Just came across this resource for people in MA. If you check it out, let us know if it was different than going to a “straight” wedding expo and if so how.
We’re always discovering new resources for same-sex weddings. Check out our Facebook page to get the latest discoveries. In the meantime, here’s what we’ve found so far:
The Gay-Friendly Source is designed for everyone – gay and straight – and for all ages, from teens to grandparents. News, events, and an extensive directory of gay-friendly businesses, professionals and organizations. User content, too, such as “What it’s like…” and a Spiritual & Inspirational section.
Tags: vendors, wedding planning, Wedding Resources
Have you seen The Gay MarriageThing? Do you have an opinion on the film and equal marriage? Share your thoughts and opinions on Amazon or link up with the film on Facebook and join the conversation.
Tags: Documentary, film, film review, gay marriage, marriage, same-sex, The Gay Marriage Thing
Amazon top 50 reviewer Amos Lassen is the first to review the 5th anniversary disc. Read the review.
Tags: amazon, Amos Lassen, Documentary, education, film, film review, gay marriage, marriage, same-sex, The Gay Marriage Thing, weddings
5th Anniversary DVD Now Online
I’m so excited to say that, for the first time, The Gay Marriage Thing is widely and easily available on DVD. The disc features two extras with never-before seen footage. With equal marriage once again filling blogs, newspapers and airways, the documentary is as relevant as ever.
Tags: Documentary, education, film, gay marriage, gay wedding, The Gay Marriage Thing
While not every wedding is a “theme” wedding, each one is imbued with the unique personality and feeling of the couple getting married. For us, that meant making everyone feel at home. Every decision we made was influenced by this homey theme. From the giant fireplaces in our reception and ceremony venue to the open cocktail bar and traditional ceremony, we thought about creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Let me pause to say that, while we thought a lot about the comfort of our guests, our wedding was perfect for us and was everything we wanted and nothing we didn’t. However, we were very conscious of the fact that our wedding would be the first and perhaps last same-sex wedding most of our mainly straight guests would attend. And one thing we knew was there were people who were going to be uncomfortable coming to a gay wedding. Not only were there those who didn’t support gay marriage, but even people who supported our marriage, were a little nervous not knowing what to expect. Finally, as the director of a film that dives deep into the debate, I could not ignore the impact the experience of our wedding would have on our guests. So, homey, cozy and comfortable not only represented us, but was what we wanted everyone else to feel too.
And when it came time to invite those family members who did not support our marriage, we focused on our theme letting them know personally how the evening would go and that it would be traditional and comfortable. Perhaps we went a bit too out of our way, but that’s who we are. In any case, these folks chose not to come to one of the most important events of our lives. It’s a hard thing every year to celebrate holidays with family who refused to come to your wedding. But, I guess, I just end up feeling sorry for them. Because, not only are they short-sighted and miss a lot of life out there because of their narrow perspectives, but they missed one hell of a party!
Tags: atmosphere, cocktail bar, family members, fireplaces, gay marriage, gay wedding, holidays, important events, not supportive, personality, perspectives, theme wedding, traditional ceremony, wedding theme
“The Gay Marriage Thing” is now available on Amazon.com for streaming rental ($2.99) or download purchase. If you are planning your wedding and have some family or friends who are uncomfortable or even against your wedding and need help showing them your relationship is just like the straight ones they are familiar with, the film was made for that purpose. It is a quiet film that speaks to people on both sides of the debate and is comfortable to watch with people of differing opinions. If you like it, please help by reviewing the film on Amazon and spreading the word. I hope it helps!
Tags: amazon, Documentary, education, film, gay marriage, marriage, opposition, relationship, The Gay Marriage Thing, wedding planning
A quick link for you all. We used this website to help plan our wedding. Not only did they have a ton of services for free at the time, but they even let you choose man/man or woman/woman icons to represent yourselves. They also have racially diverse icons which was neat. I’ll post the link here so others can check it out.
http://www.weddingwire.com/
Tags: tools, wedding planning
It’s strange now to think that when we were planning our vows, one thing we had to decide was what to call ourselves. I always planned on making Galit my wife. Not my partner, spouse or some other ambiguous term. So when our officiant, Edi Pasalis of I Do Yoga asked, “Do you, Stephanie, take Galit to be your lawfully wedded wife,” I knew exactly what I was getting into. It’s important you and your significant use the terms that make sense for you. When I’m introducing or talking about Galit the word Wife is immediate and natural. It takes less and less people here in Massachusetts by surprise, a testament to how little time it takes for people to accept, integrate and move on.
Tags: gay marriage, legally married, lesbian, same-sex marriage, what to call your spouse, wife
As I’ve mentioned before, our DJ, Guy Nicotra from NuImage Entertainment, was “‘da bomb.” We received so many compliments on the music, dancing and on his personality. As you may or may not know, the DJ acts as the Master of Ceremony for many wedding receptions. They give the reception structure and help move the night along from introductions through dances and toasts to cutting the cake and finally last dance. It is important to have a great entertainer and leader for this position, yet someone who will listen to your input and make sure you and your guests are comfortable.
Two things that were important to us were playing music we liked to dance to and that no one be made to feel uncomfortable. We didn’t want any bouquet or garter tosses and wanted both straight and gay couples to feel comfortable dancing on the same floor. I’ve been uncomfortable at some straight weddings and I hate being singled out a wedding in front of 200 people. Let people drink and act a fool on their own terms.
Guy really heard us and played a good mix of songs I gave him and songs he mixed in. He did a center-piece giveaway where everyone danced around their tables, but instead of singling people out, he had a unique game with a 5 dollar bill, a table full of people and a fully charged soundtrack. It energized everyone and got the whole reception on the dance floor which they never left.
We asked Guy how it was to work our lesbian wedding and whether it was different from straight weddings he’s worked. These were his thoughts:
Dear Steff,
I hope things are going well for you and Galit and that you are enjoying every moment together. As far as the wedding and my experience with you, what can I say, I was working with a young couple in love with a little twist. A wall was overcome and It was about celebration. A Romeo and Juliet or should I say Juliet and Juliet story only with a happy ending. The reception was spectacular with only a few alterations to fit the occasion. Having you dance with your brothers for thanks and support I think was a great touch and also help keep structure of the reception. I do have to say that the biggest difference I notice was the overwelming joy in your guests faces, much more than the day to day weddings I’ve done. They as-well as I were so happy to be apart of your special day.
Best Wishes!
Guy Nicotra
NuImage Entertainment
Tags: dj, garter, gay wedding, lesbian, nuimage, planning, Reception entertainment, Reception music, same-sex, wedding receptions, Wedding Vendors
