Tanner Fletcher, the internationally celebrated fashion design duo, put together a truly magical bridal fashion show on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The event was held at St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church, located right at the corner of 22nd Street and 7th Avenue in New York City. The night celebrated their newest collection, which has been making waves in the world for its cutting-edge, non-traditional take on wedding attire. Notably, Tanner Fletcher’s designs have graced the pages of Vogue, worn by brides and grooms alike, and even made an appearance on the cover of Ariana Grande’s new album “Brighter Days Ahead,” with the artist donning their Dorris Dress.
Their elaborate creations were something to behold, wowing the crowd with 30 original designs. Among them was an eye-popping sequined toile suit and a dazzling black and white lace ballgown. These designs have been made with a wide range of clients in mind, further expressing Tanner Fletcher’s desire to make the wedding industry more inclusive. Since the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 legalized same-sex marriage, Tanner Fletcher has been at the forefront of supporting love in all its forms. Yet in the last few years, passed or attempted legislative measures in more than nine states to limit these rights have created alarm bells in the LGBTQ+ community.
In February, the Idaho House of Representatives called for the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, intensifying fears among same-sex couples. Tanner Fletcher’s founders, Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell, communicated their commitment to resisting these trends through their practice.
“Being gay ourselves, we are obviously worried and could be affected,” said Richie. “So we really wanted to show up and show that this current administration isn’t stopping us and it’s not stopping other people from spreading love and getting married.”
The term “anti-bride” has seen a remarkable 490% increase in popularity according to Pinterest’s 2023 trend report, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward couples seeking to express their individuality and authenticity on their wedding day. Tanner Fletcher’s designs really speak to this powerful feeling, striking a chord with couples who want to escape the constraints of what is old and what is new.
The one-of-a-kind bridal fashion show inspired by this gorgeous real wedding ceremony! Michael and Parker said their I Do’s surrounded by their closest friends and family. Though the couple originally met on Tinder, they were quickly matched with Tanner Fletcher, who planned and officiated their wedding ceremony. Michael offered the most sincere, lovely praise of his partner at the event.
“You are my best friend, my comfort zone, the person I feel safest with, and the only person I can truly be myself with,” he said.
Michael’s wedding vows were a humorous and honest look into their dreams for the future and provided insight into Michael and Brianna’s humor-filled love story.
I truly love your dreams and look forward to helping you pursue each and every one of them. Similar to how you encourage me when I tell you I want to be on Broadway or win Drag Race! Unrelated, but kind of hilarious, because I actually can’t act or dance or sing to save my life. This award could have been named the “I love attention award” because duh, that’s why this is happening.
The ceremony showcased Tanner Fletcher’s focus on authenticity and individuality in bridal fashion. Their designs are refreshingly chic, but more than that they reject the traditional rules that have historically dictated bridal fashion.
“Most wedding brands cater to one demographic, which is a straight couple,” noted Richie. Tanner Fletcher hopes to help change that story by providing services that are inclusive of all couples, regardless of sexual orientation.
Tanner Fletcher will make history when it debuts its first bridal collection in 2024. This vivifying move will better position them to expand their reach beyond the wedding industry. The organization’s commitment to cultural equity is evident in everything they do. It’s easy to spot in everything from runway presentations to real-life weddings.