As many may know, on January 6 of this year, Florida became the 36th state to recognize the legal marriage of same-sex couples. My partner Alex and I were prepared for this moment: over eight years, we purchased a home, merged our finances (COUGH, he pays for everything!) and raised our son together for four years.
While many envision weddings filled with stunning floral arrangements, meticulously planned ceremonies, and graceful entrances, our celebration was anything but traditional. Ours was the spur-of-the-moment “we can finally get married, let’s do this” type, and it was infinitely better than the conventional approach. Here’s why:
11. Minimal Planning Required
Traditional weddings often involve extensive planning, from choosing the perfect table settings to selecting the ideal venue. Not us! We sent out a quick Facebook invite: “Meet us at the courthouse in three days, we’re getting hitched!” Easy-peasy. Our officiant just materialized outside, ready to perform the ceremony.
10. Joined by a Community of Support
Typically, marriage can feel overwhelming and isolating, with just two people taking the plunge. But in our case, we were surrounded by a vibrant community of committed couples all celebrating together. We felt the collective joy, and when we received our number from the waiting area, it was A26. The camaraderie was palpable, and it made our moment feel even more special.
9. Our Child Was Part of It
Isn’t it bizarre how traditional weddings often exclude children? Fortunately, as a same-sex couple, we already had the right to raise our son long before we could legally marry. Having our son, Leo, with us made the day complete.
8. A Fraction of the Cost
The expenses of a traditional wedding can be staggering, from extravagant attire to lavish venues. Ours? Rings and a new outfit—bam, we were done!
7. Unexpected Guests in Uniform
While some weddings might hire strippers, we had actual police officers present. Okay, they didn’t strip, but it was a fun surprise!
6. Midnight Ceremony
Who gets married at 12:01 a.m. on a Tuesday? Just us! It felt rebelliously unique, and sipping a dark roast coffee while preparing for our big moment added a quirky touch.
5. Held in a Government Office
Not everyone would consider a government building an ideal wedding venue, but it was a fascinating juxtaposition. We navigated metal detectors, collected our number, and were ushered into a large room buzzing with energy, complete with cakes and celebratory treats from a local bakery.
4. Presence of Elected Officials
Did your wedding feature the County Clerk and County Sheriff? Ours did! It was a memorable aspect that made our event feel significant.
3. Shared Anniversary
Now, our anniversary is January 6th, shared with countless other couples in Florida. So, if you hear someone mention their wedding anniversary on that date, it’s likely they’re part of the LGBTQ+ community.
2. Celebrating with Loved Ones
We shared our special day with two incredible women, Jamie and Taylor, who have been integral to our lives. Our son adores them, and having them as part of our wedding made it even more meaningful.
1. The Power of Love
At the end of the day, what makes our marriage truly special is the love we share and the overwhelming support from our family and friends. Growing up, I never imagined I would have this opportunity. Many LGBTQ+ individuals have faced adversity, and for us to be able to marry, surrounded by love and acceptance, is everything.
Our wedding was not just another event; it was a victory. We fought for this moment, and now we stand as the Duffy-Collins family, embodying love, gratitude, and hope for what’s to come. To anyone who feels overwhelmed by this sentiment, well, sometimes love is worth celebrating—even if it makes you want to gag!
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Summary: The journey to marriage equality in Florida led to a unique and memorable wedding experience for my partner and me. With minimal planning, a midnight ceremony, and the support of loved ones, our marriage was filled with love and joy. It’s a testament to the power of community and the significance of equality in our lives.