dailynewsnblog
On a Thursday afternoon at just after 3:30 p.m., Michael and Parker were married at St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church on 22nd Street and 7th Avenue. I couldn’t tell you their last names. Because—even though I was sitting in the first pew at their wedding–I’d never met them before. Most of the 360 guests gathered there hadn’t either.
The mystery grooms wore matching organza pussy bow shirts, one in white and another in black. They recited their own vows. “You are my best friend, my comfort zone, the person I feel safest with, and the only person I can truly be myself with,” Michael told Parker. “I promise to believe in your dreams and support you in chasing every single one of them. Just like you sort of do for me when I say I want to be on Broadway or win Drag Race—despite the minor fact that I can’t act, dance, or sing. I just really love attention, which is why this is happening.”
“This” was the surprise wedding ceremony, organized by Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell of Tanner Fletcher. Earlier this month, the New York designers sent out invites for their bridal fashion show. For the first 20 minutes, it was a standard-issue show: the duo sent 30 looks down the aisle-turned-runway, including a sequined toile suit, a black and white lace ballgown complete with a petticoat, and a t-shirt that said “Hitched” which they paired with jeans. One model wore a blazer accented with handmade rosettes. Another wore a 1930s style wedding dress with long sleeves and lace paneling. (Richie spied a similar garment while thrifting in his home state of Wisconsin and decided to make his own.)
Some women wore suits. Some men wore dresses. The last two models who walked out weren’t models at all—but the real life couple, Michael and Parker, that Tanner Fletcher had found with help from Tinder. After their appointed officiant, fashion illustrator Anjelica Hicks, pronounced them officially wed, The Late Show Gospel Choir came out of the wings singing “Going to the Chapel.” I turned to the person next to me. She was crying.
Most bridal lines or collections focus on brides. There’s a practical reason for that. Most men marry in a suit or tuxedo—which can be worn for many other occasions besides weddings. Women, however, marry in a formal white gown—something they’re taught early on in life is really only meant for one occasion…their wedding.
