Today is a special day for one of our favorite Munaluchi Cover Couples, Anika Noni Rose and Jason Dirden, who are celebrating their first wedding anniversary!
Featured on the cover of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine, Issue 29, the beautiful couple said “I Do” exactly one year ago today, on October 16th, 2022, at The Paramour Estate in Los Angeles, California.
Anika Noni Rose, known for her Tony Award-winning performances, as well as her role as the voice of Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, and her husband, actor Jason Dirden, who has appeared on Broadway and TV show Greenleaf, first met while working together on the Broadway show, A Raisin in the Sun, and quickly became friends.
Their journey to the aisle was slow and steady.
They took their time dating and built a strong foundation formed first through friendship, faith, and trust. They healed old wounds as individuals to prepare themselves for the lifelong love that awaited them together, always moving forward with intentionality. Then, on Christmas Day, 2021, Jason surprised Anika and asked her to be his wife! She said yes in a heartbeat!
Their wedding day featured a gorgeous color palette marked by fresh florals in shades of muted pinks, perfect pastel hues, and pops of magenta and blue throughout. Jason even sported a pink suit! Anika astonished guests in a wedding gown and veil by Alonuko Bridal for her ceremony and later changed into a Simin Couture gown for the reception.
The intimate event was filled with special details.
Highlights include Euphoria star Colman Domingo serving as their officiant, vocals by Bianca McClure and Chrys Ryan (and Anika herself, who pre-recorded Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” for their first dance!), and an original poem written by Nayyirah Waheed on their wedding program.
To celebrate their first anniversary, we invite you to take a look back at their stunning wedding photos (exquisitely captured by Adonye Jaja Photography) below.
Congratulations Anika and Jason on celebrating one year of wedded bliss, and cheers to many more ahead!
Check out their feature in Issue 29 here (and purchase a copy on our Muna Shop!).
Read their full love story and exclusive interview here!
- Couple: Anika Noni Rose & Jason Dirden
- Wedding Date: October 16th, 2022
- Location: The Paramour Estate (Los Angeles, California)
Quick Facts:
- Bridesmaid/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids received pre-wedding facials by Tracy Hudson Skincare and Buttah Skin Products. Groomsmen received their custom suits.
- Groom & Groomsmen’s Ceremony entrance song: “Knocks Me Off My Feet” by Stevie Wonder, transitioned to “Wedding March”
- Bride’s entrance song: “Best Part” by H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar, performed by Bianca McClure & Chrys Ryan
- Bride & Groom’s recession song: “As” by Stevie Wonder
- First Dance Song: Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” pre-recorded by Anika herself!
- Custom cocktails & Mocktail: “Dirty Rose” margarita with Blanco tequila and muddled strawberries, and the “Berry Bourbon Bouquet” featuring bourbon, blackberries, and lemon juice. The “Garden Party” mocktail was made with Seedlip, agave, and fresh lime.
- Favorite menu item: Their three-tiered vanilla cake with apricot filling and white chocolate frosting!
The bride…
The groom…
The ceremony…
Family is everything…
Reception details…
Sweet details…
On the dance floor…
Looking for more Anika Noni Rose content?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Day-of Coordination: Stacey Thomas of the Philadelphia Wedding Chapel and Vows on the Vineyard
- Photographer: Adonye Jaja Photography
- Second Shooter: Erik Clausen
- Videography: Elysium Productions
- Venue: The Paramour Estate
- Rentals: Premiere Party Rents
- Lighting: Pro Lighting Rental
- Officiant: Euphoria star Colman Domingo
- Performances: DreamPlug string quartet
- Vocalists: Bianca McClure & Chrys Ryan
- DIY Stationery: Basic Invite
- Wedding Dress & Veil: Gbemi Okunlola of Alonuko Bridal
- Reception Dress: Simin Couture
- Reception Jumpsuit: Zara & Birkenstock sneakers
- Vintage Gown Referbursher: The French Cleaner
- Wedding Bouquet & floral decor: Schentell Nunn of Offerings
- Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka “Nicolitie” stilettos
- Bride’s Jewelry: Jennifer Meyer Jewelry
- Engagement ring: Frank Gomez of G Creations Inc. and Antoinette Matlins, PG, FGA
- Wedding bands: Frank Gomez of G Creations Inc. and Niwaka
- Bride’s MUA: Ernesto Casillas
- Bride’s Hair: Cynthia Alvarez
- Bridesmaid’s dresses: Simin Couture
- Groom’s attire: Wayne Willis of Well Groomed Man
- Groomsmen attire: Wayne Willis of Well Groomed Man
- Pocket squares: My Bowtiful Creations
- Pre-wedding facials: Tracy Hudson Skincare
- Skin care products: Buttah skin products
- Favors: Fine & Raw
- Art for Welcome Sign & Custom Favor wrapper: Jennifer L. Meyer
- Poem on Program: Written by Nayyirah Waheed
- Catering: Alligator Pear Catering
- Bar Service: Liquid Catering
- Wedding Cake: Maria B. Rose of Tiered Cake Shoppe
- Groom’s Cookies: Jason’s Mother
- DJ: George 2.0
- First Dance Choreography: Brittany Russell
- Vintage Tandem Bike: eBay
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