News January 14, 2022
‘OITNB’ Star Danielle Brooks Got Married!

Danielle Brooks is officially a married woman!
Thursday on Instagram, the “Orange Is the New Black” star revealed she tied the knot with fiancé Dennis Gelin at the historic Alfred DuPont Building in Miami, Florida.
“I’z married now!” the actress captioned beautiful photos from her nuptials.
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For her big day, Brooks wore TWO gorgeous designs: a 3-in-1 gown by Christian Siriano and another beautiful dress from Alonuko, a label helmed by Black designer Oluwagbemisola Okunlola.
In an interview with Vogue published Thursday, the Tony nominee — who received acclaim for her portrayal of Sofia in “The Color Purple” on Broadway — said she always knew she wanted two dresses for her wedding.
“We thought it would be best to do a first look reveal so that we could go ahead with bridal party pictures and not hold up our guests after the ceremony. I decided to wear Christian Siriano for the reveal. We have been friends ever since my career first began,” she explained.
Per the magazine, the “Project Runway” designer created a multi-layered dress that transformed from a princess gown to a body-con dress, to a pants look that Brooks could wear on the dance floor.
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For her second dress, it was important for Brooks to showcase a Black designer, as she says, “Black creatives aren’t highlighted enough.”
“Alonuko gave me the dress of my dreams. She flew all the way from London to make sure it arrived. I knew I wanted her one-of-a-kind, flesh-toned mesh with custom embroidery and a big huge skirt. Wearing her dress made me want to get married every day. I loved it so much,” she gushed.
Additionally, Brooks’ stylist Kelly Augustine gifted her with a pair of Chanel earrings that paired well with her Nina shoes.
Gelin and his groomsmen all wore custom suits by Garçon Couture.
During the service, in which the couple’s 2-year-old daughter Freeya Carel served as the flower girl, Brooks and Gelin performed a wax seal ceremony where they melted wax and sealed love letters that they’ll open on their one-year anniversary.
“We cried the ugly cry, and laughed hard,” Brooks recounted. “Dennis and I did our personal handshake and jumped the broom in honor of our ancestors. It was definitely a night to remember.”
At the reception, whose theme was “Chocolate Love,” wedding planner Darryl Moore of D’Concierge Wedding designed the space to give the feel that guests were dining in a box of Godiva chocolates.
Following a dinner from CJ’s Masterpiece, guests danced the night away!
“Our wedding party started to dance before the first course even hit the table. The party was lit and everyone felt safe because of our COVID measures. We ate phenomenal cake and drank tequila until it literally ran out at the bar,” Brooks said.
“You could feel that after two years of being in a pandemic, we all yearned for moments to create memories together, and we are glad we could provide that. The room was flowing with love, joy, and togetherness.”
Congratulations to Danielle and Dennis on your big day!