuxedo. The spontaneous moment was captured by dozens of cameras who snapped photos of the couple among protesters and people holding BLM signs.
Here is their love story
The couple met doing what they love, working out at the gym. “The things that attracted me to her weren’t what most people generally think of from this environment; there was an aura about her that I noticed from day one. The smile on her face always caught my attention, and she seemed to be such a pleasant person from afar,” said Michael.
He asked her out. She politely said, “no.” She was in medical school and laser-focused on her goals. Months would go by before she would reply to his texts, but he persisted. Soon enough, they started dating and even had a long-distance romance.
On January 26th, 2019, she said “yes” and accepted his proposal. She “made me the happiest man in the world,” he shared the news on their wedding website.
The couple was supposed to get married in New Jersey but postponed their May 26th, 2020 wedding due to the global pandemic. Although their large dream wedding celebration was put on hold, they didn’t want to wait much longer to tie the knot. When you know, you now!
“The couples that are meant to be, are the ones who go through everything that is meant to tear them apart and come out even stronger,” they posted on social media on their wedding day.
After doing some research for open venues, Kerry Anne learned that The Logan Hotel, an upscale hotel on One Logan Square in Philadelphia, would be opening their garden for weddings for couples who had to postpone due to COVID-19 and front line workers. She was familiar with the venue since she held her bridal shower there. The hotel was available for two dates, and they chose June 6th to celebrate the special occasion.
The couple planned a small wedding with 21 guests, including close friends and family. The day before they exchanged vows, they got wind that a Black Lives Matter protest would be happening in front of the hotel. They told guests to arrive early. While she waited outside for Michael to arrive, she held her hand up in a fist while people shouted, “Congratulations,” and cheered in honor of the beautiful bride.
The crowd went wild when the groom arrived to meet his bride. Michael had a big smile on his face and kissed and embraced his partner in front of a cheering crowd. It was Love. And there was romance in the middle of the protest. This video of the couple posted by Rev. Birchfield has been seen more than 368,000 times on Instagram.
Fashion
The original gown she purchased hadn’t arrived yet, so she had another fitting and bought a second option by an Australian designer. Kerry Anne looked stunning in an off the shoulder Sophia Tolli gown she purchased last-minute from Sew Pretty Bridal Studio. She wore a crystal hairpiece with a long veil, sparkly drop earrings by @BodyWerk Jewels, and Aminah Abdul Jillil heels. But what stood out the most was her radiant smile.
MS Artistry did her makeup, and updo was done by Hair at Ease and Tyra’s Hair Experience.
Michael donned a Michael Kors tuxedo and Kenneth Cole shoes.
Details
The couple asked the original wedding vendors to help them celebrate their vows. “Each petal was perfect!” The couple posted on their Instagram about the floral arrangements by Robertson’s Flowers. Her bouquet was a beautiful white arrangement that matched the flowers under every guest’s chairs.
The special ceremony was captured by Photographer Linda McQueen and Videographers Luxor Wedding Films and @Sacred Pact. Reverend Roxanne Birchfield, a celebrity wedding officiant who appeared on Netflix’s “Love is Blind, Married at First Sight and Love & Hip-Hop.” was the officiant for Gordon’s wedding.
According to their website, happilyevergordon.com, the couple plans to get married again in May 2021.
To view wedding photos of the couple, visit their Instagram @meetthegordons.