Tanaine Jenkins and Daniella Anthony married in late summer at The Starling in Midtown Atlanta. The couple, who lives in Sugar Hill, Georgia, exchanged vows they had written themselves in a ceremony that blended their families through a sand ceremony with both mothers and their daughter.
This Black lesbian wedding in Atlanta brought Old Hollywood glamour to life with a sophisticated black and white color scheme, white calla lilies and timeless elegance at every turn. Their love story began not in a coffee shop or through mutual friends, but in a Facebook group.
An Atlanta Love Story Begins
On April 22, 2022, Tanaine sent a simple message: “Hey ma’am… quick question. Is there anything to do in ATL tonight that you know of?”
Daniella replied: “Good evening, I’m not sure, I’m not from here. I’m also from Florida.”
Both were Florida natives—Tanaine from Jacksonville, where she spent her days shooting hoops, and Daniella from Orlando, where she attended a performing arts school and majored in dance. After high school, life took them on different journeys. Tanaine joined the United States Air Force, while Daniella pursued her passion for science at the University of Central Florida.
That one Facebook message sparked a friendship that quickly grew into something more. Ten months later, in February 2023, Daniella asked Tanaine to be her girlfriend. By September, Tanaine had packed up her life and moved to Georgia so they could finally be together.
A Proposal in Rome
Then came the proposal. “Before popping the question, I asked Dani what her dream proposal would look like,” Tanaine says. “Her answer? ‘Somewhere out of the country.’”
When they started planning a birthday trip to Italy, Tanaine quietly set her plan into motion. She found the perfect ring, booked a photographer and videographer in Rome, and kept it all a secret for months, sneaking the ring through airports while traveling for work.
“One thing we love doing together when we travel is photoshoots, and Dani had her heart set on taking pictures in front of the Colosseum,” Tanaine says. “She even picked out her proposal outfit without knowing it!”
On April 28, 2024—almost two years to the day of that first message—they arrived at the Colosseum. It was packed with people, but nothing else mattered. They started their shoot with a classic Vespa, then made their way to the iconic view.
“When the photographer gave me the cue, I pulled out the ring, got down on one knee, and waited for Dani to turn around,” Tanaine says. “She froze. Her hand flew to her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes. And before I could even ask the question, she said YES.”
Planning an LGBTQ+ Wedding in Atlanta
During their 16-month engagement, the two brides planned their dream wedding in Atlanta. They knew they wanted a classic Old Hollywood feel—timeless, elegant and effortlessly chic. The black and white theme created a sophisticated and cinematic atmosphere.
“To us it felt like stepping into a vintage film where every moment was filled with that iconic Hollywood romance,” Tanaine says.
Finding LGBTQ-friendly wedding vendors in Atlanta was a priority. “Make sure your vendors are LGBTQ-friendly,” Tanaine says. “There is nothing more disappointing than a vendor who supports your money, but not you.”
They found that support at The Starling Hotel, a Hilton property in Midtown Atlanta. “When we saw a same-sex couple in their materials we were blown away,” Tanaine says.
The Starling: An LGBTQ-Inclusive Atlanta Wedding Venue
The Starling Hotel in Midtown Atlanta proved to be the perfect venue for their wedding. The indoor ceremony space was transformed with black velvet draping on each wall to create an intimate atmosphere. White calla lilies, white wisteria trees, white roses and hydrangeas filled the space, creating a lush, romantic environment.
Runway seating gave the ceremony a high-fashion feel, with custom magazine programs placed on each chair. The programs featured the couple’s photo and details about their love story, a discerning touch that set the tone for their Old Hollywood themed wedding.
A Ceremony Celebrating Family
The wedding ceremony at this Atlanta LGBTQ+ celebration was deeply personal. Tanaine walked down the aisle with her uncle, her father’s twin brother. Daniella was escorted by both her brothers, a touching moment that honored her family bonds. Tanaine’s great aunt and Daniella’s grandmother served as flower grannies.
Both brides rocked wedding attire that reflected their individual styles. Tanaine chose a custom white suit by Octavius Terry with intricate lace details and a flowing train. Daniella wore a show-stopping Winnie Couture mermaid wedding dress with a beaded bodice and cascading ruffle train.
The two brides exchanged vows they had written themselves. Tanaine’s vows were a poem that has garnered over one million views online. They performed a sand ceremony with both of their mothers and their daughter, symbolizing the blending of their families—a beautiful addition to their wedding ceremony.
