Two fan-favorite faces from the small screen have made it official.
Power Book II: Ghost star LaToya Tonodeo and Found actor Arlen Escarpeta tied the knot on June 29 in an intimate, unplugged ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in California. The couple, who have kept their relationship low-key for years, exchanged vows in front of 48 guests—with the ocean as their backdrop and their dog dressed to the nines.
This marks not just the beginning of their marriage, but also a new creative chapter together. The newlyweds are collaborating on a short film inspired by their own journey, currently in development.
Tonodeo, known for playing Diana Tejada on Power Book II: Ghost and Tara Byrd on The Oath, met Escarpeta—who portrayed Damon Byrd on The Oath, adult JG in David Makes Man, and Zeke Wallace on Found—through mutual friends in Los Angeles. They first connected over shared experiences in the acting industry, but it wasn’t until their paths crossed again that a friendship naturally evolved into something more.
Their first date—though neither of them called it that at the time—was a casual workout at the gym. That early bond grew quickly. Both cite each other’s values, integrity, and grounding presence as key reasons they fell in love.
On New Year’s Eve, Escarpeta surprised Tonodeo with a proposal. What she thought was a wrap party for David Makes Man turned into a heartfelt engagement surrounded by friends and family.
For their wedding day, Tonodeo wore a show-stopping Nicole + Felicia Couture ballgown—a choice that surprised even her. She originally envisioned a fitted dress but ultimately embraced a regal silhouette that made her feel like a princess. Escarpeta worked with costumer Fernando Legadoé and fashion designer Octavius Terry to create a one-of-a-kind brown tuxedo that perfectly captured his style.
The couple honored tradition by jumping the broom and made the day fully unplugged, opting for presence over posts. They’ve always kept their relationship off social media, not out of strategy, but because it simply reflects who they are.
With the help of Lucky Day Events, they brought their oceanside wedding vision to life. Every detail, from the color palette to the layout, was designed to reflect their love—grounded, elegant, and deeply personal.
While they plan to host a larger celebration with their castmates and industry friends, their wedding day felt complete as it was. A private joy made public, now shared in this Essence exclusive.
From co-stars to co-creators to life partners, LaToya and Arlen are stepping into this next chapter side by side—on screen and off.