Thursday, March 31, 2011

Under a New Moon - Win a June 1st Civil Union Ceremony & Wedding!



Announcing - Under a New Moon!


Under a New Moon is a celebration of same-sex civil unions in Illinois! Be one of the first couples to have a civil union ceremony in Chicago!

Six lucky couples will win a midnight ceremony and "mini-wedding" at Catalyst Ranch, Chicago's most unique event space!

The party will begin at 10:30 on June 1st, with guests arriving and enjoying appetizers and cocktails.

Group ceremony will begin at midnight, followed by a reception that will include dessert - and dancing!






This momentous occasion will include:
  • Pampering for the couples before the ceremony, including hair and make-up services provided by Nika Vaughan
  • A group civil union ceremony - conducted by ME, Anita Vaughan! This will include individual vows for each couple
  • A reception for couples and their guests following the ceremony, with fabulous deejay, Toast and Jam

But wait, there's more!
To be considered, couples must enter via the Under a New Moon Facebook Page.

Your entry must be a response to the following:

June 1st is a New Moon, which is considered a harbinger of good fortune and new beginnings. So, we want you to tell us how your relationship is a once-in-a-lifetime connection. How will your union mark a new phase in your lives together?

Share your story with us, in writing or with a short video, submitted to the page. Then, get your friends and family to show their support by liking your entry.

The six winners will be selected by the Under a New Moon committee.

Rules:
  • Entries must be submitted via Facebook page, either in written form or in a short video (maximum 5 minutes).
  • Entries must include a photo of the couple.
  • Couples must submit their own entries. Entries for other people will not be considered.
  • Finalists must be available for an in-person interview at Catalyst Ranch to be scheduled on May 9th. (This is a change from the original date)
  • Winners must obtain a civil union license at a Cook County Clerk's office on June 1st. You will not be able to participate in the event without a license!
  • Winners will be required to attend a wedding rehearsal at Catalyst Ranch on the evening on May 31st.
  • Winners agree to be available for media contact and understand that their likenesses will be used for promotional materials.
  • Winners (both partners) will be required to sign a contract, including agreement to obtain civil union license on June 1st, photo release, etc.
  • UPDATE- Deadline to enter is May 6, 2011!
  • Winners will be announced on May 15, 2011

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Major Announcement Coming Soon!!!


It's really hard for me to keep a secret.

So, I'll tell you a tiny bit......

Right now, I'm working on a very exciting event that will be happening in June - at one of my favorite venues.

Okay, that's enough for now. Stay tuned for the juicy details!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Best Birthday Ever!


Today's my birthday and so far, I'm having the best birthday ever! My family sent my on a treasure hunt with a stack of clues. I uncovered the Lego gorilla man I've been dying to get, a new cd, a book, and a way awesome stuffed octopus!!

We're going out for breakfast and then tonight I'm going to be at BE: the exhibit. I will be making an announcement tonight about an upcoming event at Catalyst Ranch, celebrating civil unions in IL.
Hope to see you there!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Pie in Honor of Pi

So, I keep hearing that pie is the next big thing for weddings. I don't know if I buy it. How can you compete with the delightfully compact deliciousness known as the cupcake?

On the other hand, I have to admit that I do love me some pie!

I like making them and I really like eating them. And I make a mean strawberry margarita pie with a pretzel crust, if I do say so myself. But pie will not overtake cupcakes at weddings. There. I said it.

What brought up this whole topic is that today is Pi Day. Go, 3.1415... (etc. etc.)!

In celebration of this occasion I was planning to make a pie. But do I have all the ingredients I needed for any one of the pies I wanted to make? Of course not. And do I feel like running out to the store for one item? Also, NO.

So, instead, I offer Pi Day wedding ideas, courtesy of The Gael Gallery blog. And for some cool pix from actual Pi Day weddings, check out Photo Pink, Instructables, and Offbeat Bride.

In the meantime, go enjoy a slice of pie.

Tomorrow you can go back to cupcakes.



Wednesday, March 9, 2011

You Can Make a Difference in Someone's Life!

