Author’s Note: This article was originally published in the first issue of Brown Gurl Magazine (shout out to Nikki Noble!). You may also find it here. This is STILL one of my favorite pieces…and I’m still waiting for a DVD of this ceremony (or the official stage production, *hint hint* lol)
The Saga Continues:
J. Torae and Their “Chicago Love Story”
By Sandria Washington
Once upon a time there lived a boy and a girl. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. THE END
Okay, so maybe at one time or another we’ve all dreamed of having this perfect storybook romance—complete with a home in the ‘burbs with a white picket fence, the 2.5 kids and a dog— but there is something very wrong with this classic tale. In real life love is filled with many twists and turns hidden beneath layers of trials, triumphs and more trials. If you’re lucky there’s a happy ending and someone special to share it with once it’s all said and done. For most, the challenge of finding love and being love is a bit overwhelming and the ordinary person finds contentment in believing not-so-true, but easy to digest happily ever after stories. Yet, there are those extraordinary people who dare to put in the work to create and live their own story of love. Grammy award winning artists J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae are two such people and on September 4, 2005, they were wed in a uniquely beautiful ceremony they lovingly titled “A Chicago Love Story.”
Before the eyes of God and a room of 500 family and friends the pair not only exchanged vows of forever, but also intimate pieces of themselves through a theatrical/musical play re-enacting their six-year relationship. In approximately two hours wedding guests were transported back in time to the downtown Chicago nightclub where the bride and groom begin their story, taken through the courtship and giddiness of new love, the uncertainties of maturing love, the resolution to fight for love and brought full circle back to present time, where the story’s finale was the actual wedding ceremony. The scripted play, written by the bride and groom, featured Ivy and Torae portraying themselves and a supporting cast that included the original individuals who took part in creating some of the real-life moments from their relationship. Sounds intense, and trust me when I tell you that it was. After all, what could be more intense than the power of real love?
I knew I was in for something truly special even before I arrived at Chicago’s historic Parkway Ballroom that seasonably warm September afternoon. Those familiar with their history know J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae are two extremely passionate people when it comes to sharing their talents and for them their art is a reflective imitation of life. James “J. Ivy” Richardson II is one of Chi-town’s favorite native sons and he is respected and admired around the world as a poet, writer, performer and pioneering spoken word artist. Most notably, his soul-infused, raw wordplay has inspired viewers of Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Poetry Jam for multiple seasons and listeners of Kanye West’s The College Dropout, for which J. Ivy shares a Grammy win for his contributions on the track “Never Let Me Down.”
Equally accomplished is the lovely singer/songwriter Tarrey Torae (Nalls) Richardson. Upon first glance you may be slightly uncertain about the correct pronunciation, but with one listen her unyielding vocals will grip you and the name Tarrey Torae is one that you won’t forget. “Chicago’s Sweetheart of R & B Soul” as many call her is the former lead singer of the band, SoulFedd, and is a four-time winner of New York City’s Apollo Amateur Night competition. Tarrey’s impressive vocal range and songwriting abilities have garnered a great deal of mainstream attention as of late, winning her first Grammy for her collaboration on Kanye West’s The College Dropout where she is the featured soloist on the track “Family Business.” Her melodic voice is also featured on my (and Oprah’s) favorite song, “Live It Up” on John Legend’s platinum-selling debut CD, Get Lifted.
J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae are two artists who continuously give their all professionally and push the boundaries in their given crafts, so I anticipated that their wedding—this joining of two incredibly creative and gifted talents—would have their signature stamp of creativity all over it. However, I was not prepared for the event I witnessed that fateful day and the many blessings that I would walk away with.
Prior to the main event guests signed the couple’s guestbook and were treated to a Gold Carpet introduction, where each person had their name announced upon entering the ballroom along with a photo taken, and a light reception. I only knew of handful of people there, but immediately I felt welcomed and comfortable. As everyone mingled and got better acquainted, jazz ensemble ZZaje was on hand providing their soulful sounds and the atmosphere was joyful. Soon, the cozy space swelled to standing-room only and the feature presentation began. Like everyone else that gathered in the ballroom that afternoon I entered as a wedding guest, but at the ceremony’s commencement my role changed from guest to audience member enjoying a night out at Rituals Night Club circa 1999. Miss Tarrey Torae and her two girlfriends are also among the crowd eager to hear some good poetry.
Me on the White Carpet entering the ceremony
The talent this night features Malik Yusef, a hometown favorite, Ugochi and some cat I haven’t seen before—J. Ivy. If looks could kill someone should call the coroner for this brother because he is drop dead gorgeous! He takes the stage and seconds into his piece titled “Dear Father” I am floored. My mind is racing trying to keep up with the verbal arrows J. is slinging methodically at my heart. The man on stage now is not a performer or entertainer; he is a man/boy reaching out to his deceased father. I feel the pain in his voice as he recounts his childhood and the void left by a man who shares his genetic code. Now I am thinking about my father. I am crying. This is getting to be too much and just when I think my emotions can’t take anymore, J’s poem crescendos to a hopeful resolution and the crowd is ecstatic. I say a silent prayer of forgiveness to my father and clap until my hands hurt. The gentleman next to me, who for whatever reason has been compelled to flirt with me the entire night, offers me a Kleenex to wipe my tears. I politely decline the tissue. Afterwards, I overhear Tarrey chatting with her girlfriends about Mr. J. Ivy. She’s feeling him and knows in her heart that he’s the one. Now, it’s just a matter of J. recognizing that she’s the one.I snap back to the present for a brief moment because now I’m starting to get just how special this day is. I don’t know what all I’m in for, but if it’s anything like the introduction I know it’s going to be deep. The audience not only gets an opportunity to witness the unfolding of this budding relationship, but we’re made to feel like an actual part of the history. Dorothy’s whirlwind trip from Kansas to Oz has nothing on this.
