Yvette Nicole Brown, the beloved actress known for her role as Shirley Bennett on Community, is preparing for a major life milestone as she gets ready to marry actor Anthony Davis. Ahead of their December wedding, the 53-year-old actress celebrated an intimate and surprising bridal shower on November 17 at 1010 Wine & Events, Inglewood’s only Black-owned wine bar. The event was filled with elegance and attended by a star-studded group of close friends and family.
The theme of the bridal shower, “Our Pearl Has Found Her Diamond,” beautifully honored both Brown’s iconic sorority pearls and the dazzling diamond on her engagement ring. This theme was deeply personal to Yvette, who, thirty years ago, graduated from the University of Akron in Ohio and became a member of the Delta Pi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The theme was not just a celebration of her engagement, but also a nod to her rich history with her sorority.
The bridal shower was a complete surprise to Yvette. Although she was told by friend Vanessa Bell Calloway to wear pearls and something white, she had no idea what to expect. “Everything else about it was a complete surprise,” Yvette shared with People. Her makeup for the day was done by her longtime friend Beth Carter, and her hair was styled by Tara Copeland.
The shower featured plenty of fun activities, including a pink carpet photo op, music by DJ Candice Manier, and a celebratory toast with signature cocktails from SV Vodka. Guests also enjoyed a delicious cake by Southern Girl Desserts. One of the highlights of the event was a pearl jewelry-making activity where guests crafted their own keepsakes. The celebration also included a video with heartfelt messages and photos from family and friends, adding an emotional touch to the occasion.
The guest list included many of Yvette’s celebrity friends, such as Lisa Ann Walter, Kim Fields, Sunny Hostin, Essence Atkins, Holly Robinson Peete, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Cree Summer Francks, and Yvette Lee Bowser. These women are not just colleagues but close, longtime friends who have supported Yvette throughout her career and life.
Throughout the event, Yvette shared her gratitude for the love and support she’s received from her circle of friends. “I think most of them are married or still married. A few have at least been proposed to,” Yvette said. “This is my first time experiencing all of this, so it’s exciting to sit at their feet a little bit and hear their advice and share my thoughts.”
As for their upcoming wedding, Yvette and Anthony Davis – who got engaged in December 2023 – have decided not to have a traditional bridal party. Both in their 50s, Yvette joked, “We can’t pick a bridal party. It would be millions of people.”
The bridal shower was not just a celebration of her love for Anthony, but also a tribute to the support Yvette has received from her friends over the years. The event showcased the power of friendship, love, and community – values that Yvette holds dear.
