Colby Muhammad of Beyond the Gates Marries Filmmaker Keith Lamar Nixon at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia (Muna Exclusive)

Rising star Colby Muhammad made her debut as Katherine “Kat” Richardson on CBS’s Beyond the Gates on February 24, 2025. The show makes history as the first one-hour Black soap opera to air on television and the first new soap to premiere on a major broadcast network in over 25 years. 

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d end up on a show so soon after graduating,” she says of booking Beyond the Gates. “I’m particularly proud to be on a show that showcases so many facets of Black life and culture in a genre that has historically underrepresented Black and Brown people.”

Colby’s character, Kat Richardson, is a fan favorite: headstrong, intuitive, quick-witted, and fiercely loyal to her family. “She’s sometimes described as entitled and is often called ‘Kat the Brat’ or ‘Kitty Kat Brat’… [but] I see her as a strong Black woman who is unafraid to speak her mind,” Colby explains. “Her flaws are what make her the perfectly imperfect person she is. We don’t often see this kind of character, this fleshed out, on TV. That’s exciting to me!”

As a lifelong performer and storyteller, Colby recognizes the power of representation, especially in a genre like daytime drama. “Beyond the Gates has fresh storylines with heavy drama and mess, while also showcasing a side of Black culture that is not often seen on television, especially in soap operas,” she says. “Television and film shape the narratives we tell ourselves… I hope that Beyond the Gates does for viewers what The Lion King on Broadway did for me. That people will watch the show and say I can do that, too.”

Just four months after the show’s premiere, on June 21, she celebrated another major milestone: marrying the love of her life, filmmaker Keith Lamar Nixon, in a stunning wedding weekend at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Their wedding style was modern and timeless, with Colby wearing two gowns from Brocade Bridal and Keith sporting classic custom blazers from Harrell’s Menswear. They even kicked off the festivities with an intimate boat cruise for 50 guests the night before.  

“It was easily the best weekend of my life,” Colby shares. 

Known for her breakout role, her infectious TikToks with castmates, and radiant energy, Colby is also an outspoken advocate for those living with Lupus—a chronic autoimmune disease she manages daily while filming Beyond the Gates.

“When I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2018, I realized that being the hardest worker in the room means nothing if you’re not taking care of your health—physical and mental,” she explains. “Be a hard worker, but be a hard worker who has boundaries… fight for rest, peace, and tranquility in the midst of your journey.”

That perspective made the couple’s celebration all the more meaningful. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Beyond the Gates castmates, their wedding was a true testament to love, faith, resilience, and health.

Colby and Keith’s love story began in the freshman hallway of Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology in Petersburg, Virginia. 

“We called each other locker buddies because they assigned lockers alphabetically,” Colby recalls. “His last name is Nixon, and mine is Muhammad, so our lockers were right next to each other throughout high school—we even went to junior prom together!” 

At the time, Cobly assumed they went to prom as “just friends.” Little did she know, Keith was already in love with her. 

“In a lot of ways, I think this served as a precursor for what would come,” Keith shares. “Many of our wedding songs came from our time together that night. Nevertheless, we remained an arm’s length apart. We ‘spun the block’ in 2015, but the timing wasn’t quite right.”

It wasn’t until 2018 that fate brought them back together—this time at Howard University, where Keith was a graduate film student. “I needed an actress,” he says, “and Colby was the first and only person who came to mind.”

“I drove to D.C., starred in his film, and the rest was history,” Colby adds. “Well, the rest was history after I looked up our zodiac charts on CoStar and saw that we were 100% compatible–haha! From there, it was dinner dates, museum visits, and of course, when two film artists get together, it means watching a lot of movies.”

They say “when you know, you know,” and for Keith, a proposal was on his mind.

But following a challenging 2019-2020 and much soul-searching, the couple committed to their respective crafts. In 2021, they moved to the West Coast together–Colby to pursue her MFA in Acting at the University of California, San Diego, and Keith to study Cinematography at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.

“This was the closest to long-distance we’d been to this point in our still-budding relationship,” Keith shares. “We wanted to approach it delicately. My program was two years, and Colby’s was three. But I always maintained that I would like to propose once we completed our studies.”

Keith set his sights on March 26, 2024, five years to the day they made things official. 

After asking Colby’s parents for her hand in marriage, he proposed during an unforgettable week in New York City, right after Colby’s graduation and signing with her first agent. The hotel room was filled with millions of rose petals and candles—none of which were lit.

