On a Seine river boat ride in April 2024, everything aligned for a magical Parisian proposal. Shammas Malik got down on one knee and asked Alice Duey to marry him.
“It was truly the most romantic, thoughtful and beautiful proposal,” Alice says. “He took me to the city of love and light, we’re on the Seine and the Eiffel Tower is glistening in the background. It felt enchanting.”
On three occasions, fate brought together Shammas, the mayor of Akron, and Alice, a guardian ad litem in the Court Appointed Special Advocates program at the Summit County Juvenile Court. First, mutual friends introduced them at Mustard Seed Market & Cafe in January 2023. Next, they crossed paths at the Andrea Rose Teodosio art auction. They then ran into each other in the hallway between Nervous Dog Coffee Bar and Martell School of Dance, where Alice teaches musical theater dance. Finally, they decided to meet up intentionally — scheduling their first date at Porchlight Coffee Co. during Shammas’ busy mayoral race.
“It was a whirlwind,” Shammas says. “She has such a beautiful energy, a really good-hearted person, compassionate, funny.”
In just about six months, Kelly McHood of Radical Curation planned their Oct. 5, 2024, wedding. The pair, who are Akron residents, tied the knot before less than 100 guests at the new Valley View area of Cascade Valley Metro Park. Following the intimate ceremony, they celebrated with over 300 people at E.J. Thomas Hall.
From The Bride
To Have and to Hold: We held hands throughout the entire ceremony. Even when we were holding our book with the vows, we were still holding one hand. That felt very personal because we connected in that way, through touch, and surrounded by so much love and support.
Flight Path: The day couldn’t have been more beautiful. It was early October, but it was 70 degrees and sunny. When we exchanged rings, two Canadian geese flew overhead, which was pretty spectacular because Canadian geese are together for life.
Loving Memory: My mom and Shammas’ close aunt Mary lit a candle for Shammas’ mom, which was really special. … The ring bearer’s pillow, my mom made out of a blue skirt Shammas’ mom wore in aunt Mary’s wedding.
Musical Moments: We had musicians from the Akron Symphony Orchestra who played at our ceremony. They did a phenomenal job. … At the reception, a friend of mine came in from New Jersey, and she sang “La Vie En Rose” with Tommy Lehman playing it on trumpet in the style of Louis Armstrong. … We danced onstage. I’ve never felt more beautiful.
Joyous Spark: I had this huge rush of adrenaline. … I felt like I was almost floating, like my feet weren’t even on the ground. Once I was there with Shammas, I felt grounded. I felt a little more of a sense of calm. I was so elated.
From The Groom
First Glance: The moment I saw her — it took my breath away. She looked so beautiful and elegant, just radiant. … She was so happy. She has this emanating energy.
River’s Edge: Even though we were there with family, it really felt like it was just the two of us along this beautiful river bend. We think a lot that we’ll be able to go back there anytime and be able to recapture that moment.
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Photo by Shane Wynn
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