J. performs "Dear Father"
From here, the audience follows Tarrey Torae back to Rituals, but this time she’s a performer. She’s just coming into her own as a solo performer during this time and is a little shy about hitting the Rituals stage for the first time, but she has no cause for worry. We’re all family here and the crowd welcomes her warmly. Her vocals are strong and there’s no crying in Rituals tonight. Tonight, we’re all feeling good grooving along the waves of Tarrey’s pitch-perfect notes. I make a mental note to ask if she has a CD I can pick up, a little sampler or some snippets—anything—because this is sounding hot. But I’m not the only one captivated by this songstress. J. Ivy is standing by and the same attraction Tarrey felt has just hit him.
The typically shy Ivy has to approach her and the audience is treated to a good laugh at his awkwardly sincere “rap” (or lack thereof). At this first encounter Tarrey set the tone of how she expected to be treated as a woman. She was not going to be the one to call him. He was going to need to put in work. [It was at this scene that I wanted to yell out “Message!” because oftentimes young women don’t place enough value on their worth and instead, accept mediocrity from potential suitors.] J. Ivy redeems his cool points when he leaves Tarrey a heartfelt, poetic voicemail message that sends shivers straights to her heart. Does she call J. back immediately? Of course not! She calls up her best girlfriend to share the scoop. I’m completely caught up in this new romance along with the characters.The audience journeys through time with J. and Tarrey as they progress from friends, to best friends, to a couple and to business partners. We follow the dynamic duo as they move and put down roots in Nashville. In the midst of new opportunities arise challenges that test the faith they have in themselves and each other. Away from family and friends in their home of Chicago, J. and Tarrey only have themselves to rely on for unconditional support. Not to mention, their careers are changing and they’re changing individually. Little things spark big arguments. Tarrey is silent. J. plays his video games. It seems so much easier to ignore…or walk away. The audience is on the outside looking in, inwardly pleading for neither of them to be foolish enough to give up now. Love can work through anything. Maybe the read our thoughts (can’t give love all the credit, can I?) or simply came to their senses on their own, but after a brief break up they commit themselves to finishing what they started.
J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae finally get together!
***********
The play is over and I don’t want it to be. I’ve become emotionally attached to the characters J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae and I want to keep watching. Where are they now? What are they doing? I need closure. And then, just as swiftly as I left I’m returned back to a warm September afternoon in 2005 to witness my favorite characters in a regal wedding ceremony. A new chapter in their love story is being written in the present right before my eyes, where the ensuing exchange of vows bridges the gap between the past and future.
The wedding party of nearly 40 participants enters the ballroom dressed in ivory and gold. The groomsmen outline the bottom of the stage and the bridal party fills in the top, together forming a perfectly shaped heart. The visual effect is spectacular. Then, I hear the rhythmic grumblings of a drum and its beat ushers in a group of energetic young ladies who perform a stirring African dance. At this point, I don’t know if my brain can comprehend any more. The energy in the room is electrifying and with all the excitement that has happened up to this point I can’t believe that the best is still yet to come. J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae have more than raised the bar when it comes to putting together a wedding. I ask, Does it really get better than this? It does.
From the back doors, seven of the cutest little young men announce that the groom is coming. J. Ivy, dressed in a hand sewn ivory suit, proceeds down the aisle with his mother, Ms. Pamela Richardson, to the James Brown classic, “It’s a Man’s World.” Once the crowd quiets down from Mr. Richardson’s entrance (you have to call him “Mr.” after that arrival), two angelic flower girls announce the bride. This is the magical moment. Over the speakers Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love” begins to play and Tarrey Torae appears in the doorway with her father, Mr. David E. Nalls. She is absolutely flawless in the ivory gown hand sewn by her mother, Mrs. Patricia Nalls. The combination of wondering what Tarrey must be thinking as she takes that walk to meet her husband and Beyonce’s heart-wrenching voice overwhelms me and I’m crying. Again. But these are pure tears of joy as I watch the bride and groom stand before each other and exchange their vows. I know that this is truly a perfect union.
In hindsight it seems more than obvious given God’s timing for molding their careers and perfecting them individually that J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae had no choice but to have their lives intersect, fall in love and live happily ever after. But what J. and Tarrey dramatically portrayed to a room filled with loving onlookers is that their union comes only after weathering many personal and relational growing pains. To fully understand how they came to where they are and where they’re destined to be, they needed to show where they’ve been. Their love story is a testimony. For those willing to embrace love, even during the trying times, the reward is as sweet as anything that can happen in a storybook.
— THE END
For more information on J. Torae visit:
Sandria M. Washington is a contributing editor and writer for Brown Gurl Magazine. She currently resides in Chicago.
Introducing Mr. and Mrs Richardson!
CHICAGO (April 9, 2009) — In commemoration of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National
