Before God All People Are Equal

Three cheers for the Baptists of North Carolina who have refused to conduct any more marriages in their church until gay couples can wed.

"The church feels that the state of North Carolina is discriminating against gay couples by 'denying them the rights and privileges enjoyed by heterosexual married couples.’ The Church released a statement which said ‘As people of faith, affirming the Christian teaching that before God all people are equal, we will no longer participate in this discrimination.’"

NC Church will not conduct marriages until gay couples can wed

Certified or Certifiable?

I am in the process of becoming a Certified Bridal Consultant even though I plan on planning many a bride-less wedding. The class is taught for planning straight weddings and I get to look at great pictures like the one posted here (but really, aren't those two men?). It will be interesting to see what I end up applying in my new career, but I want to be educated in proper etiquette and tradition even if I don't end up using all of it. As I study, I keep thinking about the criticism of gay marriage, the claim that it is a moral issue and that it will have a negative impact on our society. It has been illuminating to discover the history behind some the traditions that need to be protected so the gays don't taint them. Here are a few...

• Brides started wearing white when Queen Victoria, who wore white at her wedding, married Albert, her COUSIN! (I'm sure some of you may have other Prince Albert stories to share but that is for another time.)
• Grooms had ushers to help defend against anyone who tried to stop him from KIDNAPPING and carrying off his bride!
• A Honeymoon was called a Honeymoon because after a man KIDNAPPED his wife, he took her someplace far away for a month (or a moon) so no one would find her. How romantic!

I am sure I will have more to share as the course progresses and will let you know which happens first, getting certified or becoming certifiable.

La Ley de Matrimonio Igualitario

LGBT Argentina Ready To Fight For Full Equality After Gay Marriage Made Legal

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/18...

By Nicole Greenfield

Make No Mistake About it...

Sexual orientation is part of an individual's born identity, and to condemn that would suggest "God made a mistake, and that's not what we're about," Fleming said.

Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Area-United-Methodist-clergy-pledge-to-perform-2230352.php#ixzz1bTTHSO7l

Frank Zappa sighting at Wedding Expo!

This is a picture taken at The Big Gay Wedding Expo by Hudson River Photographers. They bring a self-service booth to weddings accompanied by props and costume pieces. Your guests can go over at their leisure, play dress up and snap fun photos. Check out the link to the rest of the photos from the day. http://hudsonriverphotographer.zenfolio.com/f234828720They are so sweet – everyone seems to be beaming with happiness. Everyone that is, except me. The photo I am not featuring here is not flattering (if you want to see it you have to look for it) - the top hat created dark shadows on my face – Julie said I look just like Frank Zappa! Unfortunately, I cannot disagree.

Who will my girlfriend marry next?

Here I am at my table at The Big Gay Wedding Expo yesterday.  I have picked the winner of the free wedding planning services and will announce it tomorrow after I call and let them know.  In other news, my partner, Julie Novak, just got ordained as a ceremonial minister!  She is marrying her first couple on Sunday.  She is made for the job!  Can't wait!

Enter for a chance to win

Sunday, September 25th at

Terrapin Catering at Dinsmore
5371 Albany Post Road (Route 9)
Staatsburg, NY  12580

Noon-5pm

Enter for a chance to win

Wedding Planning Services from

Free Day of Package

or

50% off Complete Package

WINNER’S CHOICE!