Watermark's Wedding Guide 2015: Celebrate

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a private oasis of nature minutes from downtown

Tampa. Here you will find the elegance you deserve

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only one that day.

Our staff is completely devoted to you and your guests. We specialize in

exemplary personal service from the very beginning, to

your glorious send off!

We are an all-inclusive wedding venue where you can leave the details to our

experts, making your day all it should be.

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Ever dreamed of having Ever dreamed of having Ever dreamed of having Barbra Streisand Barbra Streisand Barbra Streisand herself sing at herself sing at herself sing at YOUR YOUR YOUR wedding? wedding? wedding?

Carla DelVillaggio Carla DelVillaggio Carla DelVillaggio is an awardis an awardis an award---winning artist, whose tribute to winning artist, whose tribute to winning artist, whose tribute to The Greatest Star The Greatest Star The Greatest Star isisis available for LGBT weddings, available for LGBT weddings, available for LGBT weddings,

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“...the next best thing to “...the next best thing to “...the next best thing to seeing Streisand herself!” seeing Streisand herself!” seeing Streisand herself!”

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4 C E L E B R A T E Y O U R L G B T L O V E .W A T E R M A R K ’ S W E D D I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 5

CONTENTS

Contents of this Wedding Guide 2015 are protected by federal copy-right law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Watermark Media cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

© Watermark Media, Inc., est. 1994Phone: ORL: 407-481-2243 TB: 813-655-9890Fax: ORL: 407-481-224 TB: [email protected]

Intro 07

Making New Traditions 11

10 Wedding Tips 18

Making a Wedding Plan 23

Making It Truly Unique 29

Going Moderate to Elaborate 37

LGBT Friendly Vendors 44

FOUNDERTom DyerPUBLISHER

Rick ClaggettADMIN. ASSISTANT

Kathleen Harper

EDITORSteve Blanchard

ART DIRECTORJake Stevens

CREATIVE ASSISTANTPatrick O’Connor

ONLINE MEDIA DIRECTORJamie Hyman

ASSISTANT MEDIA DIR.Jeremy Williams

ADVERTISING SALESMark Cady

Sam RennelsDanny Garcia

Bill Je� riesDoreen St. Louis

WEDDING GUIDE GUIDE 2015 PUBLISHED BY WATERMARK MEDIA, INC.

ON THE COVER: Deborah Mace & April Tonchuk (both 29, from Winter Park) engagement photo by Moments by Mateo Photography & Videography

5 W A T E R M A R K ’ S W E D D I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 5C E L E B R A T E Y O U R L G B T L O V E .

Celebrating 25 years of Fierce ̇ Fabulous ̇ Flowers

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Aff airs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

� e best place to say “I do.”

1920 North Forest Ave.Orlando, FL 32803407.246.2620

Let beautiful Leu Gardens serve as a backdrop for celebrating your new beginning! Weddings, vow renewals and receptions are held year round.

To fi nd out more, visit

leugardens.org

Orange County Tax CollectorScott Randolph

Congratulations from Scott Randolph, Orange County Tax Collector! We’ve created a checklist of required original or certified copies of documents you’ll need to bring to obtain your driver’s license or state ID with a new name.

Obtain a Marriage CertificateUpdate Social Security card to new name

Marriage Certificate changing name - original only

Two proofs of Residential Address

Social Security Card (or W-2 with full SSN &new legal name)

U.S. Citizens: U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. PassportNon U.S. Citizens: Proof of legal presence

Independently Elected to Serve Only You

Document requirements vary on the individualVisit www.gathergoget.com for specific documents

www.OCTaxCol.com


Marriage equality is here—so make the most of it with our guide to your perfect wedding

Here comes thethe guideguideguideguideguideguideguideguideguideguideguideMarriage equality is

guideMarriage equality is Marriage equality is

guideMarriage equality is here—so make the

guidehere—so make the

comes guidecomes the guidethethe guidethe

We live in a day many

of us never imagined.

Same-sex couples

are able to legally

wed their partners.

Husbands have

husbands. Wives now have wives. And the

world is a better place because of it!

On Jan. 6, marriage equality arrived in

Florida and many couples took advantage of

the new laws immediately. Others decided

to wait and plan a more traditional wedding.

But what, exactly, is a traditional wedding for

spouses of the same gender?

Well, anything you want it to be, according

to the experts with whom we spoke.

Today’s same-sex couples are at the very

beginning of marriage laws that fully include

our families. That means this is the generation

that gets to tweak old traditions, create new

ones and happily prove the stereotype that

everything we do is fabulous.

Watermark spoke with wedding specialists

throughout Central Florida to ask the tough

questions many couples haven’t had a chance

to yet—what’s the best way to plan a same-sex

wedding? We’ve also scoured websites and

hunted down information on how to best

prepare for the big day.

