The story of how Giselle + Raeshon found each other in college is something straight out of the dreamiest rom com.
“We met on the sidewalks of Howard University,” Giselle recalls. “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 best friends and began dating after a year.”
We are so delighted that Giselle + Raeshon’s campus meet cute led to this absolutely unforgettable wedding. The couple dreamed up a modern + ethereal vibe full of earthy neutrals that transformed Los Angeles venue The Revery into an avant-garde work of art. With the help of coordinators from Honey Bree Productions, these two created an event that totally captured their distinct artistic vision and creative spirits.
Stunning + unique wedding day style. Meaningful traditions. And yes, there was a romantic milkshake moment to pay tribute to their very first encounter 🥰
Alternative Standards took so many beautiful photos of Giselle + Raeshon’s day, and we can’t wait to show them to you.
Let’s get into it!
Share Studios created the couple’s earthy, minimalist handmade paper wedding invites. And, fun fact: Giselle + Raeshon took a perfume making class and created their day-of signature scents themselves!
“The shopping experience for me was honestly a little difficult,” says Giselle of her journey to this breathtaking two-piece gown. “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 the Danielle Frankel two piece “Remy” gown I knew it was THE ONE.” Giselle fell in love with the look’s separate spaghetti strap floral lace detail bra and unique corseted, umbrella pleated skirt with matching lace appliqué which she paired with a pair of timeless pointed toe ivory wedding heels from Rainbow Club.
Michel’le Parks created Giselle’s stunning pearl-embellished hair look, and Charisma Raye gave Giselle her radiant soft glam glow.
Raeshon’s custom dark navy blue double breasted suit was a collaboration with The Modern Gent. LOVE the matching navy shoes!
This incredible silver pearl baroque lapel pin was a DIY creation! 🤯
The First Look
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding Our last minute decision to break tradition with a first look! Where Giselle finally got a chance to see Raeshon’s custom suit (the baroque pearl lapel pin was the perfect touch!) and in return, Raeshon got a chance to see the two-piece ‘Danielle Frankel’ gown Giselle had to talk about 'in code' for months.
This was easily our favorite part of the day - the two of us - and all the anticipation the evening had to still offer.
Is there anything sweeter than first look happy tears?
How dramatic + ethereal is this black and taupe drapery from Stitch Services??
“We found a creative MASTERMIND in Drew Rios from Rogue & Fox Floral Co. who understood our mission of wanting a nontraditional look of deconstructed pieces that blended florals and greenery which really took our event design to a new level,” says Giselle.
Giselle + Raeshon wanted their precious pup Graham to be there on their big day, so they turned to Black Tie Pups to help out with the logistics!
Check out our list of ways to include your dog in your wedding day if you’re thinking of having a furry friend in the wedding party.
The Ceremony
Giselle + Raeshon’s earthy + ethereal design aesthetic has roots in their proposal story! Raeshon popped the question in a hot air balloon which was followed by a romantic hike. “When looking to come up with the design for our wedding,” Giselle remembers, “we brainstormed on how we could take the theme up a notch. Air…floaty…dreamy…ethereal. Hike…dirt…earth. Earthy Ethereal? Is that a thing? We weren’t sure. But, it felt right. We took off running with the idea and never looked back!”
Our Musical Choices Processional: “Daydreaming” by Aretha Franklin + "Void" by Kwalia
Recessional: "You and Me" by Rockie Robbins
First Dance: "Belong To You" by J Warner
So special that Giselle’s 84-year-old grandmother officiated the ceremony!
If you want a friend or family member to officiant your ceremony, the Wedding Ceremony Master Class walks the friend officiant through the process so they can knock a wedding ceremony out of the park!
Check out our guide to how to write your own vows to follow Giselle + Raeshon’s lead and add some personal words to your “I do’s.”
If you’re a bride who’s on the fence, veil-wise, this gorgeous photo of Giselle makes a very compelling case pro-veil. Explore our favorite wedding veils for every style to discover your own wedding day veil vibe!
The couple exchanged wedding rings from Brilliant Earth.
Embroidered and customized bridal accessories are one of our favorite wedding trends of 2024, so we are obsessed with the meaningful embroidery on the one-of-a-kind veil that Julie Harris Designs created for Giselle.
How incredible is this action shot of Giselle + Raeshon jumping the broom?!
A Moment Alone After “I Do”
We love the way that Giselle + Raeshon’s matching pearl details really tie their looks together.
So enchanted by Giselle’s delicate sheer lace and pearl bridal gloves.
The Reception
Black smoke ghost chairs and long banquet tables from Event City established the reception space’s modern vibe. Also, how romantic is the glow from all of those wall-lining candles?
Guests were treated to a meaningfully chosen menu from chef Kyndra McCrary.
Table Method filled the banquet tables with modern details that balanced the earthiness of the floral centerpieces.
Silver tablecloths and organic white napkins from The Rental Avenue created a whimsical, airy feel. Plus, tucked into every place setting was a handwritten letter to each guest from the bride + groom.
Snag a custom rough edge stone cocktail menu to recreate the earthy magic of Giselle + Raeshon’s barscape.
PYTenders mixed + poured signature cocktails inspired by this cinephile couple’s favorite films, and libations from Black-owned wine, beer, and spirit companies were flowing.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now 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. You won’t regret it.
Dart Collective kept Giselle, Raeshon, and their guests dancing all night long.
The reception sported even more earthy, sculptural design elements with show-stopping florals.
Giselle + Raeshon did away with the traditional cake cutting in favor of a romantic, full-circle “milkshake moment” that tied back into the super romantic way they met in college!
“We knew we had to pay homage to this story on our wedding day by bringing in All Chill, a Black-owned ice cream shop that specializes in distinct flavors like Blackberry Sage sorbet. We even customized a flavor of “Graham Cracker Sweet Cream”, a sweet nod to our fur baby, Graham.“
“The next morning, we hosted a “Farewell Brunch” where we invited our guests over to our home for build-your-own mimosas and sweet potato pancakes. The very first thing someone told us was, “Your wedding was SO you.” Raeshon looked at each other — we smiled — mission accomplished. And now, it’s time to love each other – with the same intention – forever.“
Congrats, Giselle + Raeshon! Your earthy + ethereal wedding day was romantic, modern magic. All of us at GWS wish you two the very best!
photography: Alternative Standards // venue name: The Revery, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles Country // event design: The Couple :) // planning: HoneyBree Productions // florals: Rogue & Fox Floral Co. // wedding dress: Danielle Frankel Studio // wedding dress boutique: LOHO Bride // bride's shoes: Rainbow Club // bride's ring: Brilliant Earth // bridesmaid dresses: By Malina, L’IDÉE and Chic Sew // hair stylist: Michel’le Parks // makeup artist: Charisma Raye // groom attire: The Modern Gent and Commonwealth Proper // groom's ring: Brilliant Earth // groomsmen attire: The Modern Gent // videography: Alternative Standards // paper goods: Share Studios // handmade details: The couple! xo // catering: Ooh La La Catering // desserts: All Chill // tabletop rentals: Table Method // furniture rentals: Event City // linen rentals: Rental Ave // specialty rentals: Joey's Tubes // music: Dart Collective // officiant: Bride's Grandmother // cocktails: PYTenders // veil + accessories: Julie Harris Designs // drapery: Stitch Services // Violinist: Jaylon Black // doggy care : Black Tie Pups
