Cordero Zuckerman, known to fans worldwide as the ice-skating powerhouse Denali from RuPaul's Drag Race season 13, has married his longtime partner, Alexander Montgomery. The couple tied the knot in Chicago, the city where their story began, in a ceremony that was a heartfelt tribute to their life together, rooted in queer culture and chosen family.
The wedding, held last week, brought together 125 guests, including a notable contingent of Drag Race royalty. Winners Shea Couleé and Willow Pill were in attendance, alongside Denali's season 13 sisters Kandy Muse, Kahmora Hall, and Utica Queen, who played a special role in the celebration.
A Ceremony with a Personal Touch
The couple's journey began on the dance floor of Chicago's Berlin Nightclub in 2017, and they ensured their wedding reflected those origins. "This wedding is a physical embodiment of the core elements of our relationship: chosen family, dancing, queer culture, music and love," the couple shared with People magazine.
The ceremony itself was filled with unique details. Instead of a traditional ring bearer, guests played "ring bearer roulette," with the wedding bands hidden under a randomly selected guest's chair. The officiant was Jamie Meun, the performer behind Chicago drag legend Aunty Chan. In a touching tribute to the women in their lives, the flower girl was Zuckerman's 90-year-old grandmother.
For the ceremony, the grooms wore classic tuxedos, but for the reception, they changed into custom ensembles designed by their friend and fellow drag artist, Utica Queen. Zuckerman wore a silk halter top with back-chain detailing and cream trousers, while Montgomery sported a sleek black button-up with oversized trousers.
Celebrating Community and Chosen Family
Music was a central theme of the night. Their entrance song was Andrew Bird's "Pulaski At Night," a song they said represents their journey of starting fresh in Chicago. Their first dance was to Lorde’s “400 Lux,” a lyric from which—"...and I like you"—is inscribed inside their custom-designed wedding bands.
The reception's soundtrack was provided by Chicago House DJ VITIGRRL, a nod to the city's musical heritage and the couple's nightclub roots. Even the wedding cake came from a beloved local spot: Jennivee’s Bakery & Cafe, a trans-owned business in the city.
The wedding was more than just a party; it was a statement on the evolution of queer relationships and the importance of self-created families. "As much as marriage has traditionally been a straight institution, I think the queer tradition of chosen family is actually extremely compatible with marriage," Montgomery noted. "You're taking a step away from the circumstances you were born into and forging new bonds."
For Zuckerman, the day held deep personal significance. "Growing up in a religious family, marriage to me is yet another reminder of the risks I took and the gut instinct I followed to create a happy life for myself," he said. "I am so proud to honor the man that I love and the family we have created."
