Film Industry professionals, Giselle and Raeshon, tied the knot in a modern ethereal wedding in Los Angeles at The Revery.
They began their journey to “I do” on the sidewalks of Howard University where they met while waiting in line for milkshakes at a local sandwich shop. Ironically, they discovered they were heading to the SAME class and both majored in Film. Their shared passions made them fast friends and one year later, they were an official couple.
Following Raeshon’s surprise hot-air balloon proposal, the couple began planning their dream nuptials. Together, Giselle and Raeshon conceptualized a unique wedding day filled with modern decor and personal details including a sentimental ‘In Loving Memory’ table, custom bride and groom cocktails, and custom wedding day looks by The Modern Gent and Danielle Frankel.
Keep scrolling to see all the details of their romantic nuptials!
- Couple: Raeshon Lamont Morris & Kimberly Giselle Johnson
- Occupations: Raeshon – Manager of Events, American Black Film Festival; Giselle – Director of Film, Blackmaled Productions (THE BEST MAN Franchise, GIRLS TRIP)
- Wedding date: November 11, 2023
- Wedding location: Los Angeles, California
Quick Facts:
- What gifts did you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: Raeshon gifted his groomsmen with personalized flasks and I prepared bridesmaids baskets of a candle, a mug, and pajamas.
- Gifts for one another: A week before the wedding, I gifted him with a baroque pearl lapel pin which I handcrafted for him to compliment my baroque pearl drop earrings.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Daydreaming” by Aretha Franklin
- First dance song: “Belong To You” by J Warner
How did you meet?
We met on the sidewalks of Howard University! We both were getting milkshakes at Potbelly’s Sandwich Shop before class. Turns out we were headed to the SAME class (both majored in Film there). We were fast friends and began dating a year later. We swapped “cake” for “milkshakes” for our wedding to pay homage to this special moment.
First look…
What was your proposal like?
Raeshon unexpectedly woke me up at 4 am on a Wednesday! I was due to leave for Serbia for a film production that Friday for a couple of months. Because Raeshon is known for surprises, I thought he was doing something romantic before I left and we’d have to endure the long distance.
When we got in the car, I was confused to see that the ride was going to be over 2 hours long. But, being tired and delusional from the early wake-up call, I went right back to sleep while Raeshon drove.
As we finally pulled into a parking lot, Raeshon announced that we were in “Temecula”. I shrugged my shoulders. “A little early for a wine tasting, but sure” LOL. We joined others in a minivan that started driving further out of the city limits. The driver constantly mentioned key terms like “Pilot” and “landing”. I gasped, “Helicopter ride?”
But, my questions were soon answered when the minivan parked and out the large windows were HOT AIR BALLOONS. So exciting.
And Raeshon upped the ante by booking a “private” ride. We hopped into the balloon and I was totally in awe of the view we were able to enjoy as I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises of my life. However, Raeshon was NOT looking at the view – he was looking at ME! I kept joking with him and told him to stop acting so weird.
After an hour, we began prepping for a landing and Raeshon said, “Giselle, what does that sign say?” I begin looking for the sign but completely miss it – resulting in the hot air balloon pilot having to completely make another loop around the vineyard (oops!).
Raeshon goes, “Can you see now?” I look down from the basket and there in large letters reads, “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” He’ll have to tell you the rest because I blacked out after that, lol.
What was your wedding shopping experience like?
The shopping experience for me was honestly a little difficult. I always knew I wanted something nontraditional for my wedding dress. Growing up, the “mermaid gown” was a go-to, especially for us beautiful Black women with curves. However, I really wanted to challenge the status quo and go in a different direction.
Each shop I was going to was failing to “wow” me with their choices (not to mention I was a Size 12 trying to fit into Size 4 samples in Los Angeles). I finally came across LOHO Bride and though they were still trying to fit me into Size 4 samples (sigh), they did help me find the designer of my dreams. The second I saw Danielle Frankel’s two-piece “Remy” gown I knew it was THE ONE.
Consisting of (1) a spaghetti strap bra with floral lace detailing, and (2) a skirt with the most beautiful corset I had ever seen, and an umbrella pleated skirt with matching lace applique. I paired this gown with custom accessories from Julie Harries Designs – lace applique and freshwater pearl gloves + a cathedral grosgrain veil embroidered with my favorite Bible verse.
Raeshon went completely custom for his look, working with The Modern Gent to design a stunning dark navy suit with stripe detailing that paired perfectly with the satin piping of my corset. Our looks ended up being a match made in heaven!
The Ceremony…
Jumping the broom…
What’s your favorite wedding day memory?
The first look!! It was a last-minute decision we made for logistical purposes. Our wedding began at 4 pm and we were worried about sunlight for our portraits and family photos. Best decision we ever made. Having that quiet time, just us, before the “storm” was invaluable. It was a last-minute reminder that we were making the right decision and were just SO giddy about being an hour away from saying “I Do”. Also, Raeshon’s reaction to my gown was PRICELESS! After going through so much trouble to find it, seeing his face warmed my soul. The photos from our ‘First Look’ still get me teary-eyed when I look at them.
Reception details…
Custom Cocktails…
In loving memory…
What’s your advice for other couples?
Personalize your wedding as much as possible! If that means breaking “traditions”, do it. If that means not following the social media trends, do it. If that means adding a little more money to that budget, do it. If that means hiding things from your mom so she won’t judge you, do it (lol, sorry momma). We promise you won’t regret it.
Looking for more ethereal meets modern wedding inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Planning, Design & Signage: The Couple (@raeshon.morris + @kgisellejm)
- Venue: The Revery
- Florals: Rogue & Fox Floral Co.
- Photography & Videography: Alternative Standards
- Catering & Bar: Ooh La La Catering / @chefkyndra + @p_y_tenders
- Dessert: All Chill
- Tabletop Rentals: Table Method
- Furniture Rentals: Event City
- Linen Rentals: Rental Ave
- Specialty Rentals: Joey’s Tubes
- Drapery: Stitch Services
- Officiant: The Bride’s Grandmother
- DJ: Dart Collective
- Violinist: Jaylon Black
- Wedding Dress: Danielle Frankel
- Wedding Dress Boutique: Loho Bride
- Veil & Accessories: Julie Harris Designs
- Bridesmaid Dresses: By Malina x L’IDÉE x Chic Sew
- Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Custom via The Modern Gent x Commonwealth Proper
- Bride Hair: Michel’le Parks
- Groom Hair: Hadiya Walter
- Makeup: Charisma Raye
- Engagement & Wedding Rings: Brilliant Earth
- Paper Goods: Share Studios
- Month of Coordinator: HoneyBree Productions
- Doggy Care: Black Tie Pups
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