“I giggled because it didn’t matter. It was perfectly imperfect,” Colby recalls. “…I said yes (well, more like screamed yes while jumping up and down).”   

One year later, they were married! From their spiritual ceremony honoring both of their families’ faith traditions to a reception filled with joy, dancing, and deeply personal touches, their wedding was a celebration of love, legacy, and Black artistry. 

Keep scrolling for all the details of Colby and Keith’s love story and gorgeous wedding weekend in this exclusive MunaLuchi Bride interview.

---

• Full names of the couple: Colby Natasha Muhammad & Keith Lamar Nixon Jr
• Occupations: Colby is an Actress, and Keith is a Filmmaker 
• Wedding date: June 21, 2025
• Wedding location: Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA
• Photographer: Perri Leigh Photography 

The proposal…

Colby: I had just graduated from graduate school at the University of California, San Diego. I already had a trip planned to New York to meet with potential agents and managers.

Keith and I typically tag along on each other’s business trips when schedules permit. Plus, it was the week of our 5th anniversary, so we thought New York would be the perfect city to celebrate our milestone anniversary. 

I had two meetings that day, and afterward he planned a dinner at an Italian restaurant, my favorite cuisine. Unfortunately, that meeting ran over, and he was waiting for me at a small yet fancy Italian spot. They didn’t allow you inside unless the whole party was there. So my poor boyfriend was standing outside waiting for me, in the cold, as I booked it to the restaurant. Oddly enough, he was still in a great mood, smiling widely through chattering teeth. 

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel. We get to our room, and he tells me to wait outside. So I’m standing in the hallway, our leftovers in hand as it starts to dawn on me–he’s about to propose. He finally opens the door after a couple of minutes, and there are a million white rose petals and candles. All completely unlit. Apparently, he didn’t think about the fact that he had to pull all the wicks up and had to light all of those candles. LOL. 

Each section of candles was significant. Five candles in one section, signifying how many years we were together. 3 candles in another section, my favorite number. So on and so forth. I couldn’t do anything but laugh because it was so thoughtful and sweet, he just couldn’t get those stinking candles lit!! 

I giggled because it didn’t matter. It was perfectly imperfect. He then got down on one knee, gave a beautiful speech, and asked me to marry him. Obviously, I said yes (well, more like screamed yes while jumping up and down).

Keith: Colby and I relocated to the West Coast in 2021. Truth be told, I probably would have proposed sooner if not for this. They say, “When you know, you know.” 

Fast forward to 2023, and I found myself living in San Diego as Colby wrapped up at UCSD. I graduated during the WGA/DGA Strike, and I had gotten into teaching at the collegiate level. I was blessed to get an opportunity for employment at UCSD, and Colby was due to graduate in March 2024. So I figured I would buy my time. I intended to propose Christmas 2023, but money, you know? Anyway, I set my sights on March 26, 2024, five years to the day we made it official in 2019.

Funny enough, the week of the 26th may have been one of the most significant weeks in Colby’s life. She graduated from UCSD on March 23rd. Her family was in town, so I coordinated with her parents for dinner, at which point I asked them for Colby’s hand in marriage. Much to my relief, they said yes (Love you, Mom and Cee!).

After graduation, Colby scheduled meetings with talent reps in NYC. She would sign with her agent, Danielle DeLawder, the same week. Three milestones in one week. Told you she’s a star. But I digress.

We hopped on a flight on Monday, March 25. As I packed, I tucked the engagement ring in the inner pocket of my jacket for safekeeping. I don’t think I removed it until I proposed; the small wooden box was a constant, subtle reminder of the weight of the moment about to unfold.

On Tuesday, the 26th, Colby scheduled a number of meetings with managers and agents throughout the city. Coincidentally, our hotel happened to be in the flower district. I used my free time during the day to grab decorative elements: flower bouquets, rose petals, candles, etc. After decorating the room, I caught an Uber to Emilio’s Ballato around 4:45 pm because they don’t take reservations and the restaurant fills quickly. The restaurant only admits parties with all guests present. I waited in line as I awaited Colby’s arrival, but as fate would have it, her meeting ran over and I had to give up my spot. She arrived soon after, and we fell back in line. For anyone who knows us, Colby LOVES spaghetti, and food is my love language. We enjoyed a wonderful Italian meal with the engagement ring close to my heart.

