Photography by Brad Smith Photographer // @smithbrad
Dakota and Jonathan only had one perfect wedding venue in mind to represent their love for nature: The Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence.
The Meet Cute: They met in their home city of Providence, which was not the only factor they had in common — the two had unintentionally wore the same clothes on their first meeting. This was just the beginning of Dakota stealing all of Jonathan’s wardrobe.
The Engagement: The couple had been together for five years when they jet-set to the City of Love – Paris, France. Dakota had rings made to bring on the trip without Jonathan’s knowledge. Dakota got down on one knee outside of the Eiffel Tower.
The Venue: “It was a no-brainer,” Jonathan says. The couple has always shared a passion for nature, referring to themselves as “plant daddies.” The Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park in Providence was their dream destination to get married, where the two envisioned themselves surrounded by loved ones and beautiful greenery on their big day. The cake, centerpieces and favors commemorated their passion for nature and added to the story of how their love bloomed.
The Officiant: Drag queen Viza D. Klein is a dear friend of the couple and was chosen to declare them as husbands for the first time. The pair met Viza through the Providence Gay Football League. “Who better to represent who we are at our wedding than her?” Jonathan says.
The Reception: Based on drag queen Loosey LaDuca’s famous quote, the goal of the day was to “Let Loose.” Jonathan and Dakota wanted a huge dance party for family members to participate and simply live it up. “We wanted to get the best wedding band around, and boy did they deliver! The music [performed by Speechless Music] was amazing, and I think we succeeded in that.” Jonathan says.
The Highlights: “There were two really special moments: The first was our first dance as grooms to the most incredible version of ‘Sea of Love’ we have ever heard,” says Jonathan. “The other moment was dancing with our family during the hora.” The two take pride in looking through their wedding photos to reminisce and see their closest family and friends with huge smiles, celebrating their union.
The Advice: “Don’t sweat the details. Let loose and enjoy the moment,” says Jonathan.
The Details
Venue: Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, Providence | Cake, Catering and Decor: Pranzi Catering & Events | Grooms’ Attire: Suit Supply | Entertainment: Speechless Music | Florals: DIY by a family member
