“When two people are meant for each other, no time is too long, no distance is too far, no one can ever tear them apart.” – Author unknown
I remember the first time a client called me for two wedding dresses. I will never forget her question “Is that ok?”. It caught me by surprise.
She started asking me about the process of ordering a custom wedding dress. Then she shyly led into the question, “Can you make two dresses, one for me and one for my fiance.” I was delighted, thinking this is awesome, two custom dresses in one call! What was there for me to complain about?
Perhaps where I grew up, my surroundings and who I grew up with, living in NYC, being involved in theater, arts, having gay friends, experimental high school shenanigans, a small obsession with Madonna and David Bowie, loving dance, etc. I am sure these all had something to do with my response, “Yeah, of course that is ok, why wouldn’t it be?” I was shocked to hear the clients had been turned away from wedding vendors because of their sexuality.
It reminds me of when my 10 year old cousin came up to me at my very own wedding and asked me, “how can this be a wedding Tara, your not getting married in the church,” and I replied, “you road up with Grandma didn’t you?” It hurts to not feel accepted, or to not be taken seriously because of your personal preferences, preferences that do not hurt, judge or effect anyone else directly except for the phenomena stuck in their heads manifesting feelings of fear or disappointment.
Leah and Laura got their marriage licence out of state and held their reception in Pennsylvania.
Same-sex marriage is legal in 12 states and the District of Columbia as well as 15 other countries. 36 states in the U.S. have banned same-sex marriage by constitutional amendments or state laws but some of these have passed laws legalizing same-sex marriage that will go into effect later this year. (please note the date of publication of these statistics was 2013, some statistics may have changed)
We live in a country where people are constantly fighting for the right to choose, why can’t we allow people to love and marry with the same conviction? Pleased to see that our country is moving in that direction and that couples of all genders, religions and race are being supported and embraced.
Love is created through a compatibility and connection that should not be limited by decree that it can only be felt and shared by “one man and one woman”. Same-sex couples can share a deep affection and affinity with each other that is just as sacred as that felt between a man and a woman. We are honored to help same sex couples make their wedding day memories special.
Jeanette and T Wed in Maine
As a woman who found my soul mate in the body of a man, I have no fears that allowing same-sex couples to marry will in any way diminish the love and importance of my union with my husband. Someone once said “I don’t care who you love, as long as you get the chance to love.” In a world and a time when everything seems to be in chaos, where countries are fighting and violence is rampant, let us smile upon those who have found happiness and love. Let us celebrate those who have found the one they wish to share their lives with.