I’ve always found it curious that Colby doesn’t like to be the center of attention, not that I expect she would. But I think the assumption is that someone who acts for a living would be comfortable with all eyes on them. That is not the case with Colby. She briefly mentioned a proposal with our closest family members, but she typically maintained she wanted a private proposal, and I wanted to honor that. I asked her to be my girlfriend on a quiet, intimate Tuesday evening in Richmond in 2019. I hoped to ask for her hand in marriage in a similar quiet way on a Tuesday evening in NYC, the city where Colby was born.

We caught an Uber back to the decorated hotel room. I kind of tipped my hat when we got to the room when I asked Colby to wait at the door, at which point I think she became suspicious. Initially, I intended to light the candles, which did not at all go according to plan. I strategically placed candles according to our favorite and most meaningful numbers: 8, 24, 3, 5, 12. The candles totalled 52. There was no way they would remain lit, not to mention it was a fire hazard and possibly illegal. So I relented and had Colby come in. I had her sit on the bed as I gave my speech before asking for her hand. I don’t remember most of what I said, but one thing in particular stays with me:

I feel like you’ve always been in my life. I’m hard-pressed to remember a life before you. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life without you.

She said yes, and we lit the candles together as I explained the significance of the decorations.

Describe your wedding attire. What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?

Colby: My dress shopping experience was complicated.

I had to move to Atlanta suddenly. I booked Beyond the Gates on October 5, and two weeks later, I was living in Atlanta. Keith was still teaching and couldn’t just quit his job on a whim. I spent much of my first several months in Georgia alone. On top of that, my only living grandfather entered the hospital suddenly with pneumonia from kidney disease. I would fly or drive back home to Virginia, my mother and I would head to the hospital, leave for a wedding dress appointment, and then head back to the hospital. 

Wedding Dress shopping was one of our only sources of joy at the time. It was an opportunity to take a break from being at the hospital or thinking about my 92-year-old grandfather’s mortality. It was an opportunity for my mom and me to live in the moment together and squeal over which dress was the prettiest. We visited about three shops and landed on two gowns from Brocade Bridal. 

My wedding gown (Guerdy) was an architectural, asymmetrical ball gown. The layers in the skirt were asymmetrical, adding a stylish and contemporary twist. I thought the gown struck a perfect balance between modern and timeless. My reception gown (Kaye) was an ultra-glam mermaid gown by Iveary. It was adorned with beading, lace, and feathers. It was truly an over-the-top reception gown, perfect for this actress who loves a little drama and flair!

Keith: Contrary to my lengthy responses, I’m actually a “less is more” kind of guy.

Much of my approach to life, particularly my art, is informed by “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” We wanted our wedding to feel classic and timeless, think “Old Hollywood.” We started with roughly five colors but whittled down to mostly black and white with touches of green, mostly accentuated by the floral arrangements.

I had the privilege of working with H David Harrell of Dapper 7 and Harrell’s Menswear. It was one of the most fruitful collaborations I’ve been privileged to be a part of. Dave is knowledgeable and skilled, but most importantly, kind and easy to work with. My father and I worked with Dave to land on our respective looks as well as for the groomsmen’s timeless black suit, white shirt, black bowtie look.

I opted for a white double-breasted dinner jacket with black tuxedo pants for the ceremony and a matching black double-breasted tuxedo jacket for the reception, a surprise to Colby. I wanted to implement subtle details as nods to significant moments and shared memories.

White Blazer

• 06/21/25 Inner Breast Pocket Embroidery to commemorate our wedding day and our new anniversary.
• 8:24
  • My mother’s birthday was 01/24
  • My father’s birthday is 04/08
  • My sister’s birthday is 03/16 (24-8)
  • My parents were married on 08/24/91
  • 08/24 – Mamba Mentality; RIP Kobe
  • Colby’s favorite number is 03 (24/8)
• Cufflinks with my mother’s portrait
• A pin with my mother’s portrait, gifted by my Best Men to keep her close to my heart
• A brooch belonging to my maternal grandmother

Black Blazer

• A nod to our Junior Prom night
• Red handkerchief, a subtle nod to our prom colors: red, black, & white
• I also wore socks with Colby’s face and hearts, a gag gift from 2020, to the reception.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? 

Colby: I grew up in a Christian and Muslim household.

My mother is Christian, and my father is Muslim. Keith grew up in a Pentecostal Christian household. It was incredibly important to us that both parts of both of our families were represented. 

We chose my cousin, Jalil Muhammad, to officiate our wedding because he’s well-versed in the readings of the Quran and the Bible. He quoted both during his officiant speech, then ended it with a prayer. Keith’s father, an ordained Christian minister, said the final prayer of the ceremony. Finally, Clifton Davis, my grandfather on Beyond the Gates, said a prayer over the food at the reception.

