time, that for a gay couple, saying, “I Do,” isn’t solely about expressing your love and commitment. It’s something that was hard-fought for and is still not legal in every state. I find there is always a profound moment of gratitude, expressed by all witnesses in states where same-sex marriage is legal, knowing we haven’t won the nationwide battle yet. LGBT weddings also force couples to be creative and sensitive with things such
e
as, the wording on invitations, family involvement, the attire of the couple and the order of the ceremony procession. Some couples walk down the aisle togeth- er; some alternate being escorted by their parents; others create a v-shaped aisle and walk at the same time. New traditions are being born and age-old wedding etiquette decisions are being reevaluated. This time of year is most popular for couples to announce the engagements
that took place over the holiday season. I love hearing about all of the unique proposals. Some go old-fashioned, as one surprises the other with the famous question asked on one knee. Others go to pick out rings together, while some forgo bands altogether and opt for watches, artwork or tattoos. I recently got to watch a proposal after a concert that was “Glinda-fied” by an actress from Wicked. The last wedding I planned in 2014 was for a couple from Greece who had been
together 18 years. While spending three months of winter in Miami, a friend encouraged them to fly to New York and get legally married. We planned a “Great Gatsby” themed affair in just two months. A crowd of seventy guests from around the world made arrangements to come and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as they shared their first dance to a live rendition of “The Man I Love.” There wasn’t a dry body on the dance floor as Lady Bunny entered to DJ the
remainder of the evening and there was no proposal necessary…just some of the perks and quirks that make gay weddings so fabulous, fun and meaningful.
f
Jason Mitchell Jason Mitchell is a wedding planner and the author of Getting Groomed: The Ultimate Wedding Planner For Gay Grooms, a book that still holds the distinction of being the only of it’s kind on the market. Jason brings to weddings his passion for drama, honed from his career and education in theatre. He approaches all weddings using his playwriting background: What is the couple’s version of their most beautiful story, yet to be told? For more information on Jason, his schedule or to purchase his book, go to
gettinggroomed.com.
photos: b,c,e,d & g courtesy of drew newman
drewnewman.us photos: a & d: courtesy of ali rosa
alirosaphotography.com
g FEBRUARY 2015 | RAGE monthly 23
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