I love subjects around women’s empowerment, jazz and the evolution of Hip Hop culture. I’ve been honored to speak on panels with organizations like The NAACP, The Congressional Black Caucus, Girl Scouts of America, VH1 Save The Music, The American Heart Association and awesome lifestyle companies like Beauty Con NYC, The World Hair Show, Essence and many more. My speaking career has brought me to awesome colleges and universities like Harvard, Spelman, Temple and Rutgers and many others. If you’ve got the time, I’ve got the patience. I don’t mind the time it takes for us all to understand each other. If you’ve ever met me, you know I’m a talker. Being diverse allows me to love so many different kinds of people and really, love is the point of it all. I’ve shared the mic with legends like Patty Labelle and Stevie Wonder and I’ve hit the stage with Rick Ross, Wale, Kirk Franklin, The Ojay’s and Rob Glasper amongst others. I’ve sang around the world a few times, released over 100 songs and collaborated with everyone from Jay Z to George Duke, Natalie Cole to Nas and John Legend to Drake. It’s been about 13 years in the music biz. I studied Vocal Jazz Performance in college and I’m obsessed with gowns, books, candles and Sarah Vaughan…no yoga… no Sarah… no yoga. Groom: Make each other laugh to take the edge off.About The ShowI’m from Long Island, NY (pronounced “LaI played sax thru high school. When you get your pictures back you’ll say “I didn’t even see that!” or “That happened?” My biggest advice would be to make sure you take everything in. Don’t sweat the small stuff or things you know you can’t change. I am looking forward to growing together as one and building an empire.Īdvice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:īride: Just make sure you let no one or nothing put a damper on your day. What are you most looking forward to as a married couple? But if I had to choose I would say the flowers, linens, and lighting. The lyrics in both songs are so powerful. I have so many memories of us belting it out in the car. That song has been one of our favorites since it was released. First dance: “A Couple of Forevers” by Chrisette Michele. It describes the kind of love that we want to have. I walked down the aisle to “Golden” by Chrisette Michele. When I was walking down the aisle and I got close enough to give Lance a little wink. Whereas Lance is a little shy, laid back, calm, cool and collected. However, by keeping our faith and love strong with God helps us get pass anything we may be going through. Our love is special because we have a firm foundation in God which helps to keep us grounded. Just like most couples we have been through a lot. I felt nervous and excited like playing basketball in front of a standing room only crowd. He had been sneaking people in the back room so I wouldn’t suspect anything more was happening.
He got on one knee…I said yes! I turned around and the room was filled with all my friends and family. I knew then what was all about to go down. Next thing I know the band was playing “Golden” by Chrisette Michele with my sister in law singing and a slideshow of us on the big screen. He had told everyone that the church had gone to DC the previous weekend and they wanted to play a slideshow of pictures from there trip. After the lesson Lance called me up there to sit with him. Everything seemed normal to me because we were surrounded by our friends and a few family members. For months I helped him plan and organize his lesson along with everything. So he was in the process of planning this big bible study night for young adults. My mom, aunt, sister, and best friends were by my side the entire day.
#Golden chrisette michele wedding full#
It was a day full of getting glammed and relaxation. Wedding location: The Women’s Club of Portsmouth Portsmouth, Virginia Groom: Lance Ernest Ricks, 27, Teacher, Basketball Coach Check out their Southern glam themed wedding, captured by Malie Osbourne of Marie Violet Photographyīride: Ericka Simone Ricks, 28, Teacher, Dance Instructor/Coach The happy couple have been inseparable ever since. We talked my entire planning period and exchanged numbers," recalled Ericka. He came to the classroom claiming to look for that teacher that was absent. He saw me walk in that morning and had to find me. Whenever I was home in Virginia I would substitute teach until I booked another show I just happened to sub at Lances’ school this particular day. "I was a performer (dancer, singer, actress) and I was getting ready to head out with the National/ International tour of Dreamgirls.
The two later reunited in October 2012 when Ericka was scheduled to be substitute teacher at the school where at Lance teaches. Ericka and Lance first met in summer school while they were in high school.