Tommy Bracco
Tommy Bracco
On this episode of Weddings-ish with Jove, we’re joined by Tommy—a Staten Island born and raised performer turned wedding visionary. His story blends stage-struck passion, family-fueled quirks, and a DIY wedding that reframed tradition and transparency.
Born into a large Italian family on Staten Island, Tommy found himself on stage early—training at LaGuardia School for Performing Arts—and made his non-Equity debut in an Off-Broadway production of Newsies that transferred to Broadway. He earned Equity and spent three transformative years with the show—on Broadway, touring, and even in its filmed adaptation. From there, he performed in Pretty Woman, & Juliet, and regional theater while nurturing the next generation through teaching.
In June 2020, Tommy matched with his now-husband on Hinge. The connection initially stalled—his husband hadn’t yet come out—but their first date changed everything. Just a week later, they were officially together. Tommy says he knew that it was him from that first evening. Soon after came a quintessential Italian-family road trip to Lancaster, PA—20 people, no reservations—where his partner more than passed the “meet the family” test.
Filming the wedding planning process—on TikTok and Instagram—Tommy pulled the curtain back on vendor pricing, tradition, and conventions. He was transparent, letting viewers see real quotes (like $330 per plate) and real decisions. But the process wasn’t all open-book—Tommy and his husband negotiated how much to share, a partnership in the making.
They challenged wedding norms at every turn, beginning with how they chose to be introduced. Rejecting the outdated “Mr. and Mrs. First Last,” they instead embraced the equal and modern title of Mr. and Mr. Bracco. Their approach to invitations followed the same thoughtful spirit—plus-ones weren’t extended as a blanket policy but were considered carefully, offered to long-term partners and out-of-town guests where it felt most meaningful. And perhaps most notably, they brought a refreshing honesty to the process by openly discussing the financial side of wedding planning, sharing that East Coast venue pricing averaged around $330 per plate—before even accounting for tax, service fees, entertainment, florals, and all the extras that quickly add up.
Invitations became a family affair—assembly-line style in their kitchen, cutting costs and creating memories. Save-the-dates were mailed to brands like Crumbl Cookies in GIF-style packaging—and often came back with sweet treats in return. On the wedding day, guests received personalized favors: a Barilla pasta box, an engraved wooden spoon, and a handwritten family recipe for macaroni and broccoli. They repurposed 80 tomato cans into ice buckets, bottle coolers, and a reality-TV “confessional booth” where guests were invited to “spill the sauce.”
The ceremony was deeply intimate and thoughtful: private vows exchanged away from the crowd, easing one groom’s nerves and honoring their core. They walked down the aisle back-to-back, each escorted by both parents, before welcoming 300 guests at cocktail hour and dinner. The celebration sparkled: a surprise mash-up performance by Tommy’s childhood friend, a choreographed father-son dance (even with a hip injury), and a brother’s speech that was equal parts humor and heart.
They toured 40+ venues before choosing one in the Bronx—with personal resonance: it was where Tommy’s parents married and where he’d attended prom. The warmth of the family-run space won over the transactional feel of larger venues.
The event unfolded from 2 PM to 10 PM: one hour of ceremony followed by an evening filled with dinner, dancing, and joy.
This episode reminds us what happens when couple-first values guide the biggest—and most public—moments. From Staten Island roots to modern rules, it’s a story about love, family, and creating tradition on your own terms.
This episode is a reminder that real love is often found in unexpected places—and that being brave enough to take the leap can lead to something truly lasting.
This episode during our “Ask Jove” Segment Jove talks with Sloan about what to do when someone hates the makeup and hair trail!
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