Last week, I blogged about BE:The Exhibit, happening here in the 'burbs next week (remember? it's on MY BIRTHDAY!).

Now I'd like to invite you to get involved. You have a chance to make a difference.

Michael Anthony, organizer of BE, and creator of the documentary, For Billy, invites adults and teens to share their experiences. Join him on March 19th for an opportunity to tell your story. You may be the one to make the difference in someone's life.

I was lucky. I was never bullied. I was pretty happy as a kid. I had someone who made a difference when I was young. Her name was Gwen Wizner and she was a friend of my mom.

Gwen was larger than life - a pile of bright red hair, emerald green eyes, impeccably dressed, and a personality that sparkled. She called me "Dolly." She made me feel like I could be someone special.

Everyone needs a Gwen, but not everyone who needs someone is lucky enough to have someone. You can fill that need. You can make a difference.

Monday, March 7, 2011

A Cephalopod Wedding Dress.... Happy Monday!

You may not know this, but I'm a bit of a cephalopod nut. Squid, octopus, cuttlefish - I love them all. So, imagine my delight when I found details of this wonderful DIY wedding at craftster.org.

The bride sewed her own wedding dress - a funky frock speckled with squid! There was a bright green peek-a-boo petticoat that completed the outfit.

The wedding cake was modeled after their invitations, which featured the couple as giants chasing movie monsters. Thus, the cake featured a city skyline and was artfully adorned with tentacles. Love it!

Just had to share this delight with you. It truly made my day!


Friday, March 4, 2011

Join me at BE:The Exhibit for an evening of music & art

Please join me on Friday, March 18th at an important event called BE: The Exhibit.

From the website:

BE:The Exhibit is a one-night-only artistic installation aimed at combating homophobia and teenage bullying in the Chicagoland area through art and activism. What started as one boy’s cry for help through an anonymous letter has grown into a national art campaign and documentary.

Professional Chicago-based artists have created original works of art – paintings, photography, sculpture – to be shown at BE and auctioned off for charity. There will also be a live stage show featuring music, dance and spoken word from some of Chicago’s most talented LGBTQ and straight-supportive artists and activists – all created from the secret thoughts of bullied teens.

BE is also an interactive exhibit. Guests will have the opportunity to write their own anonymous letters about their fears, create original art that will be auctioned off for charity, share their personal stories with our “5 Question Confessional Cam”, participate in our stage show and meet other Chicagoland teens, families and activists – all with the same aim: to combat homophobia and teenage bullying through art and activism.

DATE: Friday, March 18th 2011

TIME: Doors open at 6.30 PM, Show begins at 7.45 PM

LOCATION: The European Crystal Ballroom at 519 West Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights, IL

COST: FREE (Donations Accepted)

All are welcome — All ages, all races, all religions, all orientations, everyone!

Stand up and show the youth of our city that: “YES, IT DOES GET BETTER!”

Grab a friend and join me on March 18th!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Alison & Scott's Sweet End-of-Summer Wedding


As I've mentioned before, I'm wayyy behind on my blog posts. I have been meaning to share details of this wedding for months. So, finally, here you are.

Scott and Alison had a lovely wedding last September at the Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest. Already a gorgeous location, the beautiful weather made it even better. We were a little concerned about rain when we had the rehearsal, but the day was great. I did brag that I have never had a ceremony "rained out," so I was relieved to maintain my clean track record.




The ceremony was in the lovely outdoor courtyard which added to the warm, intimate feel of the occasion.

One of my favorite details of the ceremony was that Alison and Scott chose to incorporate a ring blessing in the ceremony, after they exchanged vows. This ritual is such a perfect way to include family and friends, and really creates a sense of community.

I asked the guests to direct their blessings and positive energy to the rings now worn by the couple, in order to infuse them with the love of the entire group.

It was wonderful - you could really feel the warmth and energy flowing forth from their family and friends. What a joy to be a part of such an amazing moment!

Another unique touch was the personal details Alison and Scott added to the day. My favorite was that the tables were identified by pictures of the couple, enjoying various activities together.

What a great idea!

Alison and Scott, this is long overdue, but congratulations! Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding day.