Ira Dean, the 54-year-old singer-songwriter and founding member of Trick Pony, recently celebrated a milestone in his life - he got married! On February 10, Dean tied the knot with philanthropist and advocate Jennifer Parisi in a beautiful ceremony held in Jamaica.
The couple chose a venue with sentimental value for Dean - Cinnamon Hill, the former home of legendary musicians Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. This historic estate, originally built in 1734, holds cherished memories for Dean, who spent several Christmases with the Cash family there.
The wedding festivities spanned three days and included a small gathering of 80 loved ones. The celebrations kicked off with a vibrant welcome dinner at the Three Palms Restaurant the night before the wedding, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable celebration.
Among the distinguished guests were comedian and actor Jim Breuer, singer Jamey Johnson, former WWE wrestler Diamond Dallas Page, and singer Gary Allan. John Carter Cash, the only child of Johnny and June Cash, not only attended the wedding with his wife Ana but also officiated the ceremony, adding a personal touch to the couple's special day.
Dean and Parisi incorporated unique traditions into their ceremony, symbolically blending their families. They performed a sand ceremony with their children - Dean's daughter Maya and Parisi's daughter Serena and son Sonny. This ritual represented their unity as a family and their love for spending time at the beach.
Another notable tradition they embraced was the ancient Celtic ritual of handfasting. This symbolic act involved literally 'tying the knot' as a representation of their commitment to one another.
For her wedding attire, Parisi opted for the Kasia set by Kyha Studios, which consisted of a structured corset and a fitted trumpet skirt made from white duchess satin. The classic and chic design evoked an Old Hollywood style. She accessorized with Aquazzura shoes, a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, and a borrowed 12.5-carat diamond choker necklace from her mother. After the ceremony, Parisi changed into a strapless minidress called the Young Hearts, adorned with lineal silver sequins, and paired it with Golden Goose sneakers.
Dean made a bold statement with his custom tuxedo jacket designed by Mexican designer Manuel Cuevas. The jacket was intricately embroidered with hearts, skulls, flowers, and a dove. In a poignant tribute to Dean's late mother, Cuevas embroidered an elephant, reflecting her fondness for the gentle giants.
Music played a prominent role in the wedding, as expected in the union of two musicians. Parisi walked down the aisle to Kina Grannis' 'I Can't Help Falling in Love,' and the couple's recessional song was Johnny and June Cash's classic hit, 'Jackson.' Dean couldn't resist performing a song of his own. He sang 'Everything,' a heartfelt composition he wrote for Parisi when they got engaged in April 2023.
The evening continued with a surprise performance by Jim Breuer, who stole the show with his rendition of AC/DC's 'You Shook Me All Night Long.' Guests indulged in a sumptuous plated dinner that included island squash bisque, Caesar salad, grilled chicken with a jerk orange-honey vinaigrette, filet of snapper with an Indian-spiced coconut curry sauce, basmati rice with peas and pimento, and sautéed vegetables. The delectable dessert featured Key lime cheesecake with a strawberry coulis, accompanied by slices of the couple's three-tier vanilla buttercream wedding cake adorned with fresh strawberries and a strawberry filling.
Looking back on this magical experience, Parisi expresses her joy, calling their wedding a 'dream come true.' After years of being on her own, she found a partner who loves her unconditionally and brings laughter into her life every day. She couldn't be prouder to call Dean her husband.
Dean wholeheartedly echoes his wife's sentiments, feeling incredibly fortunate to have found Parisi. After swearing off marriage, he acknowledges that Parisi is the most amazing woman he has ever met. Their love story serves as proof that even someone like him can have a happily-ever-after ending, and he is grateful that fate brought her into his life when it did.
As they embark on this new chapter together, Dean and Parisi leave a lasting impression with their beautiful wedding, blending love, music, and cherished traditions.
