Marcus & Chris: A Victorian LA Wedding

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes and when we talk to our couples about what made their wedding day special, we realize that everyone's day is special in their own way. Marcus and Chris’s wedding was no exception. Read on to find out how these gents used Victoriana and drag to make theirs an unforgettable wedding day.

Chris and Marcus met on February 23, 2011, and got engaged on October 7, 2017. They married each other on March 25, 2019.

How did you two meet?

Chris and I met in Las Vegas while he was celebrating his 25th birthday. I knew a friend of his, who brought me along for the ride even though I didn't know anyone else. Over the long weekend we hit it off - but he was living in Wyoming at the time and I was in California, so we made no immediate plans to try to date.

What was your first date like?

In October of 2011, Chris moved to Los Angeles "not for me" (spoiler alert: I had something to do with it) and we went on our first date. We got sushi and then went to a bar for chocolate cake and cocktails. The bar had a lounge-singing duo who have been working since the 70s, and we became huge fans of them and have returned back often over the years.

First dates are a big deal….how did it go?

I knew he was handsome and the early impressions were about how fun he was. We both knew pretty early on in dating that we were heading for forever. It was just so easy and made so much sense.

Was there a moment in particular when you found out you should get married?

It wasn't any big moment in particular. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen (he likes to cook, I like to bake) and the thought crossed my mind while cooking together that we'd be cooking together for a long time. It's our happy place.

So, what was the engagement like?

We knew that we both wanted to propose so we bought the rings together and hung on to each other's. We had a big trip to Paris planned in November of 2017 and I was convinced that he was going to propose then. Turns out, he was thinking the same thing about me and proposed in early October. We took our brand new puppy for a walk and he proposed with the ring on her collar. Afterward we celebrated with friends at a rooftop bar. I, on the other hand, had talked him in to be Frankenstein for Halloween that year and I dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein to propose. We had all our friends at the apartment and when he went to go let the last friend in - we lit a bunch of candles and I proposed. We then all celebrated (in costume, of course) at a bar up the street.

That’s amazing! What was the wedding day like?

We got married at a wonderful outdoor museum in Los Angeles that was a collection of old, Victorian homes that had been saved from demolition. It felt like the town out of Big Fish or Beetlejuice. A little weird and funky, but with plenty of charm. We got married in the spring (expecting great weather) and were surprised by rain the day before and after the wedding. Thankfully, the actual wedding day was rain-free!

What emotion did you feel the most that day?

I felt so loved. Not just from Chris, but from all of our friends and family that came out to support us. It was too loving and fun for me to experience anything else! We definitely tried to stay in the moment and check in with each other to take it all in together.

There has to be a moment of your wedding that sticks out?

Chris and I had arranged a surprise for all our guests. We had a drag queen - Jonnie Reinhart - come out and perform Donna Summer's "On the Radio" (all our music was disco-inspired). Everyone loved her! She had a garter on each leg and we did the garter toss by each taking one during her next number, a stripped-down version of Britney Spears' "Toxic".

That sounds so fun! Was planning the wedding difficult in any way?

It’s surprising how much it all sneaks up on you at the end! You can be as prepared as ever, but at the end of the day there are so many things that you can't do until the very end and it comes so fast!

What advice would you give other couples that are planning weddings?

Listen to each other. There will be things that are more important to the other and it’s all about finding a balance of what you both want/envision for your day. Know what your "musts" are and communicate that early!

How about advice on the wedding day itself?

If you're getting married in the afternoon or evening, spend the entire morning together. Chris and I slept in, got breakfast and dressed together, got ready and practiced our first dance. It was an incredibly loving time that the two of us got to share before the big show!

How do your friends and family describe you?

I'd like to think we stayed the same as a couple, we just now have a nicer kitchen (thanks registry!) We still love to cook for friends and family, but now we have even better means to do so.

Okay, the big trip. When is the Honeymoon?

We'll be going on a honeymoon for our first anniversary! We're currently planning a trip to Thailand!

Ceremony Venue: Heritage Square Museum

Reception Venue: Heritage Square Museum

Photographer: Valorie Darling

Planner: Alfred House Productions

Officiant: Denny Directo

Invitation Designer: Social Savvy

Caterer: Huntington Catering

Floral: Alfred House Productions

DJ: Mike Etc. @mikeetcetera (Instagram)

Live Music: @jonniereinhart (Instagram)

Rentals: Vini's Party Rentals / A1 Party Rentals