Our timeline gives a schedule of sorts

for those wanting to celebrate their love

in a very big way. We also included a piece

on traditions that discuss things like

who walks whom down the aisle and who

tosses the bouquet—if there is one.

In Watermark’s regular feature, ‘Wedding

Bells,’ we’ve learned of some inventive and

inspiring ways to make same-sex weddings

memorable.

We’ve collected a few of those for this guide

to hopefully inspire those creative juices and

motivate you to make a memorable wedding

celebration that guests will talk about for years

to come. It will also be first big memory you

and your new spouse will ever make.

Welcome to a new day in marital history.

And, if you’re holding this guide with a goal to

celebrate your own upcoming nuptials, then

congratulations.

ALTER-BOUND

Deborah Mace & April Tonchuk of

Winter Park show their rings for

an engagement photo

Photo by Moments by Mateo

Photography & Videographyy



Traditions

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K R I S T A D I T U C C I

Planning a wedding is tough

work. Knowing when to

book a venue or where to

find a photographer are

just part of the stress of

planning. But for same-

sex couples, the stress increases once

we consider how the old traditions of

weddings fold into a ceremony with two

brides or two grooms.

Some common questions include:

Who walks whom the aisle? How does the

couple prefer to be addressed—bride and

bride, groom and groom, couple, spouses,

partners or something else? Are any of the

guests conservative or easily offended at

LGBT events?

Michael Thomas of John Michael

Events in Orlando says the most common

arrangement in a same-sex wedding

is for the couple to walk down the aisle

together. Alternatively, each partner may

walk separately with a parent or loved one

down split aisles before reaching a middle

point where everyone comes together.

Thomas says this arrangement is

particularly popular for same-gender

couples and adds that he rarely sees a

traditional walk down the aisle because

there is no traditional bride or

groom roles.

Thomas says he witnessed two grooms

from New York City each walking with

their mothers down one large aisle.

Couples may choose which, if any,

common wedding traditions to incorporate

into their celebration. Thomas said

traditional vs. non-traditional practices

often emerge through clothing choices

such as both brides wearing dresses, both

Same-sex couples have the freedom to incorporate the old while building something new

MAKING

NewTraditions

CONTINUED ON PG. 14 | |


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grooms wearing suits, or a mix of both.

Tim Thompson of Extravaganza Productions in Tampa

says he recently planned a lesbian wedding where both

brides wanted to throw the bouquet.

“But not very many grooms do the garter toss,” he says.

Even the dessert choices are increasingly

progressive. Many couples opt for dessert bars and

gelato stations. Michael Poplawski of The Rainbow

Knot said the buzz right now is not a wedding cake, but a

collection of cake pops.

“LGBT is out of the box,” Poplawski explains. “We’re

out of the closet. Our vendors vary from old-fashioned and

traditional to New Age.”

An important consideration for many couples is whether

certain family members and friends will be comfortable

and supportive at a wedding for

a same-sex couple. Planners will

discuss these issues with the future

spouses early on so they can be aware

of any conflicts that may arise.

“I want to make sure everyone

is having a good time,” Poplawski

says. “If I see someone who’s

totally arrogant and out of their

element, I’ll do something

funny to put them at ease.”

Thomas said he rarely encounters unsupportive families.

“I think if you’re going to have family members there,

they love the couple,” Thomas says. “They may not believe

in the marriage, but they love and support them.”

The highest priority for all wedding planners is to ensure

the couple getting married is at ease and battling as little

stress as possible. Part of this process involves specifying

what verbiage they would like to use.

Thomas said most couples prefer to be referred to as

“couple” instead of “partners” or “bride and bride/groom

and groom.” Thompson said he has seen unique verbiage

such as “mister and mister.” He refers to the wedding party

as “honor attendants” instead of bridal party.

“It just comes down to equality,” Thomas says. “Most

important is understanding the nuances.”

A large ceremony might not be for everyone, however.

Many take part in group weddings or utilize the newest

feature at LGBT Pride festivals—on-

site wedding ceremonies.

“Don’t bypass what traditional

weddings have going for them,”

Poplawski says. “Go to the

counseling, learn about each other.

It’s good for the soul.”

Ultimately, opportunities

are rapidly increasing for

same-sex couples to plan

their dream weddings. The

planners share a goal of giving the LGBT community

the same opportunities as everyone else.

“As LGBT, we always say we can’t do this or that,”

Poplawski says. “But we can. You can have it all. Bring all the

old traditions but create new ones, too.”

For Thompson it all boils down to one thing:

“Whether it’s a gay or straight wedding, there are so

many aspects that are parallel,” Thompson says. “Love is

love. There should be no judgment.”

