Modern Family Wedding Photo Shoot!

So excited to see our Modern Family wedding photo shoot featured on the Sassy Chicago Weddings blog! Be sure to CLICK HERE to see all the shots of this incredibly happy and colorful event.

Below are photos, courtesy of Ocken Photography, of rituals that were included in the ceremony part of the stylized shoot. 

First, the couple participated in an adaptation of a food sharing ritual known as the Tasting of the Elements. In this ritual, various foods represent the "for better or for worse" of married life. In our version, the couple shared a variety of candies - including Hot Tamales to represent the heat of an argument 

As you can guess, the candy was a big hit with the kids!

We ended with a family sand ceremony. The dads and each of the kids picked a color to be layered in a tall vase. Not only was this fun for all the participants, the results yielded a bright and beautiful keepsake.

It was so much fun working with this couple and their adorable kids. And it didn't hurt that I had the opportunity to be back at Catalyst Ranch.

Thank you to Kerrie of Citygirl Weddings and Lauren from the Ranch for including me in this wonderful celebration of marriage equality! 

And a huge thank you to Ocken Photography for the wonderful photos!

The Chicago History Museum Celebrates Marriage Equality With ONE LOVE!

Join me on April 10th at The Chicago History Museum for a wonderful evening dedicated to marriage equality! And don't forget to stop by and say hi to me! 

Q & A: How Do I Get a Marriage or Civil Union License in Cook County?

Answer: Here's a video that explains how to get a license!

Marriage Equality in Illinois!

I have literally not been able to express my joy out loud because I keep crying. And there I go again.

So, this says it all:

Wonderful, Intimate Wedding

I had the great joy of participating in this incredible inspiration photo shoot of a beautiful, intimate wedding, which was featured on Style Me Pretty! It was so lovely, I had to share a few of the gorgeous photos by Julia Franzosa Photography.

The ceremony included a handfasting.

The grooms also participated in a Blessing Stone ritual.

And look at this hot cocoa bar!!

There were so many fabulous details, thanks to the creative genius of Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings. The delicious sweets were created by Truffle Truffle, with beautiful flower decor by Pistil and Vine. Be sure to check out all the photos in the complete gallery!

Maria & Lisa's Intimate Backyard Ceremony

I had so much fun working with Lisa and Maria as we created their ceremony!

Their wedding day started off being pretty wet, especially after the previous day's storms. But, a little drizzle wasn't going to stop us! Despite it being cool and a little misty, we had the ceremony in the garden, with a beautiful flower arch as a backdrop. 

Maria and Lisa included a flower-gathering ritual, during which family members came forward to present them with flowers to create a bouquet. It was so sweet to see their loved ones come up, especially when Maria's little nephew announced with a big grin, "Here you go!" You could definitely feel the love surrounding them!

Now I'm just dying to see all the gorgeous photos by the amazing Oriana of Okrfoto. I know they'll be fantastic!

Hanging out with Lisa and Maria before the ceremony

Following the ceremony, guests joined the couple at a neraby restaurant for a reception, and then came back to their house for cake. Look how sweet that cake looks! And since it's from Luscious Layers Bakery, you know it was delicious! And from what I'm told, there wasn't a single crumb left over. 

Fabulous cake by Luscious Layers Bakery

Congratulations, Maria and Lisa! Thank you for letting me be a part of your wonderful wedding day. You're the best!! And now that I've sampled the results of your amazing baking skills, you'll never get rid of me. 

Today is the day, Illinois!

I Wanna Marry You - a Group Effort.

A beautiful marriage proposal. I'm still in tears. Enjoy.

Marriage Equality in Illinois

Please contact your legislators and voice your support for marriage equality. 

Not sure who to call? Click HERE for quick links to your representatives!

You can also check in with Equality Illinois for the most up-to-date information.

Let's go, Illinois!

Luis & Dan's Incredible Wedding Photos - with Bacon and Eggs Socks!

This past fall I officiated Luis and Dan's wedding ceremony at Uncommon Ground (known as the "Greenest Restaurant in America.")

They were lucky enough to hire the amazing Hilda of Angel Eyes Photography. Not only is she always fun to work with, I knew there would be amazing photos. Boy, was I right! 

