A Modern Glam Wedding At The Waldorf Astoria in Chicago, Illinois

Dr. Jennifer Parker met Kenneth Copeland when they were introduced at the Akainyah Art Gallery through a mutual friend. There was an instant connection, as Jen thought Ken was handsome, and a great conversationalist who would teach her something new.

“When I first met Jen, I thought she was lovely,” Ken adds. “I made a joke about Boyle’s Ideal Gas Law, which made her laugh. Over time, I’ve learned about her dedication to medicine, passion for art, and talent for making everything around her brighter and more beautiful.”

Exactly two years later, Ken created a ruse to get his then-girlfriend out of her apartment, leading her on a scavenger hunt that highlighted the firsts in their relationship. In the lobby, the front desk attendant gave Jen a pink rose with a poem attached that said, “Today let’s make a memory of love that was and that will be. Your first stop on our love list is the very first spot where we first kissed.” The scavenger hunt also led her to the restaurant of their first date, and ended back at the art gallery with Ken standing outside.

“He took us to the nearby boarding house, and the hostess led us to what I thought was the restaurant – but instead, it was a private room with my immediate family and closest friends,” Jen describes. “Ken serenaded me with the piano and his own version of Tyrese’s ‘Sweet Lady’ before asking me to marry him. We then celebrated the engagement with champagne and a variety of my favorite foods.”

Soon after their engagement, Jen and Ken hired wedding planner Regina Brooks to assist with the wedding planning process. With a theme of “modern glam,” the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago was chosen as the wedding venue, offering glamorous décor, privacy and exclusivity. All décor aspects were infused with shades of pink, orange, ivory and gold.

After the wedding ceremony, which was performed by the bride’s older brother and featured a unity candle lighting by both families, an energetic reception was held. The reception space was fun, chic and modern – just as the bride had envisioned – and guests enjoyed an abundance of food, including an ice cream cart to go with the wedding cake.

Many personal touches were peppered throughout the wedding, such as Ken creating special music mixes for the reception entrances. The bride and groom were also members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, so both participated in celebratory traditions throughout the night. And since the newlyweds wanted to remember their guests in a special way, Ken hand carved their guest book tree, which now hangs in their home.

“We were elated and grateful for how well the wedding day went,” Jen says. “It was flawless from beginning to end. We felt immense love for all our family and friends who came from various locations to help us celebrate.”