Urban Enthusiasts – August 2015

8/04/15
Newlyweds Bryanna and Kyle Harris recently tied the knot in an extravagant ceremony on the East Coast. The event garnered some media attention when they shared their nuptials online using the Periscope app. It seemed like an appropriate culmination to a relationship that begin on Twitter. The couple, now settled in back in Las Vegas after a European honeymoon, is busy extending their social media prowess into various projects right here at home.
Bryanna, originally from Long Island, New York, came to Nevada by way of the University of Reno before settling in Las Vegas with her parents. Kyle came to Las Vegas to be with Bryanna after meeting her online while living in his hometown of Russellville, Arkansas.
Bryanna designs and makes dignified, custom dog clothing for her own Hoodratz brand, and Kyle is the social media director for the popular Downtown Podcast. He’s also working on a project that works to connect and network with brands based in Las Vegas. The concept, Vegas Made, should launch in October.
What drew you to DTLV?
BH: Kyle and I kind of stumbled upon it together in our own way. I love hanging out downtown because it’s so much smaller than the Strip. It’s like being back home because every time we’re down there, we see someone we know. We love all our regular little spots and enjoy spending time in familiar places.
KH: I was asked to come to Downtown Podcast by a co-worker of mine almost two years ago and that was the first time I had even set foot downtown. Since then, the podcast kept me coming back, but also the people and the amazing restaurants and bars.
What are some of your favorite places downtown?
BH: We love Gold Spike! Maybe it’s because a lot of our friends live there now, but we love going to hang out in the Backyard, get a drink and watch local bands play. We also go to Commonwealth a lot and just recently wandered into Don’t Tell Mama. I see us spending a lot of time there.
What do you think sets DTLV apart from other neighborhoods in Vegas?
BH: DTLV is like a small community with A TON of lights. I think I know more people in DTLV than I do in the community that Kyle and I actually live in – in fact I know I do! It’s different because you get that city feel with a small town attitude.
KH: You can’t find people like the ones in DTLV anywhere else in the world. They’re all so smart, so ambitious and friendly, and they would go out of their way to help you at the drop of a hat. It’s a very young and inviting environment. I have built so many new friendships downtown and most of those friends actually call DTLV home. It is definitely where you want to be if your goal is to make friends who inspire you.
Any new spots you’re looking forward to opening downtown?
BH: Itsy Bitsy Ramen and Whisky opened recently and it’s super delicious.
KH: I’m interested to see how this new music venue across from Container Park is going to attract people to downtown. There is a big music scene in Vegas, so it’ll be nice to see local band and bigger bands drawing a crowd to the area. I feel like DTLV is high profile, but only to a small group of people. I’m noticing more and more folks coming downtown, which is really encouraging..
Photo: Bryanna and Kyle Harris by Lucky Wenzel