Leanne + Miriam’s Brooklyn Elopement

Photos by DAG Images

Leanne and Miriam had an elopement ceremony on June 12th, 2022 during our 3rd annual Pride Grows in Brooklyn event at Brooklyn Grange. This event is a pro-bono experience for LGBTQ+ couples in partnership with inclusive wedding vendors who are either part of the LGBTQ+ community or LGBTQ+ loving allies.

Miriam and Angelica received the glam treatment with award-winning hair and make-up artist, Talia, of Simple and Sultry. They opted for a natural, glow look that accentuated their natural beauty.

Moments later, they walked down the aisle together ready to get married beneath the covered outdoors area. They chose to include touches of faith throughout their wedding ceremony and a Moment of Presence to honor the life of Leanne’s late mother, Diane Patricia Taylor.

See below for an excerpt of the Moment of Presence included in their ceremony.

“Although Diane rests with God, her spirit is here with you right now, Leanne. And, no, it’s not the way you’d prefer for it to be, but she’s always with you because she’s forever a part of you.

You see, Leanne, your mom, was there from the very beginning; that connection doesn’t just end. And while it makes sense to miss her, take comfort in this truth - the sweet and tender love of hers isn’t gone. How can it be when she passed it on. Leanne, you are her legacy. Your mom’s legacy of love and faith lives on through YOU! 

So, let’s make her proud! It’s time to hear what’s in your hearts.”

This is an excerpt of their love story.

“Today, you add to that tapestry of love in Brooklyn by getting wed and sharing your powerful account of Black queer LOVE in the early 21st century! 

My friends, we are in NYC, the city of the Stonewall Riots, where Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLaverie, early leaders in the fight for LGBTQ rights, trans and queer Black women who while they lived, could never have imagined a wedding like this but were instrumental in making it happen. Today, you declare your intentions in the city of authors and thinkers like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin and many more ancestors who you honor today by sharing your story.

Miriam and Leanne, as modern single people, you two joined the dating apps to help you mingle. And it turns out that OK Cupid, named after the angelic cherub of love, was the perfect dating site for you.

Back in 2018, neither one of you was necessarily looking for the one, but you were both looking for someone special - you know, someone willing to take her time to get to know the real you. Someone who wouldn’t mind “complicated” because that’s what each of you perceived yourselves to be. And, sure, for others, perhaps you were. But the kinds of complications you were worried about turned out to be the kind that only scares those not meant to be in your life - it certainly doesn’t frighten the one meant to be your wife.

Of course, you didn’t know any of that back then when you scoped each other’s profile. Leanne, the first thing that struck you was how cool Miriam appeared to be; she seemed so comfortable in her own skin and sure of herself in ways you admired. She looked so cool and interesting that you did something uncharacteristic; you sent the first message.”

Here’s an excerpt of their ceremony’s grand finale.

“Miriam and Leanne, I, along with all your guests wish you a lifelong marriage full of abundance and joy with laughter that make your cheeks hurt, shared quiet moments that calm your souls, sturdy soles on your feet for your future adventures, and the patience and fortitude to stand united in the face of adversity.

May all that is good, lovely, beautiful and true abide with you both forever. May you continue to be a source of comfort and strength for each other in building the life you dream of having with your fur child, Milo, and any others that might . And may the universe protect, guide and bless your marriage, your family, and friends.”

Miriam and Leanne floated down the aisle as JUST MARRIED WIVES while their loved ones blew bubbles and cheered for them! Their was a round of toasts by family and friends, dancing to beats by Brent from Empanadamn, and photobooth fun provided by Firework Photobooth Co. It was an absolute blast!

SO MUCH LOVE AND GRATITUDE TO THIS TEAM FOR ANOTHER AWESOME YEAR OF PRIDE GROWS IN BROOKLYN!

Venue: Brooklyn Grange • Photographer: DAG Images • Planning + Coordination: Greater Good Events + The Productionista • Styling + Makeup: Simple and Sultry • Florals: Miriam Bloom Designs + Outlands Botanics • Photobooth: Firework Photobooth Co. • Stationery: Polk Paper • Furniture Rental: Rent Patina • Linens: MoreFully • Catering: Bourgeois Baskets + Pixie Scout NYC • COVID Safety: Vow Network