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Actress Jerrie Johnson and Partner Dria Brown Prep for Nuptials at Bridal Fashion Week
Actress Jerrie Johnson, known for her role in the hit television series “Harlem“, found life imitating art as she planned her upcoming wedding to partner Dria Brown. The storyline of “Harlem’s” final season finale, where Johnson’s character proposes, mirrored her own burgeoning desire to propose to Brown. This serendipitous parallel prompted Johnson to take a solo trip to Tulum, Mexico, leading to an epiphany and her own proposal. Now, the couple is enthusiastically planning their wedding, starting with an immersive experience at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
From Reel to Real Romance: Inspiration from “Harlem”
The couple playfully speculates that Tracy Oliver, the creator of “Harlem“, drew inspiration from their real-life relationship for the show’s final season. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this season is really our life,’” remarked Ms. Brown, 33. Ms. Johnson, 31, clarified with a smile, “But I am not a player — just to be clear,” referencing her character’s on-screen persona.
Bridal Fashion Week Journey Begins
On a Tuesday afternoon at Union Square Cafe in Manhattan, nearly a year after Ms. Johnson’s Jamaican proposal, the engaged couple geared up for their initial wedding dress fittings. Their day was packed with attending runway shows, presentations, and exclusive appointments during New York Bridal Fashion Week, where designers unveiled their latest collections to industry insiders and soon-to-be brides.
Honoring Absent Mothers
Ms. Brown, stylishly dressed in earth-toned Collina Strada trousers and distinctive Miista boots, shared a poignant detail. “I think something that’s really important about our love story and wedding is we both have Virgo mothers who are not present for this journey,” she explained. Ms. Brown’s mother has been living with A.L.S. for seven years, and Ms. Johnson’s mother passed away in 2019. “My mom would have loved Dria,” Ms. Johnson lovingly added.
En Route to Bridal Elegance
Hand-in-hand, the couple’s excitement was palpable as they walked to their first presentation by Justin Alexander, singing Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please.” Ms. Brown’s long braids swayed as they moved towards their wedding dress appointments.
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Exploring Designer Collections
During the Justin Alexander presentation, champagne in hand, they actively admired the models showcasing the gowns. “I have to clap for this one,” Ms. Brown exclaimed, captivated by a corset dress featuring a square neckline and basque waist.
Fitting Room Excitement
Post-show, Ms. Brown selected the corset dress, among others fresh from the runway, to try on with Ms. Johnson. Their shared anticipation bubbled over with squeals and laughter in the fitting room. Ms. Brown even playfully insisted Ms. Johnson turn away during her first fitting, wanting their dresses to be a surprise for the wedding day reveal.
“Let’s Just Get Married Tomorrow!”
“Oh my God, let’s just get married tomorrow,” Ms. Johnson exclaimed, modeling a corset gown with a peaked bodice and high slit. “This is the best thing I’ve ever tried on,” Ms. Brown responded, radiant in a strapless, drop-waist gown. They playfully twirled and adjusted each other’s dresses, lost in the moment.
Finding Love and Connection
Ms. Johnson, a Philadelphia native, and Ms. Brown, hailing from Winnsboro, S.C., exuded energy and warmth. The couple, residing in the Mott Haven area of the Bronx, first connected in March 2022. Ms. Johnson was hosting a panel about the play “Confederates,” where Ms. Brown was a panelist. “I thought Dria was a little cute,” Ms. Johnson admitted, though initially perceived Ms. Brown and her friend as “a little cliquey.”
From DMs to Dress Fittings
Undaunted, Ms. Johnson pursued Ms. Brown, an artistic producing director at the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, through Instagram DMs for months. They finally had their first date in November 2022, setting the stage for their journey to Bridal Fashion Week and wedding planning.
Overcoming Dress Doubts
After trying on several classic wedding dress styles, Ms. Brown expressed that her initial apprehension about wedding dress shopping had vanished. She found herself embracing more daring silhouettes than she initially imagined.
Embracing Femininity and Confidence
“I’m the daughter of a pastor,” Ms. Brown reflected, adding, “There’s been so much I’ve been told about covering up, that is so deeply ingrained in me, that it’s been hard to let go.” She continued, “I just am kind of a tomboy, you know? I want to transition into my divine feminine. I feel so sexy and confident in our relationship that I want to also feel that in the wedding.” The diverse representation on the runway, including a Black model with a similar body type, further boosted her comfort and confidence.
Redefining Wedding Traditions
“If she is rocking it, I can rock that, too,” Ms. Brown affirmed, inspired by the model. Ms. Johnson, who hadn’t envisioned herself in a traditional wedding dress, found herself reconsidering the idea.
Spiritual Purity over Traditional Purity
During a taxi ride, passing blooming cherry trees, the couple discussed their evolving perspective on wedding traditions. Having attended their first weddings only in their mid-20s, they lacked preconceived notions. They are reinterpreting traditions, including wearing white. While the traditional association of white with sexual purity didn’t resonate, they found meaning in Yoruba traditions where white symbolizes peace, protection, and renewal. “White protects me from whatever spirit that I don’t want to let in, so instead of sexual purity, it feels like spiritual purity to me,” Ms. Johnson elaborated. “White can signify clearing yourself to be able to accept divine partnership, to be able to accept this next step.”
Editorial Escapes and Fan Encounters
At a runway show for Kyha Studios at the Guggenheim Museum, Ms. Brown enjoyed the show as an “editorial escape.” She even contemplated wearing a silver balloon dress from the collection for their engagement photos at the Empire State Building.
Craftsmanship and Cultural Flair
Afterwards, a fan stopped Ms. Johnson for a photo, exclaiming, “I’m obsessed with you.” Following fan interactions, they visited Esé Azénabor’s store. Ms. Brown admired the intricate details of a dress, stating, “That’s what you call craftsmanship — craftswomanship,” pointing out the corset beading and hand-embroidered flowers.
Haitian Design at Scorcesa
Their final stop was an appointment with Scorcesa, by Haitian designer Charles C. Dieujuste. Ms. Brown greeted him in Haitian Creole, “Sak pase?” to which he replied, “N’ap boule.”
Separately Styled, United in Love
For this appointment, they tried on outfits separately. “I’m already sad,” Ms. Brown joked, peeking into Ms. Johnson’s fitting room as she changed into a white jumpsuit with an exposed midriff. “This is what I imagined,” Ms. Johnson declared, stepping out in the ensemble. “I love it. I love you,” Ms. Brown responded, embracing her future wife.
Twerking in Trains and Heartfelt Connections
Ms. Johnson also tried on white pants and a cropped jacket with detachable trains, playfully twirling and even practicing twerking. “OK, as long as I could do that,” she laughed, ensuring her wedding attire allowed for celebratory moves. Mr. Dieujuste connected with the couple, discussing pride in their identities and inviting them back for more fittings and Haitian cuisine. “I can’t wait to come back for some Haitian food,” Ms. Johnson eagerly said, concluding their Bridal Fashion Week adventure.