On January 6 of this year, Florida became the 36th state to legalize same-sex marriages. My partner, Jamie, and I were more than ready for this momentous occasion. After eight years together, we had built a life, purchased a home, and were raising our son, Caleb, for the past four years.
While most people picture a wedding filled with stunning flowers and meticulously planned ceremonies, our nuptials were anything but traditional. Ours was the spontaneous, “we-can-get-married-now, let’s-do-this!” type of wedding, and here’s why it was infinitely more enjoyable than the typical affair:
11. Minimal Planning Required
Traditional weddings often demand years of planning, down to the minutiae. Questions like, “What type of glassware do we want?” and “Where will the guests sit?” can be overwhelming. We took a different approach: a quick Facebook invite to meet us at the courthouse in three days. That’s it! Even the officiant casually appeared outside to marry us.
10. A Shared Experience
Many couples find marriage daunting and isolating, worrying about whether they are truly ready. But when you’re surrounded by countless other couples marrying on the same day, there’s a sense of camaraderie. We were given a number, A26, and it felt monumental. I remembered my mother saying, “If you want your marriage to feel special, do it right after it’s legal!” How could we say no to that?
9. Our Child Was There
In traditional setups, children often come after the wedding. Luckily for us, we were able to include our son, Caleb, from the start. As a gay couple, we were permitted to raise children long before we could formalize our family unit in the eyes of the law, which made the day even more significant.
8. Cost-Effective
The price tag for traditional weddings can be astronomical. The venue, attire, decor, and catering can leave couples in debt for years. Our wedding? Rings and a new outfit—simple and done.
7. Unexpected Guests
The police officers who were present at our wedding were not strippers, which was a bit of a letdown. However, seeing actual law enforcement there added an unexpected twist to the day.
6. Midnight Ceremony
Let’s be real: who gets married at 12:01 a.m. on a Tuesday? We do! It felt incredibly rebellious and unique. I had my late-night coffee guilt-free, which added to the charm.
5. Unconventional Location
While our wedding took place in a government building, the unexpected juxtaposition made it special. From metal detectors to a huge jury room, the atmosphere was lively and filled with excitement. The presence of news reporters and enthusiastic police officers transformed an otherwise mundane setting into a celebration of love.
4. Official Presence
At our ceremony, we were joined by the County Clerk and the Sheriff. How many traditional weddings can boast that? The presence of local officials made our event feel even more significant.
3. Shared Anniversary
Our wedding day now shares a date with many others, allowing us to celebrate alongside other couples. If you hear someone say they got married on January 6th in Florida, they’re likely a part of our community. We were thrilled to celebrate with two remarkable women, Mia and Sam, who are such a vital part of our lives and Caleb’s upbringing.
2. Love is What Matters
While our marriage may not be “better” than anyone else’s, the love and support we received made it incredibly special. Growing up as a gay individual often involved hiding and struggling to find acceptance. For us, marriage was a dream we never thought would materialize. Caleb’s joy when he learned we could share our last name was priceless.
1. Triumph of Equality
Our marriage symbolizes a hard-fought victory for equality. The overwhelming love we received from family and friends was heartwarming. We celebrated with cards, gifts, and an outpouring of social media support that left us in awe. Our union is just one of many, but it feels so much richer because we had to fight for it.
In conclusion, our wedding was about more than just joining together; it was a celebration of love, family, and equality. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this article for some insights. For those considering affordable options for pregnancy, this guide offers valuable information. Additionally, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource for fertility and home insemination.