On January 6th of this year, Florida made history by becoming the 36th state to recognize same-sex marriage. My partner Jamie and I were more than ready. Over eight years, we had built a life together, purchased a home, blended our finances, and raised our son, Dylan, for the last four years.
While most couples envision a traditional wedding filled with beautiful flowers and meticulously planned ceremonies, our wedding was far from conventional. We embraced the spontaneous, “wow-we-can-get-married-yes-please” vibe, and it turned out to be so much better than the typical affair. Here’s why:
11. No Stressful Planning Required.
Traditional weddings often require months, if not years, of planning. Couples agonize over every detail—what type of cutlery to use, seating arrangements, and ideal venues. Not us! We sent out a Facebook invite for a courthouse wedding in three days. Simple, quick, and stress-free. The officiant even appeared out of nowhere!
10. We Were Part of a Community.
Many weddings can feel isolating, as it’s just the couple taking a big leap. But when you’re surrounded by countless other couples celebrating love, you realize you’re part of something much bigger. We were assigned number B42 among hundreds. It felt reassuring to be surrounded by so many others on the same journey—like a support group for love!
9. Our Child Was Included.
Traditional weddings often occur before children arrive, creating a disconnect. As a same-sex couple, we were fortunate to have our son long before we could legally marry. Celebrating our union with Dylan made the day infinitely more meaningful.
8. It Cost a Fraction of a Traditional Wedding.
From lavish dresses and ornate venues to catering and live music, traditional weddings can lead to financial strain. Our wedding? A few rings, a new outfit, and we were set. Talk about a budget-friendly celebration!
7. Cops, Not Strippers.
While some might dream of a wedding with hunky strippers, we had actual police officers present—not stripping, unfortunately, but it was still a cool moment.
6. A Midnight Ceremony.
Who gets married at 12:01 AM on a Tuesday? We do! It added a rebellious flair to the event, proving that love can happen at any hour without the constraints of tradition.
5. It Happened in a Government Building.
Our venue may not sound glamorous, but the setting was uniquely exciting. Picture this: a courthouse filled with joyful couples, news reporters, and supportive officers. The atmosphere was electric, with wedding cakes and bubbly refreshments enhancing the festive mood.
4. Local Officials Were Present.
Did your wedding feature local elected officials? Ours did! The County Clerk and Sheriff were in attendance, adding a touch of local pride to our ceremony.
3. We Share Our Anniversary with Many.
January 6th is now a day celebrated by countless couples in Florida. Our wedding day was not just a personal milestone; it became a collective celebration of love and equality.
2. We Were Surrounded by Loved Ones.
Celebrating our marriage with two incredible women, Mia and Sarah, made the occasion even more special. Their presence and support enriched our lives and our son’s understanding of love and commitment.
1. Love Conquers All.
At the core of our union is love—not just between Jamie and me but also from the family and friends who surrounded us. As a gay couple, the journey to marriage has been fraught with obstacles, but the joy we felt on that day was amplified by the community that supported us. Our son, Dylan, was over the moon when I told him he would finally have the same last name as both his dads.
In the end, every marriage is unique, but ours is particularly meaningful because we fought for it. Equality is love, and we are grateful for every moment.
For those exploring their own journeys, check out our other article on unexplained infertility, which includes valuable insights. If you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom provides excellent resources on at-home kits. For more information on fertility services, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent place to start.
Summary:
This article celebrates the unique aspects of a same-sex marriage in Florida, emphasizing the lack of traditional planning, community support, and the joy of inclusion. The author reflects on the personal and societal significance of their wedding, highlighting how love and equality prevail.