Be sure to check out her blog post about the wedding. Don't you just love those bacon and egg socks? 

Here are a few photos in the meantime, but be sure to go to the blog for more!

Breakfast footwear

Handfasting during the ceremony

Luis and Dan light up the night!

If you need a photographer for your wedding, Hilda is fantastic. But you can already see that from her work. And did I mention how much fun she is??

Support Marriage Equality in Illinois!

Happy New Year! 

And the best possible New Year's wish may come true very soon. Illinois legislators may be voting on a bill to finally legalize same-sex marriage - possibly this week!

Please, please contact your state senators and representative right now to voice your support for marriage equality. 

Not sure who to call? Not sure what to say? Visit the Equality Illinois Marriage Equality page for sample phone scripts and contact information for your legislators.

Go! Let's not just cross our fingers and hope it happens. Let's MAKE it happen. Now.

Eleven Eleven Giveaway - Connie and Jessie's Big Day!

Woo hoo!! Connie and Jessie are married!!

 I think I was just as excited as they were about their big day! I am happy to report that we made it through the ceremony without any crying or other disasters (see, Jessie, I told you so!) and had a great time. 

Here we are right after the ceremony at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. They were absolutely gorgeous in their custom-made dresses by Mignonette Bridal. 

They walked down the aisle to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

See more of the gorgeous pix by Amanda Hein Photography on the Eleven Eleven Wedding Giveaway's page by clicking HERE.

Congratulations, Connie and Jessie. So glad to have been a part of your day - and to have you both in my life. I wish you a lifetime of joy, laughter and being right. And I will be around to make sure you're BOTH right sometimes. 

Ron & Jason's Wedding at Pazzo's

Yesterday I had the honor of officiating the wedding of Ron & Jason, one of the couples from the Under a New Moon Wedding Giveaway from last year. 

As one of six winning couples, they were limited to a few guests. Ron and Jason really wanted to share a wedding with their family and friends, so they planned a fantastic wedding at the wonderful Pazzo's in downtown Chicago. 

ceremony at the fountain

Their ceremony took place in front of the impressive fountain in the atrium, which is just gorgeous.  Really, everything was fantastic - from the delicious dinner, tasty signature cocktail, great music played by David from MDM Entertainment and the delicious cupcakes by Luscious Layers. 

Ron and Jason included so many personal touches and details. They channeled their love of trivia games into creating a fun trivia challenge with questions about the two of them. Our table (Team Cilantro) didn't know many answers, so we just made them up. Wait till they find out they have a fish named Rocco. 

I also loved that they named each table for a different herb and used seed packets as place cards. However, I confess to initially (at first glance) thinking that they had a guest named "Rosemary Seeds." 

I had so much fun working on Ron and Jason's ceremony and it was wonderful to be a part of their special day. I danced, ate cupcakes, danced some more, talked with great people, laughed until I cried - and did I mention the tasty cupcakes? 

Thank you, Jason and Ron, for fabulous evening. And thank you for letting me be a part of it all. I wish you both all the best in the world.

The impressive atrium at Pazzo's

Congratulations!!

At the cilantro table with the Under a New Moon gang!

Cupcakes by Luscious Layers Bakery

Luis & Dan's Wedding: Laughs and Tears - and an 80's Band!

Last night I had the most amazing experience of officiating the wedding ceremony of an old friend. Luis and I have known each other since the 6th grade! So, while it was a little surreal - I mean, I still remember us running around in the school playground! - it was also one of the most wonderful moments I've ever had.

Luis and Dan are two of the greatest guys you could ever hope to meet, and the process of creating their ceremony made me fall in love with them both. It's no wonder they want to spend their lives together!

Handfasting cord

 Their wedding took place at Uncommon Ground on the north side of Chicago. The atmosphere was perfect, the food was great - and there was an 80's band. They even had a singer/guitarist who played Crowded House and Eddie Veder during the cocktail hour. What could be better??

The ceremony was so much fun - and wound up being "interactive" with lots of jokes & commentary from the peanut gallery..... I mean, the guests. Not to mention that the grooms kept cracking jokes!