LEFT:

BREAK BREAD

Jewish wedding

celebrations often

include the blessing of

the Challa bread. The

blessing can be by a

parent or a cherished

friend of the couple.

Photo courtesy David Merrill

CENTER:

CANDY COATED

Incorporate an open

Candy Bar into your

reception. It gives

your guests a chance

to satisfy their sweet

tooth while adding

color to the decor.

RIGHT:

LET THEM EAT CAKE

Alternatives to a

traditional wedding

cake include cup cakes

(pictured) or cake

pops. These are easier

to serve, create less

mess and will mean

fewer leftovers.

CONTINUED FROM PG.11

“You can have it all. Bring all the old

traditions but create new ones, too.”

—MICHAEL POPLAWSKI OF THE RAINBOW KNOT


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MIC OR NO MIC?Remember that not everyone

will be right up at the alter

or next to the notary like you

and your spouse. Typically, if

people are seated more than

15 rows back from the grooms

or brides, you probably need

a sound system. Mic systems

are available for under $100,

and if you plan ahead, you may

be able to find one cheaper.

TGIF AND SAVE MONEY

Most weddings occur on

Saturdays. But if you are in a

rush or if you just want to be

different, consider holding

your wedding on a Friday or

a Sunday. Experts say that

Friday and Sunday weddings

can cost about 30% less than

a Saturday ceremony.

KNOW HOW TO GET YOUR LICENSE

Marriage licenses for same-sex

couples are a relatively new

concept. Make sure you know

the hours of your county

clerk’s office and ask what

times are best to come by to

fill out the paperwork. Always

give a copy of the marriage

license to a trusted friend or

family member, just in case

you misplace yours during

the final preparations.

USE CREDIT, GET REWARDS

If you and your spouse have

good credit, consider signing

up for a credit card with a

rewards program. You can

gain airline miles or discounts

later if you rack up enough

points on the card. What better

way to begin wedded bliss?

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Decide early how much

you want to spend and

then break it down so you

stick to it. Typically, 50%

of a wedding budget goes

toward the reception. About

10% pays for the flowers.

Attire typically makes up

10% of the budget, as does

entertainment and music.

It’s smart to keep 10%

handy for miscellaneous

items, like printing.

GET CONTRACTSPlanning a wedding means

there are a lot of business deals

going down. Get your vendors’

agreements in writing or in

an email so you can refer to it

later if there’s a mix up. This

will come in handy, especially

if the person who started your

relationship with the vendor

has move onto another career.

STAY ORGANIZEDKeep all of your wedding

planning materials in one

place. Perhaps a large three-

ring binder would serve you

and your future spouse well.

Don’t be afraid to include

photos of flower arrangements

you found in a magazine, for

example. That way you can

show vendors exactly what

you want. Also, program

vendor phone numbers into

your cell phone so you can get

in touch with them easily.

BE BAR READYMany guests say their

favorite part of the wedding

is the bar. Typically, event

organizers say to have one

bartender per 50 guests

to keep the lines down.

If you’re serving special

cocktails that take more

time, however, consider

upping that ratio or

adding a server or two.

TAKE ADVICEVendors do weddings for

a living. If they suggest

another vendor, don’t be

afraid to follow up. A florist

may know the perfect

photographer or a band that

just might have the perfect

idea for a reception venue.

Take advice, but don’t be

afraid to kindly refuse it

after you investigate.

RESPECT NATUREFlorida is no doubt a hotbed

of outdoor weddings with

our theme parks and

beaches. But remember

that it rains in the summer

and temperatures hover

near 100 degrees for several

months. Plan ahead with

tents, cooling units and bug

protection if you plan to

keep your guests outdoors.

S T A F F R E P O R T

As every romantic comedy has told us, planning

a wedding is a stressful endeavor. Add the mix

of incorporating new traditions into a same-

gender soiree and there may not be enough blood

pressure medicine to protect the spouses to be.

Here area few quick tips to ensure your

wedding is one for the record books and the event of the season.

Some basic planning—and a few simple tried and true formulas—

will hopefully let you enjoy your day and the days leading up to it.

10 WEDDING TIPSUSE THESE TIPS TO KEEP STRESS AND SURPRISES

TO A MINIMUM ON YOUR WEDDING DAY


10 WEDDING TIPSUSE THESE TIPS TO KEEP STRESS AND SURPRISES

TO A MINIMUM ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

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Make a

K R I S T A D I T U C C I A N D S T E V E B L A N C H A R D

Same-sex couples looking to plan their

wedding have many options at their

fingertips, including LGBT-specific wedding

planners to guide them along the way. A few

of these planners include Tim Thompson of

Extravaganza Productions in Tampa ; Michael

Thomas of John Michael Events in Orlando; and Michael

Poplawski of The Rainbow Knot in Punta Gorda.

