Rahel Solomon and Marcel S. Pratt have tied the knot!
The CNN anchor and the lawyer said "I do" on July 13 during a two-day wedding celebration that honored all aspects of the couple's shared cultures from Solomon’s Ethiopian roots to Pratt's membership in the historically Black fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
The traditional American celebration took place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and saw 200 guests in attendance, followed by a full second day cultural reception called a “Melse” to enjoy Ethiopian food and dancing, which was held at Mill Manor in Ivyland, Penn., with 500 loved ones in attendance.
"The wedding was like a movie, everything and everyone looked so beautiful. The vows were so heartfelt, the music was great and we even had time to quickly enjoy dinner between photos," Solomon says. "We truly experienced and enjoyed our wedding!"
The couple chose to center their celebrations in Philadelphia as they are both proud natives of the city. The museum location was especially close to their hearts as it was where they had their second date.
For the museum wedding, Solomon opted for a timeless dress by designer Eva Lendel. The gown, was "exactly what I was looking for," she says. "A classic look with a modern twist. The hourglass shape of the dress made me feel incredibly feminine, and it harmonized beautifully with the architecture of the Art Museum. What truly sealed the deal for me was the detachable skirt and train which gave the dress the princess feel; it came together beautifully."
The ceremony had a traditional and clean design and leaned into a crimson, cranberry and plum color scheme. The menu featured a dinner of tropical mahi-mahi, artisan short rib, along with lots array of appetizers, including tuna tartare spring rolls, mac and cheese cupcakes, Nashville hot cauliflower, and sirloin sliders.
The couple shared their first dance to "Forever Mine" by The O’ -
Jays and cut into in a four-tier cake with multiple flavors – including chocolate chip and vanilla. "We had a few songs that were musts," says Solomon. "Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married” and we also asked the DJ to play “Swag Surfin” by F.L.Y. and Easton which brought nearly everyone to the dance floor," she adds. Members of Pratt's Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity strolled and sang acapella the traditional “Kappa Sweetheart Song” to honor the bride as well as the couple's shared Philadelphia roots.
At Spring Mill Manor, Solomon and Pratt wore Ethiopian wedding attire that was custom-made by Enku Design in Ethiopia. The colors for the event were crimson and gold and the music featured a mix of genres, including Ethiopian, modern and Afrobeats.
They served a buffet of traditional Ethiopian cuisine with vegetarian, beef and lamb dishes.
Solomon and Pratt got engaged in May 2023 after falling head over heels for one another at a professional networking event in Philadelphia. The lawyer popped the question while the two were enjoying sunset at a beach in Aruba.
Now a newlywed, the CNN anchor says she can't wait to spend the rest of her life with Pratt. "Getting married means always having a co-pilot, growing together emotionally and spiritually, a friend to come home to, and a partner for all of life’s ups and downs," she says.
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Now, the couple is excited to "build a shared life together" and create new traditions with their family and friends. First on the list: a two-week honeymoon in Tanzania where they will immerse themselves in nature with visits to a private safari, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park before staying at a seafront villa in Zanzibar.
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