“Mayla Jewel Henderson and Thomas Holmes Jackson IV” |
| Mayla Jewel Henderson and Thomas Holmes Jackson IV Posted: 30 Aug 2010 07:09 AM PDT Monday, 30 August 2010 13:56
Tom gazed tenderly at his bride as Mayla was escorted down the covered pathway by her beloved grandfather, Curtis H. McDaniel Jr., whom she affectionately calls Pop Pop. She was stunning in an Alfred Angelo bridal gown adorned with hand-sewn Swarovski crystal beading on the ruched bodice and side. Similar detailing was repeated around the border of her cathedral-length veil. Following the exchange of vows, unity candle-lighting and traditional jumping of the broom, they were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. The Bride Mayla, 26, is the daughter of Denise McDaniel Henderson and Gary S. Henderson. She grew up in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs and attended Waldron Mercy Academy and Merion Mercy Academy. During her primary and secondary years, she was an active member of Jack and Jill of America Inc. and the Girls Friendly Society. Mayla has a true appreciation for the arts, as she has studied ballet and sings and plays several musical instruments. She graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, where she majored in piano performance and pre-med studies. Two years ago, she received her master's degree in public health from Drexel University and currently works to reduce health inequality among Philadelphia residents as an employee of The Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Mayla enjoys spending her free time reading, participating in the various ministries at her church and promoting the good work of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. The Groom Tom, 27, is the son of Judge Frederica Massiah-Jackson and Thomas H. Jackson III who passed last summer. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, attending Friends Select School and Carver High School of Engineering and Science. During his high school education, Tom grew fond of computers and was placed in the 12th-grade programming class in 10th grade. After graduating from high school, Thomas attended and graduated from Temple University, majoring in computer science. He later received his master's degree in computer science. He currently works for The Vanguard Group as a user interface developer. He spends his free time creating Web sites and related various outside projects, and of course spending time with Mayla. The Wedding Party Mayla's maid of honor, Audrey Cox, and all of her lovely attendants wore elegant strapless, kiwi-green chiffon gowns, in perfect harmony with the beautiful grounds in the background. Her bridesmaids were Asha Baldon Johnson, Marie Morse, Kandice Richardson, Lauren Sullivan-Larke, Sydney Thaxton and Marisa Henderson. Tom's handsome best man was Brian Davis and groomsmen were Justin Croxton, Imhotep Durham, cousins Ko Massiah and Nobu Massiah, Chudi Uriah and Gary Henderson Jr. How They Met Tom and Mayla have been a part of each other's lives since they were toddlers. Meeting as young members of Jack and Jill of America Inc., they grew up side-by-side until they both left for college and lost touch. After they finished college, Tom's and Mayla's mothers happened to see each other at an event and expressed how great it would be for their children to reconnect. Tom sent Mayla a Facebook friend request and that began it all! Tom and Mayla have spent the past few years advancing academically and professionally, embarking on new adventures and sharing some of their favorite things. On a typical weekend, you can find them catching the latest movie, walking along Penn's Landing, picnicking on West River Drive or enjoying Sunday brunch after church. They have traveled together to area locations and also have had the pleasure of being attendants in a destination wedding in Jamaica. In addition to traveling, they enjoy listening to all types of music, a good debate and water sports. The Proposal Tom surprised Mayla with a beautiful proposal and engagement ring in April of 2009. Although the day began with a cold rain, Tom was determined to take Mayla to a scenic park for a picnic. Mayla was skeptical, but when the sun unexpectedly came out at the end of the day, she packed a picnic basket and they set out for their destination. Following a brief walk and some playtime on the swings, Tom led Mayla to a picnic table, allowing her to believe that it was time to eat. Once getting settled at the table, Tom dropped to one knee, told Mayla how much she meant to him, presented her with the ring and asked her to marry him! The Reception It was the first of many special moments when those special family members who were not a part of the wedding party were introduced. They included Tom's sister, Dr. Julia Jackson, and grandmother, Joan Jackson of Sarasota, Fla. Tom and Mayla danced to "The Love of My Life," by Brian McKnight. Tom danced to "A Song for Mama" by Boyz to Men with his mother, who looked stunning. And finally, Mayla and her handsome grandfather danced to the classic "Unforgettable," by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole. The Brass Roots Band led by Ricardo Jackson inspired guests to dance to their wonderful musical selections or listen as they enjoyed a delectable sit-down dinner. The wedding cake was simply beautiful and was decorated with delicate calla lilies as carried by the bride. Julia caught the absolutely beautiful bouquet of calla and Casablanca lilies, orchids and hydrangea. The elegant mother of the bride was there to say goodnight before an incredible chocolate fondue dessert bar. It was the perfect end to a perfectly incredible wedding day. Following the wedding, Tom and Mayla left for a relaxing, much-needed honeymoon at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa, where they enjoyed romantic candlelight dinners, relaxing on the beach and sightseeing. They have returned to settle in Philadelphia as they begin this exciting new chapter in their lives. They are confident that the love they have for one another, along with support and guidance from family and friends will enable them to experience lifelong blessings and happiness. Congratulations and very best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Jackson IV! This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
Mother Nature provided an especially spectacular day for the outdoor nuptials of Mayla Jewel Henderson and Thomas Holmes Jackson IV on July 17. The Rev. Dr. Martini Shaw and the Rev. Fr. Isaac Bonney of The African Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas officiated. A classical string quartet played as the groom and guests awaited the bride to join her fiancé for the ceremony under a beautifully decorated gazebo on the grounds of the Blue Bell Country Club in Blue Bella.| You are subscribed to email updates from Content Keyword RSS To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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