Brad and Ryan’s love story began over a casual coffee date with zero expectations, but their connection was instant. Brad’s grounded calmness balanced perfectly with Ryan’s energetic charisma, forming a harmony that only grew with time. Before they met, Ryan had performed and toured with Todrick Hall, so after waiting patiently for Brad to make the first move toward marriage, Ryan took matters into his own hands. He planned a surprise proposal on stage at Todrick’s Chicago concert, where Brad happily said yes.
Two years later, they celebrated their bold, unapologetic love on a beautiful October day at The Swan Barn Door in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. In a symbolic culmination of their commitment, they chose to create a new last name, marking the beginning of their family legacy. With Brad’s love of birds and Ryan’s passion for Halloween, the raven became their symbol of unity. The origin of “Bran,” a Welsh word meaning raven, also beautifully combined both of their names, inspiring them to craft their new last name, Branwell.
Their Friday the 13th wedding was a striking blend of spooky sophistication and meaningful details. Brad and Ryan leaned into a dark and dramatic theme, with raven and birdcage motifs woven throughout the decor. Guests arrived dressed in all black, adding to the elegantly eerie atmosphere. Talented local vendors, many of whom they met at one of our WedPlan wedding shows, helped bring their incredible vision to life! LK Bridal Studio set the moody tone with custom stationery and signage, while Melody Rose Designs added textured floral arrangements with feather accents in their Halloween-inspired color palette. The ceremony itself included a powerful nod to queer history, paying tribute to the resilience of LGBTQIA+ couples and making a lasting impact on everyone present.
During the reception, Cowboy David’s Bakery showcased a beautifully detailed dark cake with feather-like embellishments, fitting perfectly into the day’s aesthetic. To cap it off, Brad and Ryan included a cherished travel tradition of theirs by having a caricature artist come and sketch guests’ portraits, leaving everyone with a personal memento of the unforgettable night. We can’t wait for you to explore every detail of their day below!
