Kima Walker of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Gemaron Willis of Birmingham, Alabama, were married on November 19, 2011.
The ceremony and reception took place at Bamboo Gardens in Davie, Florida. Abe Carey was the officiant.
The bride has a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies from Columbia College and a Master's of Education in Curriculum Design and Development from American InterContinental University. She is currently working as a Manager of Leadership Development and as an Executive Coach for a large telecommunications company in New York City. She is the daughter of Arthur and Rhonda Walker.
The groom graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Trade. He currently works as a Software Engineer in a Global Electronics Company in New Jersey. He is the son of G Claude and L. Diann Willis.
The couple met on an online dating site; after communicating on the phone and via email for a few months they decided to meet in person. Kima says, "It was as if I had met my other half. I would describe our relationship as a magical, maddening and magnificent experience that has opened me up to life and all the wonders it has to bring. We find balance in each other and there is an intensity that can be frightening in the most wonderful way. We bring out each other’s weaknesses and make them strengths, and the strengths that we both possess become magnified. The unresolved issues and wounds that we might have had are gone."
Gemaron proposed while Kima was practicing her favorite activity . . . shopping. She turned around and he had the ring! She hugged the lady behind the counter and they were both crying. She hardly heard him actually ask her. In all of the excitement, Gemaron declared, "That is the ring you are going to marry me in, right?" Kima replied, "Of course!," with tears in her eyes. She was beyond excited.
They were married in a beautiful African-inspired ceremony. It was very important to them to incorporate their old traditions into the ceremony.
Kima explains, "Many people within our communities do not realize the beauty or significance of our culture. It took a year of planning and lots of coordination but it turned out beautifully.
We have an extraordinary bond that is even difficult for us to explain and understand. We love each other unconditionally without expectation. We create a greater whole and challenge each other to continue to grow mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally together.
Just as we did for our families and our community, we wish to share our love with the world."
The couple will reside in New York City.
