Owen's 'Think Like a Man' and 'Think Like a Man Too' costars Terrence J, Romany Malco, Jerry Ferrara, Michael Ealy and Will Packer were groomsmen, and his twin sons were ring bearers
Credit: Lucas Rossi
NEED TO KNOW
- Stand-up comedian and actor Gary Owen married Brianna Johnson in Houston on Saturday, March 7
- Owen’s ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Think Like a Man Too’ costars Terrence J, Romany Malco, Jerry Ferrara, Michael Ealy and Will Packer were groomsmen
- The couple’s children also had special roles during the ceremony
Gary Owen is married.
The stand-up comedian and actor said "I do" to Brianna Johnson in an "ultra-elegant, black-and-white" wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston in Texas on Saturday, March 7. The star-studded, luxe affair featured a champagne tower, caviar, interactive espresso martini ice luge, live music and more.
"We wanted the wedding ceremony and reception to be dramatic, memorable, and ultimately fun," the couple exclusively tells PEOPLE. "We intentionally steered away from a traditional, overly formal ceremony format, wanting the entire experience to feel lively and celebratory from beginning to end."
Credit: Lucas Rossi
Among the 170 guests were Owen's Think Like a Man and Think Like a Man Too costars Terrence J, Romany Malco, Jerry Ferrara, Michael Ealy, and Will Packer, who also served as his groomsmen. Other notable guests included Paris Johnson Jr., Andre Johnson, Russell Peters, Luenell, Bun B, Rocsi Diaz, Nate Jackson, Tim Story, Heather Packer, Shayla Cowan. Chad Johnson officiated the nuptials.
The "sleek, refined, and fashion-forward" festivities began with a striking rehearsal dinner on Friday, March 6. The couple dined with their wedding party and their immediate family at a long, mirrored table, glowing with candlelight and tucked inside a tunnel of deep navy velvet draping.
After dinner, the celebration expanded as all wedding guests gathered at Toca Madera for a lively welcome party. Rich wood tones, soft low lighting, fun signature cocktails, and a vibrant energy created a warm, moody ambiance that set the tone for the weekend ahead.
Credit: Lucas Rossi
Heavy candlelight and bold, all-black draping brought the drama at the ceremony. Owen walked down the aisle as "The Matrimony" by Wale and Usher, played. He wore a custom tuxedo from Adam Ross Bespoke & Custom Clothiers. His groomsmen and his "ring security" — the couple's 2-year-old twin sons, Royal and Rome — wore the same designer. As a surprise to the groomsmen, each suit featured cast photos from their 2012 comedy, Think Like a Man. Meanwhile, the twins' tuxedos were lined with their favorite animal, lions.
In lieu of a traditional flower girl, Johnson's beloved 92-year-old grandmother served as the "flower gram." It was "incredibly important" to Johnson that her grandmother be a part of her special day, which is a major reason why she and Owen chose to wed in their home city. Ahead of the wedding, the lifestyle content creator shared that she was most looking forward to celebrating with her grandmother and "getting to treat her like a princess."
Credit: Lucas Rossi
Local violinist Marion DuBose performed Lana Del Rey's "Young and Beautiful" as Johnson made her way down the aisle. The bride wore a sultry and strapless Galia Lahav mermaid gown that shimmered in the candlelight and was "completely different" from what she initially envisioned choosing for herself. Her hair and makeup was by Senada Ceka and Alaina Saulsberry, respectively.
While standing atop a platform encircled by white candles and florals, the couple exchanged traditional vows.
"For me, marriage represents a lifelong commitment to grow together, support one another, and share every chapter side by side," Johnson says. "It also means the joining of our families — blending traditions, memories, and relationships into one united family moving forward."
Credit: Lucas Rossi
Owen adds, "Being married means this is the person I want to share my life with—the good, the bad, the happy, the sad. No matter what, we are going to figure out things together."
After they were pronounced husband and wife, Owen and Johnson walked out back down the aisle together as Drake's "Best I Ever Had" played on violin.