My grandfather, Aubrey Bragg, was not at our wedding. Unfortunately, we lost him on Keith’s birthday, January 31, 2025. We were very close. He was my last living grandfather, and he was practically my third parent, consistently present in my whole life. Needless to say, not having him at my wedding was devastating and unimaginable. He wasn’t there to give me away, to tell jokes about me always being late for high school during his toast, or to pray over our marriage. 

Having Clifton Davis, “my surrogate grandfather,” be a part of my day after losing someone so important meant everything to have him step in.

It’s funny because Aubrey Bragg and Clifton Davis could not be more different. My grandfather was fussy, sarcastic, and cursed like a sailor. Mr. Davis is cheery, warm, and sings showtunes in the hair and make-up room. They are total opposites, but what they have in common is that they meet people at face value and treat people with love and respect.

Since I met him, Davis has made me laugh with his stories, given me advice when I needed it, and made us all smile playing the piano and singing. He felt like a grandfather, maybe not my grandfather, but a grandfather figure for me. I’ve actually never told Mr. Davis this, but at a time when I was losing one of my favorite people in the world, just his presence made a world of a difference, so having him pray over me, my union, and bless the food for all my guests was the wedding gift I didn’t know I needed.

(Pictured below: Beyond the Gates co-star Clifton Davis says a prayer for the newlyweds, blessing the food at their reception)

Keith: Colby and I take our spirituality and faith walk seriously.

We have the unique privilege of having both Muslim and Christian family members. We wanted to be sure to honor each religion as a show of unity. Prayer is a daily part of our lives together, so we had both Islamic and Christian prayers during our ceremony.

We also jumped the broom, a new tradition to me, but continuing in the tradition of Colby’s mother and stepfather, who married in 2013.

We also Swag Surfed at the reception, a meaningful and intimate Black Millennial tradition lol.

What is your best memory from your wedding?

Colby: The whole weekend was PERFECT! How can I possibly narrow it down to one memory? It was easily the best weekend of my life. 

Friday night was our welcome party/rehearsal dinner. We rented a boat for the evening for about 50 people. It gave some of our closest friends and family an opportunity to meet and mingle before the wedding, and boy, did we have a time! We danced and talked all night. It was an intimate celebration before the big event the following day.

As for our wedding, you should know this about me: I love to dance. I would always tell our planner, I want our wedding to be a party!! So, I went into the wedding day KNOWING my favorite part would be the reception, but I was surprisingly wrong.

My favorite memory was being at the altar with Keith. We had a big wedding, there were around 180 guests, and yet, in that moment, it felt like we were the only two in the room. I loved hearing his vows, watching him react to my vows, and honestly, it’s a miracle I could see anything through all the tears I shed that day. But I can still see every detail of our ceremony. I wish I could relive that moment again and again.

Keith: Our wedding weekend was by far the best weekend of my life.

Colby and I have known each other for 18 years, and I would be lying if I said I hadn’t envisioned our wedding in various forms at different points in the life of our relationship. Our wedding far exceeded any of those expectations. 

The Welcome Party was a wonderful start to the weekend, the Ceremony was beautiful beyond my wildest dreams, and the Reception, although overwhelming, was the perfect cap to the day. The speeches and toasts were lovely, the cake was delicious, and the weather was perfect. I still get full thinking about so many people from all walks of our lives, respectively and together, gathered under one roof. What I wouldn’t give to feel that again. 

All that being said, my best memory was spending the night at Colby’s side. I never had any doubt I was making the right decision, but seeing her for First Looks affirmed a divinity in that moment. Seeing her walk down the aisle is forever etched in my mind. Her Vows stirred my emotions. My best memory is knowing I held the hands of the love of my life at the altar, and we committed to each other for the rest of our lives.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?

Colby: Just remember that, it’s YOUR day. You and your spouse. YOURS.

Make your decisions together for your wedding day. Don’t be afraid to speak up if it’s against your vision. Don’t be afraid to say no to your dad’s cousin twice removed that you hadn’t seen since you were three. Ultimately, don’t be afraid to make a decision as a couple and stand on it. On the day, remember to breathe, be as present as you can, and stay together as much as you can so that you can build memories as a couple from that night.

Keith: Wedding Planning: Talk, talk, talk. Leave no stone unturned.

