Son of Sheryl Lee Ralph, Etienne Maurice, 32, Marries ABC News Journalist in Jamaica after Storm on the Island
Sheryl Lee Ralph's son married an ABC News Journalist in a beautiful tropical wedding after a storm took place. The magical ceremony has left the public speechless and in awe of the gorgeous bride and groom who did not let a hurricane stop them from saying "I do."
Congratulations to Etienne Maurice, 32, who wed his beloved fiancée, Stephanie Wash, in a picturesque ceremony on Saturday, July 6. The son of Hollywood icon Sheryl Lee Ralph and the ABC News Journalist exchanged vows in sunny Jamaica, and stunning visuals have left fans blown away.
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Etienne Maurice sharing an embrace on the day of Etienne's wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/walkgoodetienne and wash news
Etienne, who works in the entertainment industry as a filmmaker and actor, and Stephanie, who is an Emmy Award-winning TV producer, were surrounded by their close friends and family, which of course, included the actor's loving mom.
Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash exchanging vows at the altar as guests lovingly looked on, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Proudly boasting about the tropically enchanting event, Sheryl, who shares Etienne and daughter Ivy-Victoria Maurice with her ex-husband Eric Maurice, swooned, "I am so blessed and happy to see my son find and marry such a smart and beautiful partner who has added so much to his life."
Eric and Etienne Maurice with Sheryl Lee Ralph on Etienne's wedding day, posted on July 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/iamrobireed
"It fills my heart with an overwhelming joy and happiness. It is as if all the love and good vibes in the world has come together in this spectacular moment, blessing their union with boundless hope and endless possibilities. And grandchildren too!" she added.
Stephanie Wash being given away to Etienne Maurice by her dad, Ricky Wash, on her and Etienne's wedding day, posted on July 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/iamrobireed
The bride and groom's special day took place just days after Hurricane Beryl was expected to hit Jamaica. Determined to not let the hurricane mess with their wedding plans, Etienne and Stephanie decided not to postpone their wedding.
Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash sharing a tender moment on their wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/walkgoodetienne and wash news
Speaking of the incredible support and love the newly-wed couple received from their guests, Sheryl expressed, "I'm still in awe how 300 people from around the globe made it through a hurricane, didn't give up and they showed up for this spectacular celebration of love."
Robi Reed posing for a picture with Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash on their wedding day, posted on July 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/iamrobireed
Even though initial flights were canceled due to the storm, guests found a way to attend the ceremony, come rain or shine. Some had even arrived just hours before the wedding began at 5 p.m. local time.
Some of the guests at Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash's wedding, posted on July 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/iamrobireed
Good Hope Estate provided the perfect setting for the couple's magical day. The venue fulfilled the bride's wish for her wedding to have "a tropical, bohemian vibe." Shikima Hinds, the company responsible for bringing the ceremony to life, made sure the venue was beautifully decorated using Krafted by Design fabrics.
Stephanie Wash and Etienne Maurice on their wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
The duo's talented wedding planner, Kimberly Wong, made sure guests were transported to paradise. Among the esteemed guest list were A-listers Victoria Rowell (Stephanie's aunt), Lynn Whitfield, Brandee Evans, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vanessa Estelle Williams, and Robi Reed.
Robi Reed taking a picture with other guests on Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash's wedding day, posted on July 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/iamrobireed
Stunning photos and videos shared by various people, including Etienne and Stephanie, show many picturesque moments from the ceremony. A standout post from the Jamaica Observer shows a video compilation of the day.
A snapshot captured of a moment at Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash's wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Using a play on words with Etienne's surname, the post is titled "Happily Mauriced," a catchphrase that was commonly used by the groom as well. The footage begins with Etienne speaking about how blessed the day is. He highlighted how much of a testament the wedding is to his and Stephanie's love because it was not stopped by Hurricane Beryl.
Etienne Maurice speaking about his wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
It then transitioned to show the beautiful outdoor set-up of the ceremony, where all the guests were seated as they eagerly awaited Stephanie's arrival down the aisle. Other parts show an endearing moment shared between Etienne and his dad, who fixes the front of his suit.
Eric and Etienne Maurice on the day of Etienne's wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
The string band that played at the ceremony and attendees signing the guest book were also highlighted in the video. Another striking moment shows the mother of the groom looking stunning in her purple gown as she poses on a couch for pictures.
Sheryl Lee Ralph on the day of her son's wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Glimpses of the bridal and groom parties showed the men dapperly dressed in custom-made karibas designed by Naid's Studios.
Their outfits, as confirmed by Etienne, were inspired by his late grandmother, Ivy Ralph, who came up with the design in the 70s. "It was only right that I honor my grandmother's legacy," explained Etienne while talking about his groomsmen's ensembles.
Etienne Maurice's groomsmen on the day of his wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Following the groomsmen's entrance, Etienne's parents walked him down the aisle. He wore a Waraire Boswell off-white linen tuxedo, which was garnished with a flower pinned to the left side of his jacket, for his big day.
Etienne Maurice being walked down the aisle by his dad, Eric Maurice, and his mom, Sheryl Lee Ralph, on his wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/walkgoodetienne and wash news
Next, it was the bridesmaids' time to shine. Each lady donned a beautiful lilac, flowy dress and carried a bouquet of matching flowers as they sauntered down the steps and made their way down the aisle.
One of Stephanie Wash's bridesmaids walking to the aisle on Stephanie's wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Adding a layer of cuteness to the magical day, an adorable little ring bearer followed by equally adorable flower girls made their way down the aisle. They left a trail of petals on the lawn as they went.
