On January 6 of this year, Florida became the 36th state to legalize same-sex marriage, and my partner Jamie and I couldn’t wait to tie the knot. After eight years of cohabitation, merging our finances (let’s just say Jamie is the more generous one!), and raising our wonderful child together for four years, we were more than ready.
While many envision weddings filled with stunning floral arrangements and meticulously curated ceremonies where everything goes off without a hitch, ours was a different affair altogether. Ours was about equality and spontaneity—let’s just say it was the “let’s get married now” kind of celebration, and here’s why it was so much more memorable:
11. Minimal Planning Required.
Traditional weddings often consume years of planning and endless decision-making regarding every detail imaginable. What type of glasses should we use? Where will guests sit? What’s the perfect romantic venue? Not for us! We simply created a Facebook invite saying, “Meet us at the courthouse in three days; we’re getting married!” Easy peasy. Even our officiant just appeared out of nowhere.
10. We Were Surrounded by Support.
Many couples feel overwhelmed when it’s just the two of them embarking on this journey. Questions flood your mind: Are we truly ready? Is this the right person? But when everyone in the state is celebrating marriage equality, it creates an incredible sense of community. We were literally given a number—ours was B27! It felt special to share this moment with so many others at this pivotal time.
9. Our Child Was Part of the Day.
Traditional weddings often occur before couples have children, making it feel out of sync to include kids. As a gay couple, we were fortunate to raise our son, Max, long before we could legally marry. Having him present made our day complete and meaningful.
8. The Cost Was a Fraction.
Weddings can cost a fortune. Between the dress, venue, fancy appetizers, and all those little details, couples often go into debt. Our wedding? Rings, a new outfit, and we were done! It was simple and stress-free.
7. The Officers Were There to Support, Not Strip.
Okay, so we didn’t have strippers, but we had actual police officers attending—definitely a plus for a safe and orderly ceremony!
6. A Midnight Affair.
Who gets married at 12:01 AM on a Tuesday? We did! It’s undeniably rebellious and unique. I can savor a guilt-free Starbucks at night while celebrating love, and let’s be honest, that’s a win in my book.
5. The Venue Was a Government Building.
This might not seem appealing at first, but consider the juxtaposition. We were in a government office filled with excitement, laughter, and love. This was a celebration of equality, and sharing the moment with hundreds of others made it even more special.
4. Local Dignitaries Attended.
Did your wedding include your local elected officials? Ours did! The County Clerk and Sheriff were present, which made our day feel even more significant.
3. Sharing Our Anniversary with Friends.
Now, our anniversary is shared with thousands in Florida. If anyone mentions a wedding anniversary on January 6, there’s a good chance they’re part of our fabulous community. We celebrated alongside two incredible women, Jamie and Kelly, who have played a vital role in our lives. Their support made our day even more enriching.
2. Love is What Matters Most.
The core of our marriage is love—not only the love we have for each other but also the overwhelming support from our family and friends. Many in our community fought long and hard for this right, making our love story even more profound.
1. Gratitude and Joy.
Throughout our journey, we never expected to get married. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, marriage and family were dreams often placed on the backburner due to societal pressures. But when Max learned he would share a last name with both of us, his joy was priceless. The Duffy-Simons family stands united in love, gratitude, and joy, surrounded by a vibrant community that celebrates our union.
In conclusion, our wedding day was a blend of spontaneity, love, and community spirit. We fought for our right to be together, and that made it all the more meaningful. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this resource as it offers insightful guidance. For anyone considering fertility treatments, March of Dimes is an excellent source of information. And if you’re looking to boost fertility, Make a Mom can help.