Cordero Zuckerman, known to fans as Denali from RuPaul’s Drag Race, has recently embarked on a new journey, marrying his long-time partner, Alexander Montgomery. The couple exchanged vows on August 29 at a heartfelt ceremony held at The Joinery in Chicago, surrounded by 125 loved ones — including notable Drag Race alumni such as Shea Couleé and Kandy Muse.
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The wedding celebrated a love story that has blossomed over almost a decade. Zuckerman, who is also a professional figure skater, described the occasion as a pivotal moment in their lives, emphasising the significance of community, music, and love in their relationship. “This wedding is a physical embodiment of the core elements of our relationship: chosen family, dancing, queer culture, music and love,” the couple shared in a statement.
The wedding festivities kicked off with a rehearsal dinner and casual welcome drinks hosted by Zuckerman’s brother-in-law. The couple planned a weekend filled with joyful gatherings, culminating in a boat cruise through downtown Chicago for their guests. This focus on togetherness highlights their intention to merge various facets of their lives into one shared celebration. “We’re looking at this as one of the only opportunities we’ll ever have to bring together this many people we care about from different corners of our lives,” they explained.
The planning of the wedding saw the couple drawing on their unique skills, with Zuckerman’s background in the arts complementing Montgomery’s corporate expertise. They found their perfect venue in The Joinery, which allowed them to incorporate their personalities into the celebration. “What really sold us was the incredible team at The Joinery who treated us like family from the very start,” they remarked.
Their ceremony blended elements of nature with a nod to Chicago nightlife. Monstera leaves featured prominently as décor, reflecting their shared home environment, while a palette of sage, tan, emerald, black and white formed an understated yet elegant backdrop. Rather than adhere strictly to wedding traditions, the pair personalised their ceremony with meaningful rituals, opting for brevity to maximise time with their guests.
Jamie Meun, affectionately known as Aunty Chan in the Chicago drag scene, officiated the ceremony, adding a touch of whimsy to proceedings. The couple walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of Andrew Bird’s “Pulaski at Night,” performed live, which symbolised their journey and the fresh beginnings they’ve experienced in Chicago.
In an endearing twist on traditional roles, Zuckerman’s 90-year-old grandmother participated as the flower girl, while the couple created a fun element dubbed “ring bearer roulette,” in which the wedding rings were hidden and discovered by guests during the ceremony. Both grooms opted for classic tuxedos complemented by custom-designed wedding bands that celebrated their birthstones and featured a sentimental engraving.
Post-ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails as the venue was transformed for the reception. The couple had taken the time to hand-write thank you notes for each of their guests, showcasing the deep gratitude they felt towards their family and friends. A delicious dinner followed, featuring a range of gourmet options, and speeches from beloved family members added to the evening’s warm atmosphere.
The dance floor was undoubtedly the heart of the celebration, reflecting how Zuckerman and Montgomery first found love amidst the hustle and bustle of a nightclub. “For the reception, all we required is that our guests come as they are and dance!” they joyfully stated, enlisting their favourite DJ, VITIGRRL, to keep spirits high and feet moving throughout the night.
As the couple reflected on their time together and the meaning of their marriage, they highlighted the importance of chosen family over traditional expectations. Zuckerman expressed the personal significance of the event, honouring his journey toward happiness in his queer identity. Montgomery echoed this sentiment, noting that while traditional marriage carries its history, it beautifully aligns with the queer tradition of creating one’s family.
Looking ahead, the pair shared that while they have big dreams for their future — including potential home ownership and travel — their immediate focus is on enjoying the present and the memories they’ve already created. “At this point, we look forward to a nice rest!” they quipped, a light-hearted conclusion to a weekend filled with love, joy, and celebration.
Their wedding not only commemorated their love but also celebrated the community they’ve built together over the years. As family met friends and new memories were created, Zuckerman and Montgomery affirmed their commitment to each other and the beautiful journey that lies ahead.