Viewers are watching Craig Ramsay and Brandon Liberati’s love story unfold each week on Newlyweds: The First Year. But it seems the more we find out about these two handsome gents, the more we want to know.
Now, in an exclusive interview with The Knot, the lovebirds are sharing details of their Palm Springs wedding. Disclaimer: If you aren’t enamored with Ramsay and Liberati already, their recollections are sure to make you fall in love!
The ceremony and reception, which took place on Mother’s Day 2014, were held at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs, California. One-hundred of the grooms’ family members and close friends gathered for the outdoor festivities in the resort’s Wexler Garden.
“There was no question that [the] theme had to be mid-century,” the Newlyweds tell us. “It was Mad Men meets the Rat Pack.” And the men aren’t shy to admit they enlisted some help. “We handed over creative freedom to Artisan Events and let them design and coordinate the wedding,” they tell The Knot. “It was beyond our expectations!”
While the wedding had a mid-century theme, the grooms chose not to have a particular color scheme. “We didn’t want our wedding party to wear dresses that they didn’t feel beautiful in,” they share, “so we let everyone choose their own color and style as long as it read old Hollywood!”
Craig Ramsay and Brandon Liberati with their bridal party. Credit: Barry Peterson
So, who did the honors of standing up with Ramsay and Liberati on their special day? “Craig’s wedding party consisted of his cousin, Stacey, and friends from all walks of life,” the Newlyweds tell us, “including fellow Broadway stars and his BFF/assistant Cristal Coombe (who is featured in the show).” Craig “rotated three maids of honor throughout the ceremony to give each a chance to stand next him.”
“Brandon’s wedding party was his woMAN of honor,” they share, and “his sister Bree Gardner was his honorary woMAN of honor (who is featured in the show) and several ‘guydsmaids.'” They acknowledge that “it was amazing to have all genders walking down the aisle with no traditional gender roles.”
Brandon Liberati is walked down the aisle by his mom, Craig Ramsay posed with his bridesmaids. Credit: Barry Peterson
We asked Ramsay and Liberati about their favorite memories of their wedding day. “Our mothers walking us down the aisle and giving us away was both of our favorite memory,” they share of their Mother’s Day wedding. “It was something we will never forget. We both honored our mothers for all of the support they have given us our whole lives.”
The grooms had a one-of-a kind wedding cake that we are just in awe of. “We had a fabulous cake made by Over the Rainbow Desserts who did Sia’s wedding cake and many others,” they share with The Knot. “It was designed and decorated using inspiration from original mid-century wallpaper!”
“Like our business, Fit and Phab, Roman from “Over the Rainbow Desserts” always keeps things natural,” they go on. “All food coloring was made from vegetable dyes, and his creativity is ‘PHABulous!'”
Craig Ramsay and Brandon Liberati cut their wedding cake. Credit: Barry Peterson
“On the dessert table we served a mid century favorite: donuts and coffee!” Ramsay and Liberati share. “All in 1950’s colors and displayed on vintage trays and table cloths.”
And how did the gentleman feel about each other’s wedding vows? “Brandon’s vows felt so romantic and intimate,” Ramsay tells The Knot. “[They were] a statement of commitment that felt like we were the only two people there, and the fact that everyone we loved was present to hear it made it that much more special.”
Liberati was equally touched. “I was a bit shocked that [Craig] had actually written vows and didn’t just recite the lyrics from a Broadway song!” his husband recalls. “His vows and declaration of commitment were the most heartfelt words anyone has ever spoken to me. This was a triumphant moment; I was LEGALLY married and that made it even more remarkable.”
Can’t get enough of Ramsay and Liberati? Tune into Newlyweds: The First Year, airing Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST on Bravo.