Classic Black and White Wedding Design
After the ceremony, guests made their way to a tucked-away speakeasy still room at The Starling for cocktail hour. A saxophonist provided sophisticated entertainment, a perfect complement to the Old Hollywood glamour wedding aesthetic.
The reception space showcased the two brides’ black and white wedding theme beautifully. Black velvet linens covered tables, topped with towering white floral centerpieces by Le Bam Studio Wedding Design. The arrangements featured white calla lilies in modern glass tube vases, white roses, hydrangeas and orchids.
A custom monogram dance floor displayed “Anthony + Jenkins” in script, with a stunning backdrop featuring the couple’s illuminated monogram surrounded by cascading white wisteria trees. The sweetheart table sat center stage, allowing the newlyweds to take in every moment of their Atlanta wedding celebration.
Old Hollywood Reception Details
The first dance took place on a cloud—literally. As fog machines created a dreamy cloud effect, DJ J-Smoov mixed New Edition’s “Still in Love,” Leela James’s “Fall for You,” and Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much.” The romantic first dance moment was pure magic, with guests watching from candlelit tables.
A Bourbon Barrel Cake and Sweet Surprises
Because Tanaine loves good bourbon, their cake designer from Sugars Bakery created a custom bourbon barrel cake with a working tap. Guests could pour their own bourbon from the barrel,a creative and interactive dessert station that perfectly reflected the couple’s personality.
The main wedding cake was a black fondant masterpiece adorned with white sugar flowers and the couple’s monogram. The black and white color theme carried through every detail, from the napkins embroidered with the brides’ names to the carefully curated table numbers.
LGBTQ+ Wedding Vendor Advice
Planning a lesbian wedding comes with unique considerations, and Tanaine and Daniella learned important lessons along the way. When Daniella went ring shopping and gave the jeweler Tanaine’s ring size, the owner immediately commented that she must be a “small man.” When Daniella told him she was a woman, he asked why she would want to marry a woman at all. She reminded him that she chose his store because they were part of an LGBTQ+ wedding expo.
“His response? ‘Everyone’s money is green,’” Tanaine says. “Do your research and go where you are supported, not tolerated.”
The couple found supportive LGBTQ-inclusive vendors throughout Atlanta (see the full list below).
“Show us US in your material,” Tanaine says. “Our photographer and videographer and venue all had LGBTQ+ couples in their materials and it made us not only feel comfortable, but seen.”
Advice for LGBTQ+ Couples Planning Weddings
For other queer couples planning their Atlanta weddings, Tanaine offers this advice: “Spend the money,” she says. “Sure it’s one day but it’ll be the best day of your life and you don’t want to say, dang we should have done this or that. Also, make sure your vendors are LGBTQ+ friendly. There is nothing more disappointing than a vendor who supports your money, but not you.”
The couple spent their day surrounded by love, from their wedding parties—Daniella’s bridesmaids in sophisticated black gowns, and Tanaine’s wedding party called “The Crew,” “The Best,” and “The Best of Honor” in sharp black tuxedos—to family members who traveled to celebrate their love.
A Timeless Atlanta Wedding
Tanaine and Daniella’s classic black and white wedding at The Starling Atlanta is proof that when you find vendors who truly support you, when you invest in the details that matter, and when you stay true to your vision, your wedding day becomes everything you dreamed of and more.
From a simple “Hey ma’am” message to a proposal in Rome to a stunning Old Hollywood celebration in Midtown Atlanta, their journey is a testament to love, patience and the beautiful life that’s possible when two people choose each other every single day.
Their advice rings true for any couple planning a queer wedding: do your research, find vendors who celebrate you, and don’t be afraid to spend on the details that will make your day unforgettable. Because love is always worth celebrating, especially when it’s done with style and a whole lot of heart. 
FEATURED LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVE AND QUEER AFFIRMING ATLANTA WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Cain’s Camera
Venue and catering: The Starling
Floral design: Le Bam Studio Wedding Design
Planner: Crystal Pink Events
DJ: DJ J-Smoov
Wedding Gown: Winnie Couture
Wedding Suit: Octavius Terry
Jewelry: David Yurman
Videography: Lexi Productions
Cake: Sugars Bakery
Source: Equally Wed – LGBTQ+ Wedding Magazine and Wedding Vendor Directory – equallywed.com
