Asiah James and Gerald Cannon met in 2014 while both were working at a Topshop in New York City’s Soho neighborhood. Amid the crowded aisles and clothing racks, they discussed everything from style, jazz, and art to their mutual obsession with dating shows—falling in love themselves in the process. Eight years later, Asiah (now a strategy director at Condé Nast) and Gerald (a visual artist) got engaged in her hometown of Washington, D.C. After spending the day together at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gerald proposed in their hotel room. “He said so many sweet things I cannot remember because I was in shock, crying happy tears for hours and FaceTiming all of our loved ones across the country,” says Asiah. When they returned to New York—on the day of their anniversary—their close friends surprised them with an engagement party.
They decided to wed in Mexico City, a place where both have found creative inspiration over the years. “The city’s blend of allure and artistry has become an integral part of our lives,” the bride says. The couple asked Lupita Tirado and Joe Ganem of Lupita Tirado Weddings to help plan their nuptials. On April 13, Asiah and Gerald held a welcome party at Casa Pedregal and Tetetlán restaurant, two Luis Barragán–designed properties on the outskirts of the city. The bride wore a custom chandelier crystal-drenched corset and matching miniskirt by Wiederhoeft, which she paired with satin Miu Miu pumps. She also debuted a new hairstyle: “My longtime friend and hairstylist, Amanda Charlery, had the idea when I got engaged to Gerald: She thought it would be fun to switch my hairstyle drastically throughout the wedding journey,” says Asiah. “A few months before my wedding weekend, we decided to grow my hair just enough for her to add extensions to create a blunt bob cut, which was so flirty and fitting for celebrating my pre-wedding events.” Meanwhile, the groom styled himself in Kiko Kostadinov trousers, a Fillipa K. Blazer, Prada lace-up monoliths, and accessories from Maison Margiela.
After a cocktail hour by the pool at Casa Pedregal for 40 of their closest friends, the two joined the rest of their guests at Tetelán. The family-style dinner quickly turned into “the weekend’s biggest dance party,” says Asiah. The next day, they were married at General Prim, a historic belle epoque mansion in Colonia Juarez, in front of 165 family members and friends. The ceremony opened with their parents walking arm-in-arm down the aisle: IcyTwat and Robert Glasper played as the bride made her entrance in a custom corset gown from Wiederhoeft that took six months to perfect. “My wedding-day gown embodied my eclectic yet modern style,” she says. “I know it’s funny and super-nontraditional, but to me it was and remains so on brand for me as a bride.” Asiah also removed her extensions and cut her hair in a low bowl cut. For his ceremony outfit, Gerald opted for a Prada suit. Their close friend and officiant Shay Myrick shared quotes by historian Tiya Miles and poet Maya Angelou before asking the crowd to take a “pledge of presence,” or a promise to support the couple throughout their marriage. Asiah considered it the emotional pinnacle of the evening. “It was incredibly heartwarming and meaningful to witness and be a part of,” she says. Their first kiss was to Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes,” and after jumping over the broom— with roots in the 18th century—they walked back up the aisle and out through ivy-covered doors. “Gerald and I both felt an overwhelming sense of calm and serenity throughout the ceremony—and have found ourselves reflecting on it every day since then,” says Asiah.
For the reception, Asiah removed the tulle overskirt from her gown, revealing a miniskirt underneath. “It offered a high-low effect that allowed the gown to flow through the reception, and dance with ease for our first dance and dances with my parents,” she says of the wardrobe alteration. It proved a very smart style decision: From the moment that she and Gerald danced to a soulful rendition of Sade’s “I Couldn’t Love You More,” the party never stopped—even during the four-course meal. At one point, their wedding planners even surprised the couple with a performance from voguers, who led guests into the after-party space. “The atmosphere exuded the ambiance of a vibrant nightclub, featuring a special nod to my Washington, D.C., roots with a go-go segment that our DJ, Shabazz, lit up the dance floor with until 2 a.m.,” Asiah says. During the festivities, she snuck off with her closest friends to transform her dress yet again, stitching on silk tassels to create “a dance party-ready” skirt. “I also removed the straps so that I could wiggle and hug everyone,” Asiah notes. Streamers, confetti, and fake money fell from the ceiling as night turned into morning. Three months later, Asiah and Gerald say they’re still in awe of the whole weekend: “As Gerald and I reflect on our wedding now that it’s concluded, we can confidently say it was the most extraordinary experience of our lives,” she says. “Already, we find ourselves joking about the possibility of a destination baby shower when the time comes—a testament to the joy and anticipation that fills our hearts for what lies ahead.”
From the very start of our venue scavenger hunt, we prioritized uncovering spaces that capture the essence of Mexico City’s creativity that we adore and admire. Cue the excitement as we were blessed to kick off our welcome party with rehearsal cocktails at Casa Pedregal, a private home crafted by renowned architect Luis Barragán. The welcome-party theme was simple—bring the fun! And while this Wiederhoft chandelier-crystal-drenched corset and matching miniskirt were on my mood board from the moment it walked the runway, I initially thought I wanted to lengthen the skirt to hit the floor and wear it on the big day. Well, I fell in love with the mini, and here we are. So ready for the big day. But first, more time with my love during our rehearsal cocktail. Enter, our Inner Circle—our chosen family. We asked them to pull looks together that mimic their vibrant personalities. We were so in awe of the outcome. Our people look fly!
