Maurice & Shaundel first met on a dating app in 2018, but after a joke that didn't quite land, Maurice ghosted Shaundel (oops!). Shaundel took a chance on a reconnection a year later, sending a simple message that opened the door to real love and genuine connection. After some reflection, they realized the time spent apart had led to personal growth and healing they both needed to find and receive the kind of love Maurice & Shaundel would eventually find in each other.
And it seems fate may have played a role in their connection as well. When it was time for family introductions, Maurice & Shaundel found out their grandmothers had once been best friends. The couple explains, "In turn, our mothers grew up as best friends, too. In one of the sweetest full-circle moments, we found out that Maurice's grandmother still had a baby photo of Shaundel tucked away in her wallet. It felt like the universe had been writing our story long before we even arrived."
Shaundel planned a thoughtful and relaxing day leading up to his surprise proposal at Signatures in Winona, the same restaurant of their first date. He dropped to one knee and proposed in the middle of the restaurant, an emotional moment brimming with joy.
Both men love the color red--a symbol of love, passion, and power--and decided to incorporate the bold hue into their Love & Royalty wedding theme. In addition to a crimson red, their palette included gold and white.
The couple credits their venue, Celebrations on the River, for playing a huge part in planning the details of the wedding day, writing, "If there's one thing we'd recommend, it's finding a venue that offers comprehensive services--ceremony, reception, catering, coordination, the works--if your budget allows. It's a game-changer for minimizing stress and maximizing joy."
In addition to providing several unique spaces, from ceremony to reception, Celebrations on the River also handled catering, signage, rentals, and coordination, assisting all throughout the wedding planning process.
Maurice & Shaundel's ceremony took place in the outdoor portion of Celebrations on the River's Court Yard. The space boasts a greenery wall, plenty of natural light, ceiling beams perfect for cascading decor, a stage, and a stone walkway for a memorable entrance.
Speaking of entrances, Maurice reflected on Shaundel's fashion reveal during the ceremony, "When [Shaundel] stepped out with his cape flowing behind his custom suit, the room quite literally gasped. The cheers, the applause, the sheer awe from our guests--that moment felt like something out of a movie."
Both grooms wore vibrant pieces from Gentleman's Guru. Maurice was dressed in a bespoke red and gold patterned suit fit for a king, paired with luxurious slip-on shoes. Shaundel wore a custom, textured white suit with red detailing, a one-shoulder flowing cape, and studded gold shoes.
Maurice's close friend officiated the ceremony, making for a meaningful and heartfelt exchange of vows. The couple was surrounded by their dearest loved ones, including many groomsmaids and groomsmen, all dressed in coordinating red and white from David's Bridal and Charlotte's Bridal & Formalwear, respectively. Melanin Beauty Bar provided hair styling services for the occasion, and CQC Beauty did a beautiful job with makeup and styling.
The couple included multiple traditions during their ceremony. A wine ceremony, a practice where the couple pours two separate bottles of wine together and then share a glass of the blend, symbolized the merging of the men's individual paths into one. It was a moment of quiet reflection during the whirlwind day and especially meaningful for Shaundel.
After officially tying the knot, Maurice & Shaundel honored their heritage by jumping the broom. For those unfamiliar with the tradition, jumping the broom is deeply rooted in African American history and Black culture. Symbolizing the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of a new beginning, this ritual marks the couple's entrance into a new life together. Historically, it gained significance during slavery in the United States when enslaved people were denied legal marriage and instead used symbolic rituals--like jumping the broom--to affirm their unions. Today, many Black couples choose to honor this tradition as a powerful nod to their heritage, resilience, and the enduring strength of love and commitment within the Black community.
To make the leap even more special, the broom was handmade by their dear cousin and walked down the aisle by their (darling!) young nephew.
When it came to selecting vendors, it was important to the couple that most of their vendors were from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community. Maurice & Shaundel strove to honor their story and traditions while supporting others in their community and celebrating the richness of cultures and authenticity.
Preserving the essence of the day was essential for Maurice, who credits their photographer, Boxcar Photography, for capturing both posed and candid moments that accurately reflected all of the joy and heartfelt moments throughout the day. After the ceremony, the grooms and their wedding party stepped away to their friend's 19th-century home, The Castle La Crosse Bed & Breakfast, for a regal backdrop for group and couple photos. They also incorporated smoke and colored smoke bombs for dramatic couple photos and a reception entrance.
At the reception, Maurice and Shaundel shared a sweetheart throne for dinner, speeches, and dancing. Ka Lia's Kitchen served up desserts, including a two-tiered cake and cupcakes that guests were a little too eager to enjoy.
"One hilarious and unexpected memory? Our guests couldn't wait for dessert--people started devouring the cupcakes before we even had a chance to see the beautifully designed cake display!" The couple laughed it off, saying, "...[we] took it as a sign that the sweets were clearly a hit."
DJ TruStar curated a playlist perfect for a fun, relaxed, and upscale atmosphere. The grooms each cherished a mother-son dance, an emotional and joyful experience for all. Shaundel's mom also embraced the extravagance of the day, having two stunning wardrobe changes throughout the night.
When asked for advice for couples currently in the planning process, the couple wrote: "Attend local wedding expos! They're great for inspiration, networking, and even discovering vendors you might not have found otherwise.
Most importantly, have fun and stay connected with each other throughout the process. Planning can get stressful and exhausting, but it's also part of your story. Embrace the chaos, steal little moments together, and don't lose sight of why you're doing all of this in the first place: love."
At WedPlan, we're proud to share stories that reflect the beauty and diversity of all love. If you're a couple or vendor with a story to tell, visit our submissions page to be featured!