Dan and Luis opted to include a handfasting ritual, so I made their cord as a wedding gift. It included charms representing each of them and their lives together. The red ribbon symbolized the story of the Red Thread of Destiny. Their good friend, Irwin, came forward to offer a blessing during the handfasting.

They also included a blessing stone ritual, where all the guests received a rose quartz on which to place their blessings and wishes. The stones were collected and placed in a vase. Dan and Luis each had a stone in the the shape an their chosen animal totem, which they placed on top of the rose quartz.

And of course, there were tears and laughs - and it was a night I'll never forget! Especially since my feet are still sore from dancing so much!

Angel Eyes Photography was on hand to document the evening, so I'll share a link to those pixs when they're available. In the meantime, here are shots of the ceremony taken by my hubby!

Luis enters with Best Man, Polo

The tears started pretty quickly. Luckily, I came prepared!

Irwin offers a blessing during the handfasting.

Lots of laughs during the ceremony!

Exchanging vows.   Denise, Dan's Maid of Honor, approves

Luis & Dan face their loved ones for the guests' vow of support.

Congratulations, Luis & Dan. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have been a part of your wedding day. I wish you lots of love and happiness. And I expect you to make me dinner (hint: MEATLOAF!!) some time. Love you!!

Kerry & Amy's Colorful Celebration at Catalyst Ranch

I had the pleasure of creating a ceremony for two wonderful women, Kerry and Amy. They celebrated their union at Catalyst Ranch this month with a sweet ceremony and a great party!


Their ceremony included a family ritual where Amy's daughters and Kerry made vows to one another. They stood in a circle holding hands for their vows - and it was one of the sweetest, most touching moments I have ever seen. It's clear that this is a happy family - there was a whole bunch of love in that room!


As you can see from the photos below, they had a fun and colorful celebration. The guests were asked to wear black and/or white (giving me a good excuse to run out and buy a new black and white scarf) to accentuate the vibrant atmosphere. 


Congratulations, Amy & Kerry! Thank you so much for including me in your special day. I wish you both a lifetime of love and laughter.

Cupcakes by Phoebe's Cupcakes

Love this!

Light boxes!

A family moment

After the ceremony

Two Brides!

Love the newest New Yorker cover! Yay for marriage equality!

Kyle Proposes to Tommy - with a Huge Audience!

A beautiful proposal ..... go get your box of tissues before you hit play!


Thanks to The Advocate for sharing the video. You can read the story behind Kyle's proposal by clicking HERE.

The eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway winners!

It's the highlight film from the eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway - created by the wonderful folks at Poetic Productions.

Congratulations, Connie & Jessica. I can't wait to work with you on your wedding ceremony!

For Real Equality Weddings

I'm so happy to be included on the vendor listing of the fantastic website, For Real Equality Weddings!


They feature profiles of real gay and lesbian weddings. I love the details of Steve and Joe's travel-themed wedding.Check out their invitations, designed by Joe's daughter.
(Photos are by DMPJ by Glen Cooper.)

 

                                                                           

Another favorite is the wedding of Jaqueline & Victoria. This couple couldn't be any more adorable! And I love that they had their wedding in DC. They walked around the city in their dresses - and rode the Metro!
(photos by Maggie Winters)

  

For Real was also kind enough to do a blog post on the eleven eleven giveaway. Thank you!

Mary and Trina's Wedding at a Lake (that used to be a pond)

After 15 years together, Mary and Trina celebrated their love with a civil union ceremony on July 23rd. They shared the moment with family and friends at a lovely lake-side party room in Arlington Heights. Except, there wasn't supposed to be a lake there. Just the day before, the room overlooked a pond with a fountain. (Notice the picnic table submerged in water?) The heavy rains from the night before turned the surrounding area into a wet mess.

Luckily, the rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Guests trudged through flooded roads and around blocked streets and came out ready to have a great time!

For the ceremony, Mary and Trina chose to participate in a sand ritual. One of my favorite details was that each guest received a little bottle of rainbow-colored sand as a keepsake.

My other favorite detail was that they served tropical drinks - in slushie form! They had two slushie machines, serving Margaritas and Pina Coladas. These two know how to throw a party!

Thank you, Mary and Trina, for letting me be a part of your wonderful day!

And thank you to photographer K.C.Hatfield for graciously allowing me to use these pictures!