Rapper Da Brat and her fiancée Judy Dupart’s wedding last February 2, 2022, was a fairytale – from their Cinderella-esque horse-drawn carriages down to their pink-and-purple floral fantasy venue. If there’s a list of iconic weddings of the decade, this will definitely take the cake.
So, come with us as we return to 2/2/22 and relive the day of their union.
Part 1: The Romantic Ceremony
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Rapper and actor Da Brat (Shawntae Harris) married businesswoman and CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products Jesseca “Judy” Dupart at the Horse Mansion in Fairburn, Georgia. The event, which was planned by Eliana Baucicault’s EllyB Events along with Pomp Posh Event Decor, had a hundred guests in attendance, which included actress and fashion model Eva Marcille, TV personality Porsha Williams, and singer-songwriter Kandi Burrus.
The couple arrived like princesses in their separate Cinderella-esque horse-drawn carriages, wearing gowns designed by the sought-after couturier Esé Azénabor-Grembowski. Da Brat fittingly finished her look with a pair of sneakers, while Dupart went for the classic Jimmy Choo.
The ceremony started as they walked down the aisle with Luther Vandross’s “Here and Now” playing in the background. Brat’s best friend and groomsman, Jermaine Dupri, escorted her. On the other hand, Dupart’s brother, Damon Dupart Sr., did the honors for her. Lisa Raye McCoy, Da Brat’s paternal half-sister, was their bridesmaid.
Da Brat and Dupart met in 2017 at the latter’s haircare company event. They reconnected a few years later and made their relationship public and official in March 2020. Da Brat also came out on the day she confirmed they were together, which was definitely a big deal for the rapper, who had kept her personal life private for a long time.
Then, in August 2021, the couple confirmed they were engaged during an episode of their WE TV series Brat Loves Jesseca.
In January 2022, the ‘twin flames’ revealed that they set their wedding date on February 22, and this wasn’t just a random date. First, they didn’t want to miss something that only came once in their lifetime. Second, it held significant meaning to their relationship as it signified angel numbers and was reminiscent of ‘twin flames’ (which they had been calling each other).
On top of all that, they dropped another surprise.
Days before tying the knot, they announced that they had a new family member on the way. In the mirror selfie that the couple uploaded on Instagram, Da Brat stood behind Dupart, her hands making a heart over her baby bump.
Even without the whole ceremony and papers, the couple didn’t feel less like a union. The wedding was just going to legally solidify them and a way to make it official before their loved ones. As Brat said, Dupart wasn’t going anywhere anyway, and she wouldn’t let her go too. It was also a milestone because this wouldn’t happen in the ’90s.
The rapper also added that Dupart made her want to be so out loud, and she was very grateful for her. “It was like a weight lifted. I promise you, she was sent to me by God.”
Part 2: The Reception
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The reception venue was inspired by a pink and purple flower garden, which looked straight out of a fairy tale. The food tasted just as magical thanks to Atlanta’s premiere catering, Bold Catering.
The guests enjoyed Southern-fried lobster tail with port wine braised short ribs over truffle mac and cheese and then grilled asparagus with a honey-whole grain mustard sauce and broccolini with roasted garlic. For dessert, they were served butter almond cake by Cakes by La’Meeka.
Of course, no wedding event was complete without the performances. R&B crooner Keith Sweat and gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson both dedicated songs to the couple. For the customary father-daughter dance, comedian and TV personality Rickey Smiley and Brat took over the dance floor.
By the end of the night, Brat and Dupart danced out of the venue with the Treme Sidewalk Steppers Second Line Band for one last performance. Then they drove off in a blue Bentley with Dupart behind the wheel.
One thing they wanted for their wedding was for it to be their moment. They always had this habit of making everything big for everybody else, but this time, they knew it should be for them. Dupart said they wanted to show up for each other, express their love in front of those who mattered to them, and just have fun.
Part 3: The Honeymoon
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The couple shared their big-day photos on Instagram, with the caption saying it was a dream come true and that they were both officially Mrs. Harris-Dupart. They also uploaded some behind-the-scenes photos, and they would be showing them on their WE TV series Brat Loves Judy for their fans.
As for the honeymoon, Dupart surprised Da Brat with a vacation to the Turks and Caicos. It was definitely a much-needed break for both of them from their very hectic schedules.
Additionally, it was a great time to indulge and prepare for their firstborn. The new family member will join Dupart’s three older children from a previous relationship.
Da Brat admitted that she never really thought about becoming a mom before. So when she was finally on that boat, she felt really nervous, but at the same time, she was also very excited to meet their baby. According to the rapper, she and her wife talked and prayed about it a lot.
They wanted to raise “the most beautiful, respectful, loving child” who could carry out their legacy. Most importantly, their child would be loved so much by them.
Dupart suffered a miscarriage shortly after their wedding. Fortunately, they still had eggs left and decided to try again. On July 6, 2023, Da Brat gave birth to their baby boy, True Legend.