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After the Aisle: A Luxe Vow Renewal in Tarrytown, NY

When Nikkia met Roy in 1999, she was immediately smitten by his striking resemblance to Ice Cube. Three years later in July 2002, the two became a couple and officially tied the knot on January 3, 2003.

After a wedding ceremony at the Justice of the Peace the first time around, the McClains decided to have a romantic, luxe vow renewal to celebrate twenty years of marriage. See more from their grand affair captured by Reggie Exilus.

Wife: Nikkia McClain

Husband: Roy McClain

Place of residence: New Jersey

Wedding date: Renewal- December 31, 2022; Original wedding date- January 3, 2003

Honeymoon Destination: The Maldives 

Engagement story (please tell us the story of your engagement proposal): 

Nikkia: When we got married back in 2003 it was I who proposed to Roy. I think I actually said,“We should just get married” and he said, “Let’s do it!” 

The next day, we went down to the Justice of the Peace but it was New Year’s Day so everything was closed. 

What made the proposal this time around so special is I didn’t expect it. My bridal squad planned a bridal shower and when it was all over, this singer appeared out of nowhere singing Bryan McKnight’s song, “Love of My Life”. When I looked to the left of the room, my husband appeared. I was crying like a baby because it’s so hard to surprise me (I’m that nosey). 

Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy

Wedding Details : 

Westchester Marriott, Tarrytown, NY, we chose this particular location, because we wanted a destination wedding and also a place where our family and friends would have easy access to the property. The venue also had the capacity to handle the three days and two nights of events. 

Wedding song, explain choice for song: We had four wedding songs so all of our guests could participate in the singing of these lyrics: 

“You Are All I Need” by Mary J Blige and Method Man, “Love” by Kendrick Lamar, “Weak” by SWV, “Baby, Baby” by Ashanti, and “I’m So Into You” by Tamia (Jac Ross and D NiceVersion) 

Favorite wedding detail: Everything! Our decor team My Designs by Angelic and Artfully Made Designs brought my vision to life. From the florals, custom acrylic menu cards and even wedding bingo.

Were there any cultural or spiritual elements that you added to make your wedding unique? 

Our ceremony was presided by Rev Robin Greene Webb and our colors were emerald green, platinum, and white to represent our African heritage. All our guests wore white because we wanted them to feel as if this was their wedding. Twenty years is a long time to be married and we couldn’t have gotten through it without any of these people in the room. 

Your best/most memorable moment as a married couple so far: Roy: Seeing all my family and friends that we haven’t seen in years get together for the happiest moment in our lives.

Nikkia: Seeing our children express their love for us and seeing how our love has made them who they are!

What’s the best part about being a married couple? The journey has been hard, but it allowed us to see parts of ourselves we needed to see, but it help us grow and mature as a couple. Also, the way our love inspires others. 

What’s the best advice you received about marriage that you actually use? That you are not always going to see eye to eye, and that is okay, but you have to respect each other’s opinions. Also, don’t even think about divorce, ever!   

Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy
Nikkia & Roy

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