Freddie’s Beach Bar Owner Weds Longtime Partner on Custom-Built Float During WorldPride Parade
Freddie Lutz and Johnny Cervantes, partners for 28 years, celebrate their union in a spectacular and symbolic ceremony during Saturday’s WorldPride parade.
WASHINGTON, DC-As rainbow flags wave and music fills the streets for WorldPride in Washington, D.C., one couple’s love story took center stage—Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant owner Freddie Lutz and longtime partner, Johnny Cervantes, rolled through the parade on a custom-built wedding float.
Partners for 28 years, the couple celebrated their union in a spectacular and symbolic ceremony during Saturday’s parade. Their wedding venue? A “little gay chapel” on wheels—adorned with white flowers and wrapped in holographic shimmer—that will roll alongside thousands of revelers in a moving celebration of love, pride, and resilience.
The idea sparked from Kat Dean, director of the Equality Chamber Foundation, who approached Lutz, a beloved figure in the local LGBTQ+ community and owner of Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington.
“There’s a lot of talk about what’s happening with gay marriage right now,” Dean said. “And what better way to support some incredible business owners like Freddie and Johnny in the community than by having them literally get married in the middle of the parade?”
Though the couple made things official in a quiet courthouse ceremony the day before, Saturday’s public celebration will serve as a symbolic vow renewal—and a joyful act of visibility.
Lutz, ever the showman, said the nerves hadn’t set in.
“I actually am not nervous at all,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t think we had time to get nervous.”
The couple has long shared their lives, but only recently began seriously considering legal marriage.
“We wanted to make sure we liked each other,” Lutz joked. Then, more earnestly, he added, “Well, I said to him a month or two ago, you know, we should go to the courthouse and get married while we still can.”
Their float, adorned with lush floral arrangements designed by Alexandria florist Royce Cohen, won’t just carry newlyweds—it will carry a message.
“We’re not afraid to stand up and stand for what we believe in, which is love,” Lutz said.
As for the weather forecast? The couple is hoping for clear skies—but they’ll have festive umbrellas on hand just in case. After all, they say, a little rain on your wedding day is supposed to bring good luck.
Royce Cohen, Alexandria floral designer and longtime friend to the couple, decorated Freddie’s Beach Bar with striking, blow-your-mind arrangements. The bar is open today and welcomes all to come join in the celebration with the happy couple.
Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, located at 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, VA, is Northern Virginia’s only LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar. Known for its vibrant, beach-themed décor and inclusive atmosphere, Freddie’s offers a variety of events and specials throughout the week. These include nightly karaoke, themed events like Beach Blanket Bingo, and the popular Freddie’s Follies drag show every Saturday at 9 p.m. Additionally, patrons can enjoy a weekend brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which includes a mimosa or soft drink. (freddiesbeachbar.com)
Freddie’s is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Reservations can be made online or by calling (703) 685-0555. (freddiesbeachbar.com)
For more information, visit their website: (freddiesbeachbar.com).
