Wedding Party

The Dream Team Behind #HOT2025 Our wedding party is made up of family and friends who have walked with us through every chapter—from first dates to late-night wisdom, belly laughs to big decisions. These are the people who have poured into us, stood by us, and prayed us forward. We are honored to have them stand with us as we say “I do.”

Umar

The Best Man

Mawule shares: Umar and I met in Flatbush when we were in high school and instantly bonded over comic books, nerdy pop culture, and long debates about superheroes and sci-fi. We later became roommates, and those years only deepened our connection—from late-night conversations to brotherhood forged through real-life challenges. Umar is more than a friend—he’s my chosen family. He’s sharp, loyal, hilarious, and always shows up. We’ve walked through life’s highs and lows together, and it’s an incredible honor to have him stand by my side as I enter this next chapter.

Nilaja

Woman of Honor

We met through a circle of sister-friends and bonded over our ancestral roots and shared experiences as daughters of “The East,” project kids, and lovers of art, culture, and community. Years later, we reconnected when she became my barber, then my stylist, and ultimately, my confidant. Nilaja is a woman of deep faith, radiant beauty, and fierce loyalty. She is my truth-teller, joy-bringer, and sister-spirit. Her presence has grounded me through every season of life, and I couldn’t imagine walking into this sacred union without her by my side.

Ellen

Mistress of Ceremony

Ellen has been both a divine guide and dear friend on our journey to love. A high school classmate of both Stefani and Umar, their circle was already intertwined. Years later, Stefani reconnected with Ellen and Umar while managing Ellen’s campaign for Civil Court Judge—a journey that reignited deep bonds. Around that time, Umar introduced Ellen to Mawule, and a new connection began. Realizing we were both single, Ellen sparked the idea to bring us together—first at a block party, then during her birthday in Savannah, where our love story truly began. Her wisdom, humor, and spirit have blessed our path. Today, she honors us as our Mistress of Ceremony and vocalist.

Rev. Mizell

Wedding Officiant

Stefani shares: Rev. William M. Mizell, Senior Associate Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, NY, is my beloved uncle and a lifelong anchor. From childhood to adulthood, Uncle Bill has offered unwavering love, wisdom, and strength that have shaped my walk in the world and my understanding of covenant. His voice has blessed countless couples, and it means the world that he will now bless me and Mawule as we enter sacred union. To be married by someone who knows both my heart and my roots is a profound honor—and a full-circle moment I will forever cherish.

Portland - Mother of the Bride

Bridal Escort

My mother is a proud daughter of the South and her adopted home of Brooklyn. She carries herself with style, grace, and unstoppable spirit. A retired early childhood educator and founding member of Age Friendly Central Brooklyn, she was my and Courtney’s very first teacher—instilling in us a deep love for learning, service, and community. She’s also a culinary master, griot, and passionate traveler who’s shaped generations through storytelling, sweets, and strength. In recent years, she and Mawule have shared beautiful journeys that deepened their bond. On this sacred day, she will walk with Courtney to escort me down the aisle—three generations moving forward as one.

Courtney Zinerman

Bridal Escort

Stefani shares: At the heart of every great love story is family, and at the center of mine is my daughter, Courtney—my only and most precious gift. A creative force and co-owner of MORE + Co, Courtney helped plan my 60th birthday in Zanzibar and orchestrated Mawule’s unforgettable beach proposal. She is my confidante, constant, and companion in all things joyful—especially travel, food, and film. On this sacred day, she and her grandmother Portland will escort me down the aisle, carrying generations of love. I am endlessly proud to call her my daughter—and honored to have her walk with me into this new chapter.

Hassan and Joan Bakiriddin

Ushers

Stefani & Mawule share: Some friendships become family. We are blessed to celebrate this sacred season with our dear friends, travel partners, and fellow changemakers, Joan and Hassan Bakiriddin. Together, we share a passion for civic engagement, cultural heritage, and Black political power—working side-by-side through the NAACP and UPA. Beyond the work, our bond is rooted in love for art, food, education, and travel. Last year, Joan and Hassan witnessed our engagement in Zanzibar. Today, they sail with us into this next chapter of marriage. We are deeply grateful for their friendship, loyalty, and joyful presence on this journey of love.

Rance Huff

Memory Keeper

Rance and I met during my time at SUNY New Paltz, where he served as editor-in-chief of the campus’s Black newspaper and I was a staff member. His dark humor, sharp intellect, and deep consciousness forged a lifelong bond between us. When Rance launched his own publication, The Black Reign, I was proud to join him—and my respect for him has only grown over the decades as I’ve witnessed his journey as a husband, father, and cultural guardian. I’m honored to be the godfather of his daughter, Akillah, and even more honored to call him friend and brother. For all he’s done to preserve and uplift our story, it is only fitting that Rance will serve as the bearer of our first official record as a married couple.