Tom And Donna: The Wildest, Wettest Wedding Ever! - Tom Joyner; Donna Richardson

Ebony, Oct, 2000 by Lynn Norment

National radio personality TOM JOYNER and fitness guru DONNA RICHARDSON plunge into matrimony in elaborate ceremony in Jamaica

EXTREME heat and humidity did not dampen the spirits of Tom Joyner and Donna Richardson as they took the plunge into matrimony. The nationally known radio personality and his fitness-guru bride jumped the broom and literally dove into the Caribbean Sea at Montego Bay, Jamaica, during their unusual, one-of-a-kind, wet and wild wedding ceremony.

Quite befitting for Joyner, who has been a force in the radio industry for more than 20 years, it was a well-produced event that pulsated with great music and offered a congenial, fun party atmosphere.

With 300 family members and friends as witnesses, the "fly-jock," a self-proclaimed party animal who favors oldies music, literally danced down the aisle in a white linen Beroni tuxedo to Heat Wave's "Always and Forever." His best man, brother Albert Joyner, grooved alongside him.

A few minutes later, a radiant Richardson was escorted down the cloth-covered aisle scattered with fuchsia bougainvillea petals by her brother, Chester Chichester. She was beautifully attired in a two-piece, halter-top gown of English net, hand-embroidered with pastel flowers, designed by Robert Legere of New York. The midriff halter-top showcased Richardson's firmly toned abs and upper biceps. The gown's fitted drop waist cascaded into a full, gathered, ankle-length skirt.

Tom and Donna, who met in 1997 after she was featured on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, had said their nuptials would not be traditional, and that point was emphasized in a number of ways, including the bride's ensemble, which had neither train nor veil.

Popular inspirational author and speaker Iyanla Vanzant presided over the ceremony, which was set on the scenic lawn of the Royal Pavilion at the exclusive Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay. Though the "sunset" ceremony took place at 5 p.m., a blazing tropical sun continued to sizzle during what turned out to be one of the hottest and most humid days of the Jamaican summer.

To the delight of the guests, all dressed in white and waving bamboo fans, Charlie Wilson of the Gap Band sang his new single, "Without You," prior to the nuptials; and during the ceremony Gladys Knight serenaded the couple with the moving "From This Moment." Before she sang, Knight graciously said: "I am really honored to have been called your girl for over 20 years, Tom. I'm glad you found the true love of your life in my Sister, Donna." All Joyner listeners are familiar with his long-running routine in which he proclaims his love for Knight.

Bootsy Collins, decked out in characteristic flamboyant attire, said, "This is what Tom is saying to Donna right about now," before he launched into an ebullient take on his Bootsy's Rubber Band hit, "I'd Rather Be With You."

Among the guests enjoying the festivities were Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell; Black Enterprise Publisher Earl Graves and his wife, Barbara; William H. Gray III, president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (which the Tom Joyner Foundation generously supports) and his wife, Andrea; Traug Keller, president of ABC Radio Networks; Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter/disc jockey Steve (Silk) Hurley and his wife, Toni; and comedians George Wallace and Michael Colyar.

After the couple said "I do" and shared a long, passionate kiss, Charlie Wilson, singing the Gap Band's anthem, "Party Train," led the couple and their guests in a dance line to the nearby beach. With the music still pumping, the newlyweds were circled by attendants with canvas sheets as they shed their tuxedo and gown before re-emerging in swim trunks and bikini. Tom and Donna continued to party and eventually danced into the sea, took the plunge and swam to a speedboat that whisked them away.

A couple of hours later, the glowing couple resurfaced at the festive reception, held at the Half Moon Conference Centre. The bride had changed into another Legere gown--a white strapless sheath of diagonal bands of satin trimmed with hand-embroidered lace.

Another of the couple's favorite artists, the O'Jays, performed a rousing set, with the untiring Joyner dancing and performing onstage with them. Then he and Richardson took to the floor and danced with each other and with their guests, who were feasting on roulade chicken with jerk sauce, jumbo shrimp, roast beef, pasta, Caesar salad, fried polenta with mushrooms, fish and vegetable tempura, ham and cheese quiche, and corn bread. Champagne, wine, other spirits and bottled water flowed generously. The five-tiered, heart-shaped wedding cake was iced in white frosting and decorated with pink flowers. (The festivities were coordinated by Millicent Finney and Diane White of the Finney & White Group of Dallas.)

After partying for several hours, the couple literally danced out of the reception hall and on to their waiting limousine. The next day they jetted off to Venice, Italy, for a week-long, romantic honeymoon.