Bravo Star Preston Mitchum Marries Donald Cooley in DC Wedding (Exclusive)

Good job man Preston Mitchum is married!

The Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard alum said “I do” to Donald Cooley in an “intimate, personal and connected” wedding at a luxury hotel Conrad Washington DC Saturday, Oct. 25

“We’ve tried to stay focused on what really matters: celebrating the love, the community, and the life we’re building together,” the groom tells PEOPLE exclusively.

About 175 guests attended the wedding, which was “focused on friendship and joy”. Among the participants were The Real Housewives of Potomac and The traitors star Candiace Dillard-Bassett with her husband Chris Bassett, singer-songwriter and actress Jade Novah with her husband Devin Johnson, and Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard alums Jordan Emanuel, Nick Arrington and Summer Marie Thomas.

“From the beginning, we wanted our wedding to feel intentional, inclusive and full of joy. Even though we’re the ones tying the knot, this day is as much about community as it is about our love,” says the couple. “Our goal was to create a celebration that honored the people who have shaped our journey and supported us along the way. We envisioned a weekend that was equal parts love and laughter; a true three-day party filled with good energy, great music and unforgettable moments.”

The celebration began on Thursday, October 23, with a special dinner for the wedding party at Fish Shop Bar & Restaurant. The following day was a guest meet and greet at one of the couple’s favorite local restaurants, Chaplin’s.

On his big day, the groom wore two different looks and was styled by a New York City-based stylist Brian Lamont Daves. At the ceremony, they wore “sophisticated” black and hunter green suits specially designed by Great 7. Later at the reception, they changed into “lighter and more celebratory” hunter green linen suits designed by Tom James. During both moments, Mitchum wore custom hats Young Millinery.

“For us, getting married is about making an intentional commitment, rooted in love, faith and purpose. It’s a promise not only to each other, but also to our ancestors, God and the community of friends and family who have walked beside us,” the couple says. “Marriage for us means choosing each other every day – even when it’s not easy, even when life feels complicated – and remembering that the challenges are as much a part of the journey as the joy.”

Mitchum and Cooley exchanged personal handwritten vows during their ceremony, which was officiated by Dr. Ahmad Greene-Hayes. The ceremony also featured an important wedding tradition embraced by many black couples – jumping the broom.

“Historically, our ancestors were not legally allowed to marry, so this act became a sacred symbol of love, commitment and defiance,” the couple explains. “For us, it has an even deeper meaning. As two black gay men, jumping the broom represents both honoring our past and celebrating how far we’ve come. It’s a reminder that our love exists because of the courage and faith of those who came before us; and that our union, in itself, is part of that continuing legacy.”

At the “personal and breathtaking” reception venue, which was decorated in “a mix of black, green, white and accents of gold,” guests saw Mitchum and Cooley share their first dance to “Nothing Even Matters” by Lauryn Hill with D’Angelo.

“It’s one of those timeless songs that captures exactly how we feel. Grounded in love, calm in the midst of chaos and fully present with each other,” the couple say.

Since “an open bar and spicy food were non-negotiable” for the groom, it’s no surprise that their wedding featured a delicious and extensive menu. At the “elevated” cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a sushi station and an artisanal cheese and charcuterie display. Later in the evening, everyone was treated to a plated dinner. There was also an assortment of approved hors d’oeuvres, including a tomato tart, blue crab cakes with black garlic aioli, tempura shrimp with Old Bay aioli, mini steak brochettes and laoban chicken ginger wontons with ponzu sauce.

“We wanted our guests to feel taken care of, eat well and have an incredible time,” explain Mitchum and Cooley. “Good food and good drinks set the tone for the celebration, and for us that meant creating an atmosphere where people could really relax, laugh and enjoy themselves. We’ve both been to weddings where the energy dropped because the food or drinks missed the mark – it wasn’t going to be ours. We wanted every detail to reflect joy, culture and community, starting with what’s in the glass on the plate.”

Slices of the wedding cake in four tiers, made of Fluffy thought cookieswas served for dessert. Each tier was “covered in white diagonal textured buttercream for a clean, modern look” and had two alternating flavors: classic red velvet and chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream.

Mitchum and Cooley met in late 2019 on the gay dating app Jack’d, went on their first date in January 2020 at Denson Liquor Bar, a speakeasy in Washington, DC, and got engaged on April 9, 2024 on a European trip in Madrid, Spain. Now it feels like the knot symbolizes a larger “partnership”.

“It’s a daily practice of grace, laughter, honesty and showing up, even when it would be easier not to,” the couple says. “Two people who choose to build a place founded in love, to keep learning and unlearning together, and to never take for granted the beauty of having someone who sees you fully and still says ‘I’m here.'”

Mitchum most admires Cooley’s “patience, his calming presence and his ability to make any space feel like home.” He says: “Donald just asks me to be myself – nothing more, nothing less. And that, to me, is the most beautiful kind of love there is.”

Cooley, in turn, is drawn to Mitchum’s “courage, passion and brilliance,” telling PEOPLE: “Preston challenges me to grow, but always with care. He has never once asked me to be anything but myself. He is one of the most supportive, reliable and consistent people in my life.”

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The wedding festivities ended on Sunday, October 26, with farewell drinks at Balos Estiatorio. The newlyweds said goodbye and shared a toast before heading off on their two-week honeymoon to Japan, where they will explore Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Kyoto and Osaka.

“This trip feels like the perfect reflection of who we are; a mix of curiosity, culture and connection,” Mitchum and Cooley say. “We can’t wait to wander through bustling markets, enjoy views of Mount Fuji and, of course, eat our way through Japan’s legendary street food scene. It’s a true celebration of love, adventure and, as we’ve said many times before – sushi!”

After their honeymoon, the couple is most excited “to create a home filled with laughter, love and honesty.”

“We look forward to continuing to grow both individually and as a couple, always challenging each other to evolve while staying true to who we are,” said the duo. “It is also important for us to continue to nurture our community and the Chosen Family, for our relationship has always been rooted in connection.”

Additional credits:
Planner: Andrew Roby event
Lighting: The light source
Paper: Fingers In Ink
Florist: Luxurious atmosphere
Makeup: Jeff Enriquez
DJ: DJ Jash Jay
Rental: Something Vintage Rentals, DC Rentals
Linen: Cloud designer
Hairdresser: Demetrius