The flower girls at Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash's wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Making her debut as the main event, Stephanie looked gorgeous in her shimmering Martina Liana Luxe gown. She paired the dress with a lined veil constructed by Perry Meek and tailored by Kelvin Small. Sue-Ann Gregg did her stunning makeup and her chic bun was styled by Simply Beautiful Jamaica's Natalia Golding.
Stephanie Wash making her way to the aisle on her wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Waiting to give his beloved daughter's hand away in marriage, Stephanie's dad, Ricky Wash, stood at the bottom of the stairs. When Stephanie made her way to him, the father-daughter duo began descending the aisle.
Stephanie Wash making her way down the aisle with her dad, Ricky Wash, on her wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Stephanie met her husband at the altar with the accompaniment of Jesse Powell's "You." More than just a song, the track holds special significance for the couple.
"Etienne and I had a conversation about wedding songs on our second date, as we stood [in] line at Disneyland. I always knew I wanted to get married to 'You' by Jesse Powell. It was the song that Etienne played during our engagement, and it was fitting and beautiful to walk down the aisle to," Stephanie shared.
Stephanie Wash and Etienne Maurice exchanging vows at the altar on their wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Stephanie and Etienne exchanged rings designed by Jackie the Jeweler, who also made the bride's engagement ring. While Stephanie donned a stunning gold eternity band with emerald cut diamonds, Etienne opted for a hammered gold band, embedded with Stephanie's fingerprints.
After exchanging tearjerking vows at the altar, the happy couple solidified their nuptials by jumping the broom, which was decorated with cowry shells and flowers. Explaining the tradition, Stephanie divulged, "My African-American heritage is very important to me. We knew we had to jump the broom to celebrate both of ours."
Stephanie Wash and Etienne Maurice jumping the broom on their wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
The fabulous affair included a lively reception after the ceremony where guests danced the night away and enjoyed some delectable Jamaican cuisine. Iconic performances included Marcia Griffith singing "Electric Boogie," and melodies from reggae artists Naomi Cowan and Tesselated.
Guests dancing at Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash's wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Additional touching moments include Stephanie and Ricky's dance to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely," and Sheryl and Etienne's dance to "Everything" by Mary J. Blige.
Sheryl Lee Ralph dancing with Etienne Maurice on Etienne's wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
The mouthwatering menu included grilled beef tenderloin, braised oxtail, pimento Scotch bonnet curry-crusted snapper, and vegan rasta pasta with callaloo and ackee. There was also 5-spiced escallion jerk chicken, coconut jasmine rice, fried plantain, buttered roast breadfruit, peas, and pecan sweet potato soufflé.
Some of the food served at Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash's wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Sweet treats included icy desserts from ChillPops, coffee from Deaf Can Coffee, a traditional black cake, and a vanilla cake from Selena Cakes. The cakes were adorned with sugar-made birds of paradise.
Stephanie Wash feeding some wedding cake to Etienne Maurice on their wedding day, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
Etienne and Stephanie had the wedding of a lifetime which ended at 3 a.m. with DJ Yannick Jones closing out the party. Gushing over the event the couple expressed, "We couldn't be more grateful we were able to have the wedding we dreamed of on the island of Jamaica, despite the complications we faced due to Hurricane Beryl."
Stephanie Wash and Etienne Maurice posing for a picture with loved ones at their wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
The pair were not the only ones swooning over their nuptials, as fans added a flurry of comments about the wedding online.
Commenting underneath a post that Sheryl shared of her son's big day, Stephanie's aunt, Victoria, praised, "Sheryl, you were the epitome of a glamorous, proud #mother in your diaphanous violet frock! And yes, girl, we knew it was magic from the beginning!"
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Eric Maurice posing with other guests at Etienne Maurice and Stephanie Wash's wedding, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jamaicaobserver
A fan swooned, "This is SOOO BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations 🎉 Family!" "I truly loved this. I pray for a long fulfilling blissful union for them ❤️," gushed another.
An attendee noted, "@thesherylleeralph my heart shares your joy. What an exceptionally beautiful wedding in your gorgeous Jamaica. It was a special honor to witness and feel the LOVE. Congratulations @walkgoodetienne @washnews 💜👑👑💜."
Adding to the mix of reactions the couple received, Etienne commented, "Also I ask that you all be respectful. The Kariba suit that was worn by my groomsmen was a design created by my late grandmother Ivy Ralph OD. This style of dress was made popular in the 1970s. God bless the people and land of Jamaica. Walk Good!!!! #happilymauriced."
Etienne and Stephanie graciously thanked their wedding planner, designers, and everyone who made their day possible. In the caption of a carousel post, they also made it a point to shine a light on Hurricane Beryl.
Stephanie Wash and Etienne Maurice's wedding day and a picture of the two of them sharing a dance, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/walkgoodetienne and wash news
"We feel so much joy in our hearts, but can't forget those affected by Hurricane Beryl. You can donate with the link in our bio," the duo wrote at the end of their caption. Three days before their wedding took place, CNN announced that Hurricane Beryl was expected to spread across Jamaica.
That same day, July 3, Sheryl took to X to post a video updating people about the hurricane from her home on the island. "Well, from the looks of the sky, it looks like Beryl is gonna be here much sooner than the news keeps saying, so it's very calm here in Jamaica, the sky is so beautifully clear," she stated.
After going on to explain the weather conditions that prompted her to have to bring her outdoor furniture inside, Sheryl Lee Ralph ended the video by saying, "I just wanted to say to everybody, 'Please stay inside, there's a curfew starting at 6 a.m [...] stay off the road in Kingston. I hope you've put oil in your lamp and are taking extra care [...] Beryl is a four, wow. God bless you, goodnight. Power up."