Weddings Redefined

Stories and advice from Bernadette Smith, visionary owner of 14 Stories, the nation's first firm specializing in creating legal LGBT weddings. Our weddings are unique, personal, beautiful and still, historical. We have offices in Boston and New York.

Julie and Ben's Straight Gay Wedding

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Tuesday, February 09, 2010
I adore Julie and Ben.  Julie is our sweetheart graphic designer, who designed this website and all of our collateral, and designs wedding invitations for our clients.  She owns a company called J Sherman Studio.  Ben is her adorable and precious husband.

I helped plan their very nontraditional straight wedding in 2008.  They wanted to work with me because they wanted a very low-key but stylish affair with many features of gay weddings.  Here's what they did:

  • Julie designed all of the print materials to create a cohesive design theme.
  • She had a custom made wedding dress (not a white wedding gown).
  • Guests were greeted with passed drinks and there was a pre-ceremony reception on the patio at Harvest Restaurant, a great spot in Harvard Square.
  • The ceremony was officiated by Julie's sister and began very organically without a formal processional, just a clinking of the glass.  
  • Most of the 50 guests stood except for a few seats in the front row for seniors.  
  • Immediately following the ceremony, cocktail hour resumed and the guests enjoyed amazing hors d'oeuvres.
  • The guests then went inside for an amazing dinner.  There were a few toasts but no dancing and no cake cutting.


What a beautiful straight gay wedding, Julie and Ben!


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Hair and Makeup for Gay Weddings

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Thursday, February 04, 2010
We hear all the time from gay couples who want hair and makeup for their wedding but are looking for a "natural look."  Many of our couples don't want to feel overdone - they want to just look like the best version of themselves, polished and pretty but not too made up.

And of course we have the couples who do want to feel like the beautiful bride with a traditional hair and makeup experience.  

14 Stories has an exclusive partnership with a lesbian hair and makeup stylist who can accommodate all of these requests for our clients.  Our stylist brings over 10 years of experience in hair and makeup for film, stage and special events and will be on site with you on your wedding day if you choose.  We've listened to our clients' needs are proud to offer this experience.

Our stylist can work with butch, femme or somewhere in between.  She can work on men and women.  She has styled transgender individuals.  She's awesome and will make you look fabulous.  




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What's Different About Wills for Same-Sex Couples

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Wednesday, February 03, 2010
We're very pleased to present the first in a series of articles about legal resources for same-sex couples.  They will be posted every Wednesday.  Our goal is to make sure that your gay or lesbian family is protected, both as you plan your gay wedding and continue your lives together.  The article below was written by Claire Bartholome, who in addition to being an estate planning attorney, is also a client of 14 Stories.

Wills, generally considered relatively simple tools for distributing an estate, can also define relationships, present evidence of intent, direct guardianship, and much more.  Wills for same-sex spouses need not be dramatically unique, but they can provide special protections and should be a priority for any same-sex couple young or old.   

Here are some reasons why Wills are especially important for same-sex couples and key elements you should include: 

  • Because you may not die in Massachusetts. As somber as it may be, most states remain hostile to the idea of recognizing a same-sex spouse in life or death.  Intestacy statutes (the laws that govern distribution of assets when there is not a Will) in states that do not recognize marriage equality will treat a same-sex spouse as a mere stranger, bypassing that person in favor of a blood relative.  By executing a Will, you can ensure that no matter where you die, your spouse will receive all to which he/she is entitled.
  • Defining the relationship.  An explicit clause defining your relationship in your Will provides extremely strong evidence of your intent to be considered a married couple, regardless of the laws of the state in which you die.  Any challenge by a hostile family member, for example, would have a hard time overcoming such explicit documentation. 
  • Providing for the guardianship of children.  Whether or not you currently have children, a Will can provide that in the event of your death, your surviving spouse will be named as guardian of your children.  A guardianship clause is particularly helpful if you move to a state hostile to marriage/adoption by same-sex couples. 
  • Because laws do change.  While it does not appear that any viable challenges to marriage equality in Massachusetts loom on the horizon, the entire country remains a battlefield for same-sex couples.  State and Federal laws may change for the better or worse.  Having a duly executed Will with explicit language about your relationship to each other and your children, can provide protection in an uncertain future.
  • Because now you’re married (or engaged). Remember also, that if you executed a Will prior to your marriage, whether it named your current spouse as a beneficiary or not, it is now invalid unless explicitly made “in contemplation” of your marriage. 
     
Claire Bartholome is an Attorney with the Law Office of William J. Brisk.  Her practice specializes in estate planning for same-sex couples in order to combat discrimination, legal challenges, and prejudice.  This information is not intended to provide legal advice.  For information as to how the laws apply to your specific situation, consult an attorney.  www.briskelderlaw.com


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14 Stories Anniversary Party

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Our anniversary party last week was wonderful!  Thanks to all who came - current and former clients, vendors, friends and partners.  We appreciate your support of our company and look forward to the years to come.  We're very proud of the services we offer couples and are excited to continually expand our offerings - check this blog on Thursday to see a new addition to our services.

Without further ado, eye candy from the party, which was at Radius Restaurant, with the most amazing private dining room in Boston.  All flowers designed by Jen at 14 Stories.  Photos by Kelly from Closed Circle Photography.





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