Love for community work brought Jenée Lollise Moore and Gerald Siafa Padmore, who are set to wed this Saturday at the Dunbarton Chapel at Howard University, with a reception that will follow at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
Jenée, 29, is currently a student at Howard University. She graduated from East Carolina University in 2006 and is the daughter of Brenda and Mark Moore, a retired nurse and retired CFO, respectively. Gerald, 40, is an entrepreneur who graduated from Radford University in 1997. He is the son of Trypetus Cooper Padmore, founder of Hinds Feet Ministries, and Gerald Padmore, an attorney.
The couple, who are both passionate about “giving back,” met during a general-body meeting of Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network (YPN)—an organization that fosters young professional development, social consciousness, and civic involvement. Gerald, the president of the organization, was instantly drawn to Jenée, who, during her first meeting volunteered to help with YPN’s Twitter account. “The way she joined right in and was up-front with everyone was amazing. I then felt a feeling of peace, and I knew she was special,” says Gerald.
“His aura was powerful. He captured everyone’s attention at the meeting, and I immediately felt comfortable in his presence,” says Jenée. As it turned out, the couple lived around the corner from each other, and a carpool ride home from the event turned into the first of many dates to come. When they aren’t working on community outreach, they spend their free time exploring Washington’s booming restaurant scene and taking walks in Old Town Alexandria.
When it came to wedding planning, the couple agrees that their favorite part has been working with Events by André Wells. “They have the most incredible vision, and they are truly enjoyable to work with. They aren’t just our planners; they are part of our family. It’s fun to watch our ideas take shape and then soar beyond our dreams,” says the groom. “We are additionally thrilled by the willingness of Jenée’s parents to provide such a wonderfully memorable wedding for us. We are truly blessed!”
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