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Wed on Wednesday
Yes, Spinner and I were married on Wednesday. He proposed to me minutes after the Supreme Court decision was announced last month, and once I got over being proposed to via text message, I said yes. After two and one-half years together there was never really any consideration of any other answer.
We spent a lot of time exploring options, and in the end decided we wanted a simple and intimate ceremony for the marriage itself, to be followed by a reception/blow-out to beat all blow-outs for all the family and friends. That second event is tentatively scheduled for October 4.
Coincidentally, school ended for Spinner on Friday, and I’d already booked rooms for a business/vacation roadtrip for his first week of summer freedom (the 2008 Slackathalon). Since we had reservations already made for a work trip to Ventura, to be followed by three days at The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo as a mid-point location for some Northern and Southern California friends came as a natural solution. I can’t say enough good things about The Cliffs. Wonderful room, short walk to the beach, amazing views, and dog-friendly beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.
But back to the marriage. Even though we were going to be in San Luis Obispo county for three days, the county recorder only does weddings on Thursday and Friday. We thought about heading up to Atascadero where they’re done on Wednesdays by appointment, but ultimately decided to have a wonderful friend of mine deputized for the day to perform the ceremony.
I know there’s been some publicity and controversy over the decision by the County Recorder in Kern county to stop performing ceremonies, but really have no problem with it. During our research we discovered that Monterey and Santa Barbara counties had stopped performing ceremonies years ago and although I initially hesitated about imposing on my friend, I loved the flexibility that having the ability to deputize someone to officiate the wedding gave us, and she performed a beautiful ceremony.
On Tuesday, the first day same-sex marriages were legal, we walked by the county recorder’s office just to see where things were. There were no protesters, and no obvious line or crowds. There was a group from the local Unitarian Universalist church out there cheering people on, and even though we weren’t planning on getting married until the next day, they gave us roses and cake anyway.
The morning of our wedding day we met some dear friends for breakfast, then walked one block to the County Recorder’s office. Spinner filled out the request for a marriage license online (which explains why I’m Party B) while I watched Sophie get sworn in as our officiant. Then with papers in hand we walked a few blocks over to the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Toloso.
Though we had initially planned on having our ceremony next to a certain fountain there, oppressive heat and a construction crew dictated otherwise, for the better. We said our vows and exchanged rings in the shade of a tree in the Mission’s garden and overlooking the San Luis Obispo Creek, and couldn’t be happier.
Oh, might have to start a FAQ or something but:
1. No, Diego did not attend. Too many stops and too much stress as it was. He waited patiently at the resort, and then was smothered with attention and treats after the event.
2. We’re registered at Crate and Barrel and Williams-Sonoma. We’ll probably register at Macy’s and REI too.
Now, if you were registered at L.L. Bean I’d be set. That’s an easy, accessible drive. Congratulations to the happy couple nonetheless! Rob
Congratulations to you both
A belated mazel tov!
wow! so happy for you both! : )
xo
Hey, you two! A million congrats to the newlyweds!
Thanks so much for sharing your memories of the special days leading up to the ceremony. The day of your marriage sounds momentous, as to be expected. (Chuck, did you mind being Party B? hehe) I can’t wait to see more pictures!!
Thanks also for the registry info.
May you share many more happy years together.
Love,
Alma
Wow! Congratulations. I guess I picked a good time to check out your blog again. (I’ve neglected blog reading for a while.)
[...] Chuck got married. Mazel tov! [...]
congratulations!
Congratulations, my friend.
[...] kiddies, I know marriage is new to The Gays, and maybe we have some learning to do, but our wedding was beautiful. The key: there were only five people there, including both grooms, and only five [...]