Mary J. Blige's wedding album

Ebony, March, 2004

IN the culmination of one of the entertainment world's most watched and most talked-about courtships, Mary J. Bilge, the "queen of hip-hop soul," finally exchanged wedding vows with her king, music industry insider Kendu Isaacs.

In a small and intimate ceremony (that included no celebrities) at the award-winning singer's New Jersey home, the twosome, who had enjoyed a two-year-plus engagement, stood before a small group of family and friends to say their "I do's" at the somewhat hush-hush December 7 wedding that included "no hoopla" and was officiated by the Rev. Dr. Frederick K.C. Price.

Attendees say the beauty of the ceremony, described as "nice and peaceful," was the lack of pomp and circumstance associated with the long-awaited affair. No paparazzi. NO autograph seekers. No gawkers. No drama. A guest played Here Comes the Bride" on the piano, and Blige's mother, Cora, and Blige's sister. LaTonya, created a menu that included oxtail, barbecued chicken, crab, red rice and salad.

Although Blige didn't want her wedding to be a spectacle, she did want to share it with her fans. So, on these pages is a little peek at a memorable day that was fit for a queen and her king.

At their December wedding, Mary J, Blige and Kendu Isaacs exchanged vows at the singer's home, then posed as man and wife (top, right) before cutting the cake. At right, the couple display their diamond wedding rings.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

After the wedding, the bride and groom are joined (above) by members of the wedding part). The couple (right) strike a pose on their special day.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]