Etienne Maurice, Son of Sheryl Lee Ralph, Marries ABC News Journalist Stephanie Wash in Jamaica (Exclusive) (2024)

Sheryl Lee Ralph's son is married!

The Abbott Elementary star's multi-hyphenate son, Etienne Maurice, married ABC News journalist Stephanie Wash on Saturday, July 6. The couple — who got engaged in the summer of 2023 — said their "I dos" before family and friends in Jamaica.

"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. It fills my heart with an overwhelming joy and happiness," Ralph tells PEOPLE exclusively. "It is as if all the love and good vibesin the world has come together in this spectacular moment, blessing their union with boundless hope and endless possibilities. And grandchildren too!"

Wash is an Emmy-winning TV producer, and has worked on shows including 20/20 and Soul of a Nation. Maurice is in the entertainment industry, and works as a filmmaker, actor and philanthropist. He founded WalkGood LA, a community wellness organization that is "Black & Brown-led," according to the website.

The romantic ceremony occurred days after Hurricane Berylwas set to make landfall at the Caribbean country. At the time, Ralph posted avideoon X (formerly known as Twitter) on July 2, asking for prayers as the island braced for the Category 4 storm's arrival.

"From the looks of the sky, it looks like Beryl is gonna be here much sooner than the news keeps saying," Ralph, 67, said while looking out of a window. "So it’s very calm here in Jamaica, the sky is so beautifully clear. And they said that the sea looked like glass today."

The now-married couple then shared with PEOPLE exclusively that they had no plans to delay or postpone the wedding.

"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. What a story for my grandchildren!" Ralph tells PEOPLE of the attendees, some of whom arrived just hours before the ceremony began at 5 p.m. local time after their flights were initially canceled due to the hurricane.

Among those at the Good Hope Estate — the wedding's venue, which designed to match the bride's dream of "a tropical, bohemian vibe" by Shikima Hinds with fabrics supplied by Krafted by Design — included Wash's aunt, The Young and the Restless actress Victoria Rowell, as well as Coming to America star Vanessa Bell Calloway, P-Valley breakout Brandee Evans, Lynn Whitfield and Vanessa Estelle Williams. Additionally, chef Alexander Smalls, ABC News national correspondent Steve Osunsami, Emmy-winning casting director Robi Reed and Emmy-winning director Nneka Onuorah.

They all watched as the groomsmen — including best man and 90210 star Tristan Wilds — entered to the song, "Differences" by Ginuwine, while Dr. Dayna Palmer played on the violin. The bridesmaids — including bridesmaid and Grammy nominee Elle Varner— then made their entrance to Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo's duet, "Nothing Even Matters."

Maurice's wedding party donned custom karibas designed by Naid's Studios. The suits were inspired by Maurice's grandmother, Ivy Ralph, who created the kariba in the '70s. The groom, meanwhile, wore double breasted, off-white linen tuxedo by Waraire Boswell.

"It was only right that I honor my grandmother's legacy," Maurice says of the groomsmen's suits, adding that he "never stressed" when it came to relying on Boswell to design and fit his tuxedo because "I knew I was in good hands."

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Wash — who worea shimmering Martina Liana Luxe gown and a pearl-lined veil made by Perry Meek with tailoring by Kelvin Small, hair by Natalia Golding of Simply Beautiful Jamaica and makeup by Sue-Ann Gregg — was escorted down the aisle by her father, Ricky Wash, to the Jesse Powell song, "You."

"Etienne and I had a conversation about wedding songs on our second date, as we stood on line at Disneyland.I always knew I wanted to get married to 'You' by Jesse Powell," Wash says."It was the song that Etienne played during our engagement, and it was fitting and beautiful to walk down the aisle to."

The couple cemented their nuptials with a jumping of the broom, which was adorned with flowers and cowry shells. "My African-American heritage is very important to me. We knew we had to jump the broom to celebrate both of ours," Wash says, explaining that Maurice's 'Great Mate' and groomsman, Ron Bass, "is an incredible visual artist.He needed no direction."

She adds, "The broom was a poignant part of our wedding."

They also exchanged rings designed by Jackie the Jeweler, who previously crafted Wash's engagement ring. The groom opted for a hammered gold band branded with Wash's fingerprints, while the bride went with a gold eternity band with emerald cut diamonds.

Following the ceremony, which was expertly pulled off by wedding planner Kimberly Wong of I Do Islands, the newlyweds and guests celebrated during a music-filled reception, which featured performances by Jamaican legend Marcia Griffith, who sang the '80s hit "Electric Boogie," as well as reggae artists Tesselated and Naomi Cowan, R&B singer Lee-Lonn Walker, soca band Fab 5 and Varner, who performed her nominated song, "Refill."

During the reception, Wash and her father danced to "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder, while Maurice and Ralph danced to "Everything" by Mary J. Blige. Those dances were followed by Maurice taking the dance floor with mother figure Loraine "Ms. Mae" Tucker to "My Life Is In Your Hands" by Kirk Franklin.Maurice's uncle, Michael Ralph, emceed the event.

Guests were treated to an authentic Jamaican yaad experienceand dined on a culinary feast by Alex D’Great, who made pimento Scotch bonnet curry crusted snapper, grilled beef tenderloin, braised oxtail, a 5-spiced escallion jerk chicken, vegan rasta pasta with ackee and callaloo, coconut jasmine rice and peas, pecan sweet potato soufflé, fried plantain and buttered roast breadfruit.

Everyone was then treated to icy delights from ChillPops and coffee from Deaf Can Coffee, while Selena Cakes baked a traditional black cake and vanilla cake adorned with birds of paradise made from sugar. "In Jamaican culture, you have to have a black cake at your wedding... We were taken aback when we saw the cake on our wedding day.She nailed it," the couple says of Selena Wong's culinary confection.

The reception continued late into the night, with DJ Courtney providing additional dances tunes before DJ Yannick Jones closed out the event at 3 a.m.

"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," Maurice and Wash tell PEOPLE.

"Our loved ones traveled from Los Angeles to Benin, Africa, after a storm, to shower us with love.There were so many obstacles in front of us, but our relentless wedding planner and exceptional team of vendors worked tirelessly to create a magical and unforgettable experience for our guests," the couple continues.

"We enter into our union as one, knowing that we made it through a storm, and that together we can weather any storm.We feel so much joy in our hearts, but can’t forget those affected by Hurricane Beryl. Our thoughts are with all," they say, ending on a poignant note.

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Prior to their wedding, the couple told PEOPLE, "We are praying this hurricane passes, everyone remains safe, and there's no destruction to the island. This hurricane was unexpected and unprecedented. Once we're through this challenge, we know we can get through anything together."

"For now the wedding is still on for Saturday, but we are monitoring things closely," the twosome continued, adding, "Understandably, we lost a number of guests whose flights were canceled coming from the states and globally."

Ralph, fortunately, had a positive update to share on July 4, after the storm passed through the country. "It looks like the hurricane Beryl has passed and is running like a Jamaican track star off to another race! Thank you all for your good vibes and prayers. We did not get a direct hit and we are grateful but Carriacou needs help," she posted onX.

In the accompanying video, Ralph thanked those who sent "good vibes" and "prayers" their way. "Oh my God — listen to that," she added. "That is the sound of the return of peace. We don't have any lights, there is no power. But we have life."

Appreciative of being able to continue with the wedding despite the storm, the couple tells PEOPLE, "We are so inspired by the support and love the Jamaican community showed us, and we wish to give back through our Hurricane Beryl Fund."