But this time, it wasn’t for drinks. Melvin is punctual, an earlier riser, and normally takes the first flight out, so Franklin met him at his hotel room to share a conversation while he packed. After he packed, Franklin went back to his room. Franklin must have felt what Melvin felt earlier because he sent an Edible arrangement to his office a few days later. Nothing says “let’s see where this goes,” like some chocolate-dipped fruits and marshmallows.
The Proposal
What did Common say? “It doesn’t take a whole day to recognize sunshine.” This was definitely the case for Melvin. Not together too long, Melvin knew Franklin was the one. They planned to host a New Year’s Eve party at Melvin’s home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. They invited their closest family and friends, and since it hit Melvin’s heart in November to pop the question, this would be THE perfect opportunity to propose.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck Franklin’s family. Two weeks before the event, his parents lost their home to fire. Melvin was sure that they would cancel the event with such news. Since Franklin’s parents lost so much, how would they even be in the spirit to celebrate? In Melvin’s heart, he didn’t want to do it; we would figure out another way at another time. He felt so bad. It almost felt selfish or inappropriate. But Franklin has some phenomenal parents with an incredible perspective and resolve. Frankie’s mom said, “We’re still coming to North Carolina for NYE because we still have a lot to be thankful for.” You couldn’t ask for better, more supportive, and loving people.
Following the countdown, both Frankie and Melvin offered toasts. Frankie went first. When it was time for Melvin’s toast, he said his carefully crafted spiel but ended his, and the year, with a proposal. Frankie’s first response was, “I knew he was going to do this.” Ultimately, he said YES – because, of course, he was.
The Wedding
They went all out to make sure their look and aesthetics were perfect. Melvin had a loctician keeping his hair tight, moisturized, and luxurious, and a barber he flew in from Miami to keep their beards looking sharp and crisp. Then, they began the day with two photo shoots. One at the Roswell Mill Covered Bridge overlooking Vickery Creek and the other at Marietta Square, where they met the rest of the wedding party. After their close-ups, they all traveled to Brick and Ivey, the wedding venue, to begin the festivities everyone was waiting for.
Frankie and Melvin were blindfolded the entire time as they walked through the reception space to get to the ceremony. Neither one of them knew when show time was. It kept everything very exciting but extremely nerve-racking at the same time. When the moment arrived, Franklin entered the ceremony first and said that it seemed like forever before Melvin walked out. Maybe he thought this was some long-game, petty get back for standing Melvin up, wondering if he was a runaway groom. But, of course, he wasn’t. But when you’re blindfolded on the biggest day of your life, five minutes feels like five days.
After their parents had to calm them down, they walked both Melvin and Franklin down the aisle. The ceremony was simple yet beautiful, including a vow exchange, prayer, sand ceremony, and jumping the broom.
The Reception
As the guests retired to the cocktail hour, Frankie and Melvin took pictures in the ceremony area before going into the dressing room so Melvin’s loctician could restyle his locs. This wedding was giving celebrity and glamor, serving multiple styles, looks, and vibes. The photo album might as well be a fashion magazine.
They both danced with their mothers before having the first dance to a duet of Anything for You by Ledisi and PJ Morton. Next, they sang the hymns to their two shared fraternities, which was followed by toasts that kicked the party off.
Since Melvin is a N’awlins boy, the wedding reception ended with a Second Line, in true New Orleans fashion, leading into the after party – and Baeeeeeee-Bay, that was an after party to remember – or not depending on how much fun you had.
The Couple’s Favorite Moments
Their favorite moments were being escorted down the aisle by both of our parents, dancing with our mothers, and in true New Orleans style, the booming brass of the Second Line.– Franklin & Melvin, Congratulations from Black Gay Weddings.
Full BGW Gallery
How They Met
Already casual Facebook friends since 2011, in September of 2019, Franklin and Melvin just so happened to meet each other in person at the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Weekend in Atlanta, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. As Melvin checked into the event, he heard someone calling his name. It was Frankie, or “that Virginia State guy,” as he referred to him in his head. However, it was clear after a brief chat that there was something else there, so they made a plan to connect later that evening for dinner and drinks.
So, Melvin arrived on time, dressed like a Barney’s mannequin, smelling like an autumn breeze and Baccarat, and Franklin…well, we don’t know about Franklin because HE.STOOD.HIM.UP.
The final night of the weekend was the Black College Queens Competition. Melvin saw Franklin and decided to walk his red bottoms over and sit down next to him. Something he quickly noticed was that Franklin had dating apps, so maybe his situation was a bit more complicated than he thought. Still intrigued, Melvin texted him later in the evening, “I want to see you tonight, and this time don’t stand me up.” He replied, “I won’t.”
Franklin & Melvin’s Wedding Highlight Film
Vendor List
BGW Vetted “LGBTQ-Friendly” LGBTQBizList Vendors
Non-LGBTQBizList Vendors
Planner: Stunning Soirees (BLV)
Photographer: Second Shots Photography
Videographer: Sterling Cinematics
Day of Assistant: Affluent Elements
Officiant: Pastor Jabari
Wedding/Reception Venue: Brick & Ivey Events
Cake: Confection Perfection Cakes
Grooms Tuxedos: Dionicios Closet
Grooms Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Florals: Akeem Clayton