A lit ceiling drapery installation evoked energized elegance at the reception, where the newlyweds were introduced by Bun B and shared their first dance to a mashup of "All of Me" by John Legend and "Yeah!" by Usher. Partway through the dance, the couple's twin sons as well as Johnson's daughter and junior bridesmaid, Reign, joined them on the floor to symbolize their families coming together as one.
"I love the life we’ve built together — one that’s full of love, chaos, and a lot of laughter," Johnson says. "We’re excited about continuing to grow the life we’ve already built together, strengthening our partnership, deepening our family bond, and creating new traditions as one united family."
Credit: Lucas Rossi
Other big reception moments included Bun B performing, Terrence J rapping, and Rocsi Diaz taking on the mic to keep the energy going. During the toasts, Tony Roberts, Russell Peters, and Luenell delivered stand-up style sets for the wedding guests and introduced a surprise video message from the groom’s friend and groomsman, Kevin Hart, who was unable to attend due to filming obligations.
The bride made a "playful" and "high-glam" outfit change into a crystal-embellished Albina Dyla Couture corset minidress that was custom-made by the designer because the dress Johnson loved was sold out. Later in the evening, she debuted a third look: a corded-lace, long-sleeved minidress with a plunging V-neckline by Grace Loves Lace. She was styled by Styled by Shae.
"I admire Bri because she protects me and us. She makes me look at myself for who I truly am, which makes me do the things to become a better husband and father," says Owen, who shares son Austin and daughter Kennedy with ex Kenya Duke. Duke is also a mother to son Emilio from a previous relationship.
Credit: Lucas Rossi
He continues, "I am most excited to announce to the world who Bri is. If you see me, you see her."
For dinner, a three-course meal was served. Guests dined on savory beef tenderloin, marinated snapper, or roasted chicken for their entrée. Slices of the five-tiered wedding cake from Houston's premiere custom cake design studio Who Made the Cake! were served for dessert. Delicate sugar flowers and translucent rice paper sails cascaded down the edible showstopper. Bun B's award-winning smash burgers, Trill Burgers, were consumed as late-night snacks.
The wedding, which was planned by Caroline Leggio of Pure Lavish Events, concluded with a confetti-filled last dance.
Credit: Lucas Rossi
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Although Owen says his and Johnson's "life is a honeymoon," the pair plan to formally celebrate together later this summer after Owen's tour.
The couple first connected after Johnson attended one of her Owen's comedy shows. At the time, Johnson "had no idea" who Owen was. Now, Johnson says she admires her husband's heart. "The world sees how funny and talented he is, but at home, he’s the most devoted, hands-on father and the most supportive partner. He brings so much joy and laughter into our lives, but he’s also steady, loving, and always shows up for our family."
Credit: Lucas Rossi
Owen popped the question on Oct. 3, 2022, at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, one of the couple's favorite staycation spots. Afterward was a private dinner celebration with family, including Johnson's grandmother. On July 14, 2023, Owen and Johnson welcomed their twin sons.
"The next chapter is about building our legacy together," the couple tells PEOPLE. "Raising happy children who feel safe and deeply loved."
Additional Credits:
Videography: Reverent Wedding Films
Floral and Décor: Flora & Eventi
Stationery: Sugared Fig Paperie
Live Engraver: Cat Lauren Calligraphy
Entertainment: PRP Entertainment
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals, What’s the Occasion Linens & Décor, Avalon Event Rentals, Mike's Dance Floor Rentals, Red Carpet Eventions, DrapeMasters Events
AV and Special Effects: 360 AV Design
Champagne Tower and Caviar: French Toast Towers
Ice Sculpture: Ice Occasions Houston
Rendering Sketch Artist: Lisa Lova Design Studio
Content Creator: The BTS Bride
Jewelry Loaners: Danny Shaftel by Shaftel Diamonds
Bridal Party Hair and Makeup: Hairspray & Highlight
Bridal Party Pajamas: Birdy Grey
Wedding Champagne: Le Chemin du Roi
THC Shots: Nowadays
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