As many are aware, Florida officially allowed same-sex marriage on January 6 of this year, becoming the 36th state to do so. My partner, Jamie, and I were more than ready: after eight years together, we had a home, our finances were a delightful mess (COU—she pays for everything—OUGH! Oh, pardon me. Must have been something in my throat), and we had been raising our son together for the last four years.
Typically, weddings evoke images of stunning floral arrangements, meticulously planned ceremonies, charming toasts, and couples gazing lovingly at each other under the sun’s golden glow. Our wedding was far from traditional; it was the spontaneous “We can finally get married!” kind of celebration, and let me tell you, it was infinitely better than any conventional affair. Here’s why:
11. No Planning Stress
Traditional weddings involve endless planning, scrutinizing every little detail: seating arrangements, table settings, and finding that picturesque venue. Not us! We sent out a Facebook invite that said, “Meet us at the courthouse in three days! We’re tying the knot!” It was all so simple that even the officiant showed up just in time!
10. Community Support
Marriage can often feel isolating, with doubts creeping in about whether you’re ready or if your partner is “the one.” But when you’re surrounded by countless other couples celebrating their love, it feels less daunting. We were part of a vibrant community that day—numbers and all! Our ticket was A26.9. It was a reminder that this moment was bigger than just us. My mom always said, “A marriage feels special when it’s a collective celebration.” She was right!
9. Our Child Was There
Traditional weddings can feel out of sync with family life. How can you have kids at your wedding when you haven’t even had them yet? Thankfully, being a gay couple allowed us to start our family long before we could legally marry. Our son, Oliver, made our day complete, and it wouldn’t have been the same without him.
8. Incredibly Affordable
From extravagant gowns to lavish receptions, traditional weddings can leave couples in debt for years. Our celebration? Rings, a fresh outfit, and we were done! It was a fraction of the cost, allowing us to focus on what truly mattered.
7. Unexpected Guests in Uniform
While we didn’t have strippers (which, admittedly, could have been fun), we did have real police officers there for security. It was a unique twist on the usual wedding entertainment!
6. Midnight Ceremony
Who gets married at 12:01 AM on a Tuesday? Well, we did! It was just rebellious enough to feel exciting. I sipped on my Starbucks while waiting for our turn—yes, I married that coffee too!
5. Government Office Vibes
Our wedding took place in a municipal building, giving it a unique charm. The atmosphere felt like a mix of a DMV and a pride parade, with hundreds of couples and reporters celebrating in a normally quiet space. It turned out to be a festive occasion, complete with cake and bubbly refreshments.
4. Dignitaries Were Present
Did the County Clerk and Sheriff attend your wedding? Probably not! Our ceremony had an air of significance that most traditional weddings lack.
3. Shared Anniversary
We now share our anniversary with countless other couples in Florida. If you know someone whose wedding anniversary is January 6, there’s a good chance they’re part of the LGBTQ+ community. We celebrated alongside two incredible women, Mia and Jess, who have been vital to our lives. They’re like family to us, and it was beautiful to include them in our special day.
2. Love Surrounding Us
At the core of it all, we love each other. That’s not to say our marriage is better than anyone else’s, but the love we received from family and friends made it feel truly special. Many LGBTQ+ individuals have faced hardships and ridicule; we are immensely grateful that we no longer have to hide. Our son, Oliver, was thrilled to learn that his dads would share his last name. The Duffy-Jensen family is not only equal, but we are also enveloped in love, gratitude, and joy.
1. The Power of Love
Ultimately, it’s all about love. Even if we never dreamed we’d reach this point, our journey was filled with struggles that made this day all the more meaningful. We fought for this marriage, and now that fight is over—it’s a big, beautiful win for equality.
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In summary, our wedding was a celebration of love, community, and equality, contrasting sharply with traditional weddings. It was a unique experience filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of belonging.