How They Met
Most people have on-camera love interests, but AJ and Emile’s love story takes place behind the camera (okay, and a little on camera too). They met working on the internet network, AfterBuzz TV, where Emile was a host and AJ was brought on as a panelist. They started out as workplace friends but slowly started seeing each other outside work and eventually dating.
The Proposal
Early on, the pair had agreed that AJ would do the proposing, but after eight years of waiting, Emile wasn’t sure if it would ever happen. On the other hand, AJ had wanted to propose for a while but wanted to make it memorable because Emile wanted the proposal to be “extra.” In 2020 AJ was sure now was the time. His original plan was to propose live on air as AJ was a correspondent for the Wendy Williams show. Emile was a regular on The Real, but the pandemic had other plans. When he realized his on-air dreams would not happen, AJ decided to propose on Christmas morning 2020 in front of both of their families (safely via Zoom). AJ told Emile they would open presents for their new dog, Kingston, and put the ring in his stocking. Needless to say, Emile was thoroughly surprised and, of course, said, “Yes!”
The Wedding
After two days of pre-ceremony partying, June 20th, 2022, was the big day! Because the nuptials were taking place in beautiful Playa Mujeres, Mexico, the ceremony was supposed to take place outdoors. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating, and the ceremony was moved indoors. Wedding festivities occurred the entire week leading up to the wedding at an all-inclusive resort. The wedding itself perfectly represented both personalities and how profound their love is for each other. AJ and Emile wanted to coordinate their attire but also wanted to be surprised. Both wore blue suits, but Emile’s cape train was a true fashion moment. The grooms exchanged vows in front of their closest friends and family members, and then it was time to celebrate!
The Reception
After an amazing ceremony and a quick change of outfits, it was time to party with the Mazelins. The day continued with an afternoon club-style party at Room 22 in downtown Orlando. This celebration was no sit-down affair, and all the guests understood the assignment… come ready to dance. After mingling with the guests for a bit, the grooms entered and proceeded to have their first dance to John Legend and Jhene Aiko’s song “U Move, I Move.” When the dance floor opened, it was non-stop high energy until the very end, with a mix of the best oldies, hip-hop, and dancehall bops that had everyone moving. Brian added, “It was an amazing day that will forever be etched into our memories as one of the best days of our lives.”
The Couple’s Favorite Moments
Mikalah Gordon’s three-part performance for the first dance(s), specifically “The Rose,” when she surprised everyone with AJ’s sister joining in for the second verse. “The moment that happened, the entire reception broke out in ugly tears!”
“We discovered earlier that day that Beyoncé was dropping a brand new song that night. Keep in mind that we got married on a Monday, so this was a huge shock to us. The song, ‘Break My Soul’ was set to drop at Midnight ET, which was 11 PM our time…aka the end of our reception. But, again, we were blown away by the synchronicities that kept happening. So we opened the reception with Beyoncé (planned a year prior) & we were able to close the reception with brand new Beyoncé!” – AJ & Emile, Congratulations from Black Gay Weddings.
Full BGW Gallery
Vendor List
BGW Vetted “LGBTQ-Friendly” LGBTQBizList Vendors
Non-LGBTQBizList Vendors
Photographer: El Instante Photography
Planner: Pink Pineapple Travel
Wedding Venue: Atelier Playa Mujeres
Decor: Sterling Experiences
Tuxedos: Grayscale
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Rings: David Yurman
