There are few things more exciting than a Jewish celebrity wedding. The mix of important guests, Jewish rituals and Judaica and a beautiful, beaming couple — just look at Mark Ronson and Grace Gummer or Nicolette Robinson and Leslie Odom Jr. — is almost too much for our little hearts to bear.
So, naturally, we are absolutely kvelling over the news that Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe is going to have an African and Jewish wedding!
In a recent interview with the publication “Brides,” Sidibe opened up about the plans for her spring 2023 nuptials to Jewish fiancé Brandon Frankel.
“It will be a nice mix of African and Jewish touches,” Gabby, who is of Senegalese descent, explained. “I want his background to absolutely be there because this is a partnership.”
The couple, who met on the app Raya, started dating pre-pandemic and have been engaged since 2020.
While no plans appear to be set in stone, one thing is for certain: Gabby and Brandon do not want a traditional wedding. There will be no perfectly white dress — in fact, Sidibe says she’s likely wear a dress with African print; there will be no traditional wedding vows — the couple will either write their own or “come up with them on the spot”; and the pair want a very small wedding where any guests are completely logged off of their devices.
While we cannot wait to find out what the African and Jewish touches end up being (a chuppah with an African pattern or a Senegalese- and Jewish-inspired menu, perhaps?), for now we can definitively say: Mazel tov, Gabby and Brandon!!
