Cardi B, Raven-Symoné Officiate Wedding for National Coming Out Day
In December 2020, Cardi B launched her latest endeavor: "Cardi Tries." This Facebook series follows the rapper as she teams up with other celebrities and attempts various adventures "way out of her comfort zone."
Since its premiere, Cardi B has tried basketball, ballet and "wildlife," just to name a few. Now in its second season, Cardi B is enlisting the help of Raven-Symoné for her biggest challenge yet: officiating a wedding.
Raven-Symoné—actress, singer, and star of Disney's "That's So Raven"—had her own same-sex wedding last year in a surprise backyard ceremony, tying the knot with Miranda Maday.
"[Coming out] is a layered journey for people in the LGBTQ+ community. Being part of a same-sex marriage is important so people can see there are differences, obviously, but there are also similarities," said Raven, reflecting on the importance of the episode's wedding—and her own—in light of National Coming Out Day.
In the opening of the episode, Cardi B revealed that the wedding they are officiating is a surprise—at least for one of the brides. Brandi, the bride who enlisted the help of Cardi B and Raven-Symoné, is surprising her soon-to-be-wife Shannon, with a pop-up wedding. Shannon thinks she is going to her engagement party, but is eventually shocked to learn that the party is actually her wedding.
Brandi and Shannon's love story began in 2018. Shannon was the first woman Brandi ever asked out on a date, and Shannon said yes. They later fell in love and decided to spend the rest of their lives together. Brandi's surprise wedding to Shannon is a special moment for the pair.
"I love that the girl who just came out is the one who asked to get married," Raven commented.
'Being part of a same-sex marriage is important so people can see there are differences, obviously, but there are also similarities.'
When Cardi B and Raven-Symoné arrived at the wedding location in Malibu, California, they went over the game-plan with Brandi. Cardi B, who underwent the process to become an officiant, was to officiate the wedding—and Raven-Symoné was to help Brandi plan and execute the wedding itself—everything from the flower arrangements to the dresses.
In one heartwrenching moment, Brandi tried on her dress and revealed her mother will not be attending the wedding because she does not approve of her daughter being in a same-sex relationship. Raven commented this is an unfortunately common experience in the LGBTQIA+ community, and emphasized how important it is to have a community to rely on—even if it isn't your biological family.
After Brandi broke the news to the guests that the event was their wedding and not their engagement party—Cardi B stepped onto the stage and surprised Shannon.
"You are probably wondering why I'm here. I'm going to get these two beautiful ladies married. This is not only a special day for you—it's also a special day for me. Thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful journey," Cardi B announced.
The couple exchanged emotional vows, Raven-Symoné surprised Shannon (again) by bringing out the rings, and the couple was pronounced wife and wife.
On National Coming Out Day, this pronouncement of same-sex love provides hope for those who are scared to come out, freshly out of the closet, or worried they will never find someone to love.
Watch the entire inspiring video here.
