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.

Poor Old Shine

Last night I saw the most wonderful band, Poor Old Shine, www.pooroldshine.com who bravely made it through 10 inches of snow to play for a party in Coventry, Connecticut. They are an incredibly talented and creative group. Not every band member could get there last night because of the weather, but those who did, treated all of us to their beautiful compositions and thoughtful arrangements. Thank you Poor Old Shine! 

Chris Freeman (vocals, guitar & banjo), Max Shakun (guitar, pump organ), Harrison Goodale (Bass), and Brian Conlon (washboard, percussion, bells). 

Wyatt Bombara's Baby Blessing!

On November 11^th of this year, at the beautiful Golden Lamb Buttery in Brooklyn, Connecticut, (http://www.thegoldenlamb.com/)  10 month old Wyatt Bombara celebrated his official Baby Blessing surrounded by family and friends. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we were lucky enough to be able to do Wyatt’s blessing out on the deck overlooking the pastures. We could not have asked for better weather.

This was a particularly meaningful ceremony for me because on November 14^th, 2010 I officiated Wyatt’s parent’s wedding ceremony at the Hartford Society Room. I got to tell the wonderful story of how they met and fell in love and their proposal story which involved a lot of texting! Kate and Chris Bombara are the most wonderful, genuine, and warm couple and when they contacted me to do Wyatt’s baby blessing I was thrilled! This was the first baby blessing I have done for a couple whom I married. It was so fun to see their family members and friends after almost 2 years. Chris’s son Christian, now 13 years old, was Chris’s best man in 2010 and since then he has grown SO much! I am a big fan of Christian’s. He is a wonderful big brother to Wyatt and is quite a good athlete and student. I’m sure in a few years he’ll be as tall (if not taller) than Chris. Plus he is a very good public speaker and helped in the ceremony by reading  a lovely piece about children by Dorothy Nolte.Thank you Christian!

Wyatt, our guest of honor, is a smart and seriously handsome boy. I could definitely see both of his parents in him. He is very aware of everything going on around him and was wide awake and interested at what was being said and done at his baby blessing. Chris held him for most of the ceremony and just at the end when I was about to present Wyatt to his community and give the final blessing, Chris held on to Wyatt’s hands as Wyatt practiced standing, which gave me a perfect opportunity to kneel down right in front of him and offer Wyatt’s blessing face to face! He seemed a little surprised at that and I saw a big smile cross his face, and then even more smiles when everyone cheered and clapped.

Chris and Kate Bombara honored me the first time by entrusting their wedding ceremony to me. To be asked two years later to offer the blessing for Wyatt was another huge  honor and one I will always cherish.

Happy belated second year anniversary Kate and Chris! You and Christian and Wyatt will always be part of my heart.

Mike and Efrain Got Married!

                                                     

Sunday in the gardens at the Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour, Connecticut, Mike Piekutowski and Efrain Vergona, were escorted down the aisle by their wonderful mothers while Josh Groban’s The Prayer played. The day was beautiful and Mike and Efrain looked elegant and handsome in tails, complemented by their wedding party who wore black and silver.

I had met Mike and Efrain in early June of 2011. From the very first email I received from Mike, I knew we would work well together and the day I met them both face to face, I felt as if I had known them for a very long time and our meeting was really a reunion. I was so honored and delighted to be chosen to do their wedding and to celebrate the story of these two guys who have been together almost five years.

I will always remember that moment standing at the altar with Mike and Efrain, seeing the joy on their faces and those of their family and friends. It was a happy, happy day. For Mike and Efrain, they have taken their first steps in their newest journey together and I wish them all the very best, always and forever. 

DJ Tommy MacKay from Celebration Entertainment, (http://bookthedj.com/) who has years of experience, brings his knowledge and good energy to the events he does. It was a pleasure to work with him; he was great and I hope I get to work with him again. Max Aureli (http://www.maxaureli.com/) was Mike and Efrain’s photographer and is a delight to work with. 

Congratulations Mike & Efrain!

Bridal Show January 22nd

For all you engaged couples: Join me at a bridal show on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 at The Riverview at 10 Winslow Place in Simsbury, CT. The charge is a mere $8 and you will meet loads of great vendors and have a chance to win a free honeymoon! Check out the flyer and call Wedding Steps at: 203-746-1648 to register. See you there!