and more about intention. Held at The Majestic Downtown in the heart of Los Angeles, their wedding was a modern-day fairytale soaked in culture, creativity, and Black love—an ode to the city that raised them, and the community that’s helped shape their journey together.
Jerrold, a TV personality, actor, model, host, and former Division I athlete, and Cheryl, a celebrated fashion designer, first met in high school. Their love grew through college—Cheryl at Otis College of Art and Design, Jerrold at UCLA—and eventually blossomed in front of millions on Issa Rae’s reality series Sweet Life: Los Angeles, where fans got to witness the depth of their connection and their unforgettable engagement at the beginning of Season 2.
And unforgettable it was.
The couple kept their circle close. Jerrold’s uncle—who officiated his parents’ wedding decades ago—led the ceremony, tying together generations of love. Jerrold walked down the aisle to Luther Vandross’ “If This World Were Mine,” while Cheryl made her entrance to a stirring live violin performance of Kehlani’s “Everything (Interlude)” and “Everything” by Jeremy Green.
Their ceremony was intimate, soulful, and powerful. “Our families went above and beyond on our wedding day — you might’ve thought it was their big day with all the opinions, suggestions, and ‘friendly input’ they brought to the table,” they said. “But ultimately they showed up with an incredible amount of love and support, and they were woven into every part of the day. From Jerrold’s uncle officiating, to our sisters walking down the aisle, and our parents and grandparents being the life of the party—there wasn’t a single moment we didn’t share with them.”
Black Love Inc. was exclusively capturing the wedding, where they shared the meaning of their vows. After the vows, the couple and their wedding party danced back down the aisle to Beyoncé’s “Cuff It,” setting the tone for a night that would only get better.
As a fashion designer, Cheryl brought her eye for detail to every element of the day. She hand-designed her bouquet and her bridesmaids’ florals, then turned heads in a stunning Nicole + Felicia Couture gown—joining the ranks of fashion icons like Taylor Swift and Megan Thee Stallion. For the after-party, she rocked a glittering Lirika Matoshi look paired with Jeffrey Campbell heels.
Jerrold looked equally sharp in a custom tuxedo by Brandon Murphy of BMC Studio, embroidered with their wedding date—a subtle but meaningful detail. The all-black dress code gave guests a timeless, elegant vibe to work with, ensuring that every photo looked like a high-fashion editorial.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds made their grand entrance into the reception to Mustard and Roddy Ricch’s “Ballin’,” showing their LA pride and kicking the party into high gear. DJ Myles P curated the soundtrack of the night, blending R&B, hip-hop, and classics to keep the dance floor packed.
Instead of a traditional caterer, they tapped Ackee Bamboo, one of their favorite Jamaican spots, to serve oxtail and jerk chicken. “We eat there way too often, so it only felt right,” they laughed. Viarae Prosecco—courtesy of Issa Rae, who’s been a mentor and friend since Sweet Life—flowed all night long, a toast to their beginnings and their bright future.
Cheryl’s friend and coworker, Briana Maye, created a wedding cake that was as personal as it was delicious. “We wanted something that felt made for us, not just another over-the-top, commercial moment,” the couple said.
While the day was packed with music, movement, and joy, the newlyweds did manage to sneak away for one special, quiet moment. “Our first real moment alone was right after the ceremony, when we slipped into the bridal suite. That was the first time we could actually exhale and take in the fact that we were officially newlyweds,” they shared. “It was also, not coincidentally, the only time we got to eat without being interrupted!”
As for how they knew they were meant for each other?
“I can’t pinpoint one exact moment when I knew Jerrold was the one. For me, it’s been a collection of moments over time,” said Cheryl. “He’s constantly reassuring me.”
Jerrold added, “I knew Cheryl was the one sometime during college. Back then, I was fully locked into chasing my basketball dream, and our relationship would sometimes take a backseat because of how demanding my schedule was. But Cheryl always found a way to show up. She’d go out of her way to visit me—even if it was just for a quick day after classes or a weekend in the dorms—despite juggling her own busy schedule. At the time, neither of us were quite ready for long-term commitment, but her support never wavered. As we both grew and matured, that consistent love made it even easier to take the next step when the time was right.”
Next up? A honeymoon through Italy and Greece this fall. “Italy is one of our favorite places we’ve traveled to together, so going back feels like revisiting a special part of our story,” they shared. “And Greece has been at the top of our list for years.”
As they enter this new chapter, they’re focused on staying rooted in the values that got them here. “We hope this next chapter of marriage brings many more adventures. We’ve always found new and exciting ways to experience life together, and we just want that energy to continue. We know the future will bring new seasons and more responsibility, but for now, we’re focused on enjoying the moment and hoping that the good fortune we’ve had so far continues to follow us into what’s next.”
“Black love, to us, is comfort—it’s a sense of peace in a world where just existing as a Black man or woman can be incredibly taxing,” they added. “There’s a shared understanding, a common ground rooted in experience, resilience, and unconditional love.”
Jerrold and Cheryl’s wedding was a celebration of their union and a masterclass in how to build a life together with joy, intentionality, and community at the center.
Vendor Credits
- Bride: Cheryl Des Vignes – @cherlytempless
- Groom: Jerrold Smith II – @jerroldhtims
- Venue: The Majestic Downtown – @themajesticdowntown
- Wedding Coordinator: Ashton Eve – @ashtoneve
- Catering: Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine – @ackeebamboo
- Desserts: Heavenly Sweet Impressions – @heavenly.sweet.impressions
- Server Staff: Rollin Hero Staffing – @rollinhero
- Rentals:
– Unique Chic Events – @uniquechicevents
– 3 Little Birds Event Planning – @3littlebirdseventplanning - Florals: Haus & Co. – @haus.and.company
- Violinist: Jeremy Green – @jeremyxgreen
- DJ: DJ Myles P – @djmylesp_
- Photobooth Photographer: Brandon Towns – @btaesthetics_
- Photo/Video: One Seven Films – @oneseven.films
- Film Photo: @triciaraesaceda
- Hair: Payton Ashley – @payton_ashley
- Makeup:
– Candice Renae – @candicerenae_
– Shelsea Patton – @shelsealuxe - Bridal Gown: Nicole + Felicia Couture – @nicolefeliciacouture
- After Party Dress: Lirika Matoshi – @lirika.matoshi
- After Party Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
- Wedding Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
- Valet: Black Diamond Valet – @blackdiamond_valet
- Cake: Briana Maye – @brxxzyyy
- Champagne Sponsor: Viarae Wines – @viaraewines
- Groom’s Suit: Brandon Murphy, BMC Studio – @bmcstudio
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