Happy 1st and 19th Anniversary to my friends Mark & Michael

January 18^th, 2012, Mark Rhodes and Michael Decker exchanged their vows of marriage. Today marks the first anniversary of their marriage as well as the 19^th anniversary of being together. 

Congratulations Mark & Michael!

Mark and Michael have been friends of mine since 1999 when I moved to the beautiful neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, New York. On historic Middagh St. is the charming store front of Salon Van Sickel (http://www.salonvansickel.com/) the hair salon of choice for everyone who is anyone in Brooklyn Heights! This is where I met owners Mark & Michael and it didn’t take long for us to become friends. In fact, it happened the first time I walked through the door. So when they asked me to officiate their wedding ceremony I was thrilled! Michael & Mark have been part of my life for years and even though I no longer live in Brooklyn Heights, they are never far from my thoughts or heart.

January 18^th of last year was a lovely crisp and clear winter’s evening in New York City. We gathered in the upper westside apartment of Michael’s mother and step-father and with family and friends and Max & Luke (their two enthusiastic shelties) all around, we celebrated Mark & Michael’s wedding ceremony. Then we went off to enjoy dinner together! A perfect evening in every way.

It really doesn’t get any better than having the honor of officiating the wedding of dear friends.

Thank you Michael & Mark and a very happy anniversary to you!

MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN 2012

While looking forward to the new year is certainly something that comes naturally to us humans (and often with a sigh of relief that we get to start all over again) it’s always valuable to review the year ended. It’s a good opportunity to reflect on how much progress we’ve made while being mindful of how much more progress is needed. While we have miles to go with regard to achieving marriage equality, looking back over 2012 we can celebrate some significant progress here at home and around the world.

In 1989, Denmark became the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex partnerships. In 1997 same-sex couples were given the right to be legally married in Denmark but they were not allowed to marry in the church.  In June, Denmark’s Parliament approved same-sex couples’ right to full church weddings if they choose with amenable clergy permitted to officiate. 

On this side of the pond, Washington state approved same-sex marriage on December 6^th with the great state of Maine following soon after on December 29^th. On November 6, 2012, the state of Maryland’s voters approved same-sex marriage, becoming the first instance in which voters approved same-sex marriage at the ballot. 

I sincerely hope that next year I will be able to post many more states and countries to this list. 

Onward!

Katie & Lindsay on New Year's Eve!

I met Lindsay and Katie more than two years ago and from the moment I met them I knew they were two very special women. They bring so much care and thoughtfulness to how they live, committed to experiencing life in its fullest terms. They have enjoyed many adventures together, climbing Half Dome in Yosemite, riding their bikes up Cadillac Mountain in Maine and training for and running in marathons (Lindsay has run 11 so far!) Katie and Lindsay are seekers, not only in exploring the outside world but also the interior world, the mysteries of the heart and this tenacious yet fragile life we are so fortunate to have. And it is that appreciation that informs who they are and how they value their family, friends, and all creatures.  Plus, they are exceptionally fun to be around!

So naturally, I was thrilled when they ask me to do their wedding ceremony! Last night at Lindsay’s mother’s home, under a beautiful arbor made by Katie’s father, we celebrated their 10 + year relationship as they exchanged their vows of marriage. Family friends created a gorgeous and scrumptious table of goodies as guests took pictures of Katie and Lindsay and reveled in the evening’s celebration. Lindsay’s sister Kylie toasted the couple with a beautiful reading by Joanna Field:  

I was as sure as that I was alive, that happiness not only needs no justification, but that it is also the only final test of whether what I am doing is right for me. Only of course, happiness is not the same as pleasure, it includes the pain of losing as well as the pleasure of finding. 

It was an absolutely perfect way to end the year and begin the new one. Lindsay and Katie, you are wonderful and I treasure having been part of this very special journey in your lives. Congratulations and a very, very, very happy 2013.