Etienne Maurice, the multi-talented son of the Abbott Elementary star, tied the knot with ABC News journalist Stephanie Wash on Saturday, July 6. The couple, who got engaged in the summer of 2023, exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in Jamaica, surrounded by family and friends.
“I am so blessed and happy to see my son find and marry such a smart and beautiful partner who has added so much to his life. It fills my heart with overwhelming joy and happiness,” Ralph exclusively tells PEOPLE. “It is as if all the love and good vibes in the world have come together in this spectacular moment, blessing their union with boundless hope and endless possibilities. And grandchildren too!”
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Stephanie Wash, an Emmy-winning TV producer, has worked on notable shows including 20/20 and Soul of a Nation. Etienne Maurice is a filmmaker, actor, and philanthropist who founded WalkGood LA, a community wellness organization led by Black and Brown individuals.
The romantic ceremony took place just days after Hurricane Beryl was expected to hit Jamaica. On July 2, Ralph posted a video on X (formerly known as Twitter), asking for prayers as the island prepared for the Category 4 storm.
“From the looks of the sky, it looks like Beryl is gonna be here much sooner than the news keeps saying,” Ralph, 67, said while looking out a window. “It’s very calm here in Jamaica, the sky is so beautifully clear. And they said that the sea looked like glass today.”
Despite the impending storm, the couple did not plan to delay or postpone the wedding.
Ralph tells PEOPLE magazine: “I’m still in awe how 300 people from around the globe made it through a hurricane, didn’t give up, and showed up for this spectacular celebration of love. What a story for my grandchildren!”
Some attendees arrived just hours before the ceremony began at 5 p.m. local time, after their flights were initially canceled due to the hurricane. Guests enjoyed an authentic Jamaican experience and a culinary feast by Alex D’Great. The reception continued until 3 am, with DJ Courtney and DJ Yannick Jones providing the
music .
Notable guests included Wash’s aunt, The Young and the Restless actress Victoria Rowell, Lynn Whitfield, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Chef Alexander Smalls, ABC News national correspondent Steve Osunsami, Emmy-winning casting director Robi Reed and P-Valley breakout Brandee Evans were also in attendance.
