Author Shaka Senghor Marries Chicago Beyond Founder Liz Dozier in 'Intimate' Brentwood Wedding (Exclusive)

The celebration "perfectly represents who we are and the people and things we love most – nature, joy, love, deep friendships," Senghor tells PEOPLE

Liz Dozier and Shaka Senghor are married.

The Chicago Beyond Founder tied the knot with the best selling author on Aug. 8 in front of 40 of their closest family and friends at a private residence in Brentwood, California.

"The west coast is beautiful. Exchanging vows surrounded by the lush greenery, with the golden light of the sun filtering through the trees, creates a serene and intimate atmosphere," Dozier tells PEOPLE.

"The views from the hills are simply breathtaking, with sweeping panoramas of the city below, the Pacific Ocean in the distance, and the iconic California sunset casting a warm, glowing hue over our special day. It’s a place where natural beauty enhances every moment, making our wedding not just a ceremony but an unforgettable celebration of love."

Senghor, who was incarcerated for 19 years and wrote a NYT best seller on his experience, "Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison" and Dozier, an activist, former Principal of Fenger High School and Founder and CEO of Chicago Beyond, an organization focused on social and criminal justice, first met in 2018 at the Kennedy Forum, where they were both speakers.

They reconnected at a Zoom gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic and kept in touch through FaceTime until there was a vaccine available and allowed them to travel to one another.

When it came to planning their nuptials, Senghor, who has appeared on on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, tells PEOPLE, "We wanted a small ceremony that honored the intimate and special moment that this was for us," he says.

The couple focused on "thoughtful, whimsical and naturally wild and romantic" earth tones with pops of yellow, hints of blue, white peach and rust among the greenery featured at their wedding. Charley King- Bluebell Events helped create the botanical space for their wedding.

During the celebration, the pair "chose to honor the ancestors of the past and the dawn of their future together with a jumping of the broom," says Senghor. "The significance of the broom to Black heritage and history originates in the West African country of Ghana during the Transatlantic Slave Trade of the 18th century. As a bride and groom jump, they physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the land of matrimony."

Adds Dozier:  "It also represents great joy and at the same time serves as a reminder of the past. It marks the beginning of making a home together. It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new; the sweeping away of all negative energy, making way for all things that are good to come into your lives."

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The couple opted for handwritten vows for their ceremony. "There's something so deeply personal and meaningful about expressing love in our own words," Senghor says, adding that personal vows have a "profound connection that goes beyond anything a traditional set of vows could capture."

Dozier adds: "We wanted to speak from our hearts and promise our love, commitment, and devotion in a way that’s uniquely ours. Writing our own vows was our way of honoring the deep, beautiful love we share, and making our wedding day even more special and true to who we are."

Dozier chose an elegant and timeless Grace Loves Lace dress for her special day. "I was drawn to this wedding dress because it perfectly captures the essence of how I want to feel," she says. "The way it flows and fits feels like a beautiful extension of my personality, making me feel both confident and radiant."

The couple catered dinner from Carousel and served the meal family-style to " honor the rich heritage and the sense of family and community we've created over time," Senghor says. Guests dined on kebabs, Fattoush Salad and a Mezze spread.

Three deconstructed vegan wedding cakes of marble and chocolate mousse, vanilla and berries and lemon from Joanie and Leigh’s Cakes were served to represent the newlyweds and Senghor's son Sekou becoming one family.

To cap off their celebration, the couple hosted a barbecue for friends and family who traveled in from places such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Among the wedding guests was award winning African American musical artist, Kendall Ramseur who has performed for Oprah, appeared on America’s Got Talent, who played the cello during the celebration.

For Senghor, getting married solidified their bond and made their family complete. Dozier adds: "We have a deep respect and admiration for each other personally and professionally, while also loving our mutual energy of joy."

Reflecting on their nuptials, "It is the physical manifestation of our love in every detail," says Senghor. "It perfectly represents who we are and the people and things we love most – nature, joy, love, deep friendships."

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