The great philosopher Shawn Carter, better known as “Jay-Z,” once said, “Everything is as easy as a conversation or as difficult as the silence.” Communication is key. Don’t assume. Talk it through. 

Early in our planning, my father told me, “Come to an agreement as one and once you’ve done so, present as a united front.”

Day of: Be present. It’s a lot, but take it all in as best you can. And hydrate, fuel, and refuel.

Just for Colby… 

In today’s crowded entertainment landscape, why do you think soap operas still matter, and how does Beyond the Gates bring something fresh to the genre? 

Growing up, I read book series. My favorite was the Twilight series. I loved watching The Cosby Show. There’s something about being able to follow characters long-term. In a way, it’s psychology, learning about the human psyche through all the ups and downs, through all their changes. I believe that’s what soap operas bring to viewers.

In a world where there are only 5-10 episodes a season and then you have to wait at least a year for another set of 5-10 episodes, Soap Operas give people the opportunity to relish in the consistency and longevity. There’s a comfort in knowing what to expect at 2 pm EST, Monday through Friday, every single week. There’s a comfort in knowing these characters so well, but also somehow being surprised by their behavior. 

Beyond the Gates has fresh storylines with heavy drama and mess, while also showcasing a side of Black culture that is not often seen on television, especially in soap operas.

The first time I believed I could be a performer was when I saw The Lion King on Broadway. It was life-changing to see so many Black and Brown children my age performing at such a high level. This is why representation matters. Television and film shape the narratives we tell ourselves, and they influence public opinion.

We now have a show that comes on five times a week that showcases powerful, wealthy Black Americans who love each other and fight for the stability of their families. People need to see this. I hope that Beyond the Gates does for viewers of all ages and all races what The Lion King did for me. That people will watch the show and say I can do that, too. I can be not just an actor, but a doctor, a lawyer, a philanthropist, or anything or anyone they want to be. 

As a rising star, what message do you hope to send to other young women, especially women of color, pursuing a career in acting? Any advice you would share from your journey so far?

I’ve always believed that “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work”- Tim Notke. 

Work ethic is something I’ve always taken very seriously. I’ve worked a million jobs. I’ve worked at Red Lobster, Walgreens, Wells Fargo (the list goes on and on, haha), while also juggling acting in local plays, auditioning, and teaching dance to kids. I got my bachelor’s degree, my master’s degree, and taught as a college professor. 

Yes, a strong work ethic can help you stand out. Yes, a strong work ethic may make you a better artist. But, when I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2018, I realized that being the hardest worker in the room means nothing if you’re not taking care of your health–physical and mental. 

So my advice is: be a hard worker, but be a hard worker who has boundaries.

Be someone who takes breaks when you need them. Be someone who says no sometimes, because the reality is that people believe Black women are strong. We are. Sure. But we can also be soft, exhausted, and in pain. That’s okay, too. I know sometimes it feels like if we drop the ball for a second, we’ll lose everything, but if we lose everything because of one off day, then it was never really ours to begin with. So, I encourage Black women and women of color pursuing a career in acting, or any career at all, to fight for rest, peace, and tranquility in the midst of their journey.

What does it mean to you to be celebrated on a platform like MunaLuchi that uplifts Black love, style, and culture?

I’m incredibly passionate about Black representation. There are very few things that are more important to me than seeing and showcasing Black culture. Being featured on MunaLuchi Bride is a dream come true. Platforms such as MunaLuchi are not only a blessing but a necessity. Keith and my story, while unique to us, can hopefully encourage others to explore and share their love stories. MunaLuchi makes space for these stories that hopefully inspire a commitment to Black love, style, and culture.

Looking for more celebrity weddings?

Click here.

Vendors:

• Planning & Logistics: Cargo Creative Designs & Events
• Florist: Poppy Flowers  
• Photographer: Perri Leigh Photography 
• Videographer: The Digital Age Media 
• Catering: Taste Catering & Events 
• DJ: DJ Nobe 
• Photo Booth: The Booth by LoveStream 
• Suit: The Suit Brother 
• Groom’s Barber: Executive Cuts & Styles
• Cocktail Hour Band: Gloria Williams, LLC 
• Cake: Totally Unique Cakes
• Hair: Wankaya Hinkson 
• Bride’s Make-up: Stevie Martin of Symart Makeup 
• Bridesmaid’s Makeup: Myla Young of Myla Young Beauty 
• Lighting: Blue Steel Lighting Design 
• Wedding Gown:  Brocade Wedding Salon