“I see it all,” Thompson says. “It (a same-sex

wedding) is definitely across the gamete, from avant-

garde to shabby-chic to vintage.”

Thompson advises couples to begin planning at least

three months before the wedding, but that a year and a

half is ideal.

“The more time you prepare, the better and more

memorable the event is going to be,” Thompson says.

He believes the planning process is easy once the couple

decides the budget, menu and venue.

Thomas sees a change in the planning process and

says more couples seem to use less time in planning their

big day than in the past.

“Generally speaking, for any couple, the planning

process was always a year and a half to two years

out,” Thomas says. “In the last three to four years as

technology has exploded, it’s now six months to a year.”

Poplawski specifies an 8- to 12-week planning period

in his contracts. Couples who are interested in using The

Rainbow Knot as their planning service can register on

the website and choose among 15 vendors to customize

their own package.

“We coordinate everything you do,” Poplawski said.

“When you show up, when you come in, when you eat,

and when you leave. We will guarantee satisfaction—all

you have to do is show up.”

The most recent vendor to sign on with Poplawski is

The Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg, which offers an

outdoor venue and new honeymoon suites.

It’s really up to the couple as to how elaborate or how

much time they believe is needed to plan their perfect

day. And while same-sex weddings are still defining

their traditions, since marriage equality is relatively new,

we offer the following guide, pulled from the websites

of wedding planners, vendors and other professionals,

to help keep stress to a minimum while planning the

perfect celebration of your love.

Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a Make a WeddingPlanWeddingPlanWeddingPlanWeddingPlanWeddingPlanWeddingPlanWeddingPlanWeddingPlan

To ensure a smooth wedding day, make plans early and stick to a timeline



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A PERFECT MARRIAGE BEGINS HERE

Timeline

A YEAR BEFORE

THE BIG DAY

If you want your day to go

smoothly, start early to determine

your budget and what will be your

top priorities. In other words,

where are you willing to spend a

bit more and in what areas would

you like to cut back.

Browse wedding websites and

start purchasing magazines—

even if they are geared toward

opposite-sex couples. Our straight

friends have some good ideas too,

you know.

Decide on your colors

and work on your guest list.

Later on, vendors are going

to want an estimate on how

many guests to expect.

People are busy these days, so

select your wedding party early

so friends and relatives can make

themselves available for your

special day.

Reserve your date! This means

you have to decide on your venue

early. If you’re using a church,

reach out to the pastor, priest or

rabbi. If you’re using an event

hall, call them and set up a

meeting. Also, don’t forget to

nail down the location for your

reception.

10MONTHS

OUTYou have your date and your

venues. Buy some save-the-

date cards and tell everyone

to make sure they are free for

your wedding day. If you have

tech-savvy guests, create your

own website that details your big

plans so everyone is in the know.

Figure out what you’re going

to wear. Whether it’s tuxedoes,

dresses, shorts and flip-flops or

jeans—plan your look and your

accessories.

Now is the time to research

and book your vendors. You need

a caterer, a photographer—who

hopefully also offers videography

work—and your officiant. If you

want someone to take on all of

this, it’s time to hire a wedding

planner. Most need at least

10 months to pull everything

together.

Talk to your future spouse

about your honeymoon plans.

Pick the location and start a

separate budget. You want a

memorable first week as legal

spouses that avoids any glitches.

8 MONTHS

OUTBy now you should start

receiving written contracts from

your vendors. Remember to get

everything in writing!

Contact your florist and make

final decisions on your floral

arrangements.

Schedule your cake tasting

with your bakery—this is also the

time to hire any entertainment

for your reception, including the

first dance, bouquet toss—if you

go the traditional route—and the

dances with the parents.

You should have your wedding

party in place by now, so it’s time

to get them dressed. Let your

groomsmen and bridesmaids

know the theme of the wedding

and let them know what they

should wear. They need time to

shop and plan too.

4MONTHS

OUTIf you haven’t found a jeweler,

now is the time to do it. Find your

perfect wedding rings and give the

jeweler plenty of time to size them

appropriately.

Every wedding needs a rehearsal

dinner. So find out where you will

hold it and lock it in. You’ll also

want to finalize your rehearsal

dinner guest list.

If you plan to give wedding

favors to your wedding party,

discuss ideas with your future

spouse and purchase those gifts.

Finalize the wording on your

formal invitations. Everyone

received a save the date notice. Now

is the time to formally invite them

to your big day. Make sure you have

the right mailing address for each

person you plan to invite.

If you’re using a stationer,

schedule the printing and pick up

date for the invitations.

This is also the time to finalize

your menu and drink options. Is it

an open bar reception or a cash bar?

Either is fine, but the venue—and

your guests—