Nicole Beatty and Joe Brown's wedding in Paris transcended conventional bridal expectations, showcasing a truly bespoke celebration. The bride, a connoisseur of fashion, curated a remarkable wardrobe featuring designs from Schiaparelli, Ines Di Santo, and John Galliano for Dior. Their love story, which began serendipitously at a rooftop gathering and blossomed over four years, culminated in a deeply personal and romantic Parisian affair. The couple consciously opted to bypass many traditional wedding customs, instead focusing on incorporating elements that authentically represented their journey and shared affections, particularly their profound connection to the city of lights.
The initial encounter between Nicole Beatty, a talent strategy executive in sports management, and Joe Brown took place at a mutual friends' rooftop gathering in the summer of 2019. Despite having many acquaintances in common, their paths had not crossed until that evening. Nicole recalled noticing Joe's charming smile from across the venue, and while their introduction was brief, it didn't immediately spark a profound connection for her. However, fate intervened a year later when Nicole shared a photo with her best friend, Rachel, on Instagram during a visit to Washington, D.C. Joe, who remembered Nicole from the rooftop, seized the opportunity to reconnect, prompting Rachel to facilitate an introduction.
Rachel, sensing a potential spark, encouraged Nicole to at least entertain a single date with Joe. Their first official date fittingly took place on another rooftop, this time at the 1 Hotel in Brooklyn. During this meeting, Joe reminded Nicole of their prior encounter, leading her to finally recognize him as the charming individual from the previous year's party. Fast forward four years to May 25, 2024, when Joe orchestrated a magical proposal on Kamalame Cay's beach in the Bahamas. Though Nicole humorously suspected his intentions due to the 'spontaneous' island getaway, the moment itself was picture-perfect. As a rainbow arched behind them, Joe knelt on one knee, witnessed only by a photographer, ensuring an exquisitely intimate memory.
The couple chose Paris for their wedding on June 14, 2025, a city holding immense sentimental value for them both. Their shared love for Paris had led to numerous visits, creating a tapestry of cherished memories. Furthermore, Paris was a dream destination for their families, some of whom had never experienced its charm. This desire to share their beloved city with their relatives became a significant motivation, providing a compelling reason for their loved ones to embark on a journey they might not otherwise have taken.
Their vision for the wedding was one of intimacy and authenticity. They intentionally kept the guest list concise, inviting only those who had significantly shaped their journey as a couple, acknowledging the international travel commitment. Eschewing conventional wedding trends, Nicole articulated their desire to infuse the celebration with personal touches that genuinely reflected their personalities. They aimed for guests to experience the essence of Paris – its culinary delights, enchanting ambiance, hidden treasures, and picturesque gardens. Above all, they aspired for an atmosphere permeated with deep romance, a palpable energy that conveyed the depth of their affection, hoping their guests would depart Paris feeling as enamored with the city as they were.
To bring their vision to life, Nicole and Joe collaborated with Angie Amzallag, Joanna Ascher, and Lisa Cohen from Social Studio Events. Nicole praised their immediate understanding of the couple's desires and their innovative, fresh approach, which helped craft a day that felt uniquely theirs. Nicole's approach to her wedding attire mirrored this personalized philosophy. Drawing from her fashion background, she had a distinct sartorial vision. With the invaluable assistance of her stylist friend, Eric McNeal, she curated a collection of looks, each imbued with a unique narrative and personal significance. For the Friday night welcome party, held on a Seine River cruise, Nicole opted for a 'summer cocktail' dress code and made a stunning entrance in a vintage John Galliano for Christian Dior knit dress, sourced from Happy Isles in New York. She accessorized with her mother's beaded purse from her own wedding day, Jimmy Choo sandals, and jewelry by Parisian designer Sylvia Toledano, paying homage to both personal history and the city's elegance.
Despite her clear vision, finding the perfect wedding gown presented a challenge. After exploring several bridal salons in New York and feeling overwhelmed, Nicole found solace and expertise at Mark Ingram. It was important to her to support a Black-owned bridal atelier, and she found the experience working with Mark and his team incredibly meaningful. When presented with the Isolde gown by Ines Di Santo, Nicole instantly recognized it as 'the one,' captivated by its timeless, regal, and graceful allure. This thoughtful selection underscored her commitment to both personal style and supporting diverse businesses, ensuring every detail of her Parisian wedding was imbued with intention and heart.
The entire celebration underscored the couple's commitment to creating an event that was truly reflective of their bond and their affection for Paris. From the intimate guest list to the meticulously chosen fashion, every element contributed to a day that was both elegant and deeply personal, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.