Gay Wedding Fatigue? Never!

Check out my response on Huffington Post to the New York Times article about gay wedding fatigue.

Leave A Comment | Permalink | POSTED: Thursday, July 26, 2012

A Report Back from Mexico

In late June, I flew down to Mexico to teach wedding planners and other wedding industry professionals all about same-sex weddings. These were events organized by the amazing ladies at ABC Mexico.  I talked about the laws and policies, language and terminology, data, wedding trends, differences between gay and straight weddings, and marketing information. 

The first day, in Mexico City, there were about 80 people in the room, including event sponsors from United Airlines and JW Marriott Hotel. The second day, in Cancun, there were around 30 people, mostly wedding planners and people who work at wedding venues. I spent a full day with each group and the enthusiasm around same-sex weddings is amazing. These are people who truly want to do the right thing, believe in equality, and want to treat their same-sex couple clients with the respect that all couples deserve. 

While there, I also did some interviews with newspapers, tv and websites who are reporting on this issue. Although the same-sex wedding industry is relatively new in the U.S., it's even more new in Mexico. The potential for growth is enormous and there's room for everyone to benefit while planning these amazing weddings. 

One of the things that was most surprising to the attendees is that Mexico does not have a law that's the equivalent of DOMA and same-sex couples have much better rights and protections than they do in the U.S. Although the U.S. currently has only 6 states (plus D.C.) with legal same-sex marriage now, those marriages are not recognized in most other states and by the U.S. federal government. While Mexico only has legal same-sex marriage in the state of Mexico City and civil unions in the state of Cuahuila, those unions are recognized throughout the country and by the government of Mexico. 

It was inspiring to me to bring my message to our large neighbor to the South and inspiring to me to see the passion and commitment by some in the country around gay weddings.
Leave A Comment | Permalink | POSTED: Monday, July 16, 2012

New State Budget Forces Price Increase for Massachusetts Elopements

As you may know, in Massachusetts, there is a 3 day waiting period to pick up a marriage license.  For example, if you apply on a Tuesday, it won't be available til that Friday.  Part of our services in Massachusetts are taking couples to court to petition a judge for a waiver of the 3 day waiting period.

Our team member Janet was with clients this morning and at the courthouse learned that the fee for a waiver of the 3 day marriage license waiting period has increased by $110 due to the new state budget signed by Governor Patrick on Sunday, July 8.  We unfortunately have to pass part of this price increase along to our clients.

As of today, the Destiny Boston package will be priced at $2,300 and the Vows package at $800.

We are very sorry to do this to our many loyal customers.

Leave A Comment | Permalink | POSTED: Friday, July 13, 2012

Same-Sex Weddings in Episcopal Churches

Did you hear the news that the Episcopal Church is allowing Priests to bless gay marriage ceremonies?

It's not a case for full marriage - and Priests can certainly opt-out - but this is great progress for one of the largest churches in the U.S.  Priests can bless the service but stop short of making the formal marriage pronouncement, which needs to be made by someone else authorized to do so, such as a Justice of the Peace.

I personally love gay weddings in churches.  I grew up VERY Catholic and while I'm not religious at all now, I am particularly moved and emotional by our ceremonies that happen in churches.  Maybe now they can happen a little more often...

The photo above was taken in a United Church of Christ Church of our clients Joanne and Terry by Infinity Portrait Design.

Leave A Comment | Permalink | POSTED: Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Happy Anniversary to the Coveney-Smiths!

Three years ago today, I married beautiful and sweet Jen, the love of my life!  It's a lot of pressure, a wedding planner planning her own wedding, but it was an amazing day, and SUCH a fun wedding.  Our wedding really was "us" - and yours should be very much "you"!  

Our life is always an adventure and it just keeps getting better...thanks Jen!

photo by Closed Circle Photography

Leave A Comment | Permalink | POSTED: Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Civil Unions Legalized in Rhode Island



So, there's good news and there's bad news...civil unions were just signed into law in Rhode Island, effective July 1, 2011.  How can this possibly be bad?  I mean, think of all those Newport gay weddings (and civil unions)!

Well, the only way the bill passed was if it included the right for religious institutions to not recognize a civil union.  This basically legalizes discrimination by religious institutions.  The law of course gives a church the right to say, "We won't perform a gay wedding here" (which is totally fine if they so choose).  But it also allows religious institutions to deny other services to same-sex couples, such as adoptions, social services, funerals and so forth.  

I have mixed feelings about this, as much as I would LOVE to help gay couples have a beautiful wedding in Newport (and other parts of Rhode Island).  I don't mind some religious exceptions but these ones seem particularly extreme.

Are you going to plan a Rhode Island gay wedding or civil union now that it's legal?

(photo by Kristin Spencer)
Leave A Comment | Permalink | POSTED: Tuesday, July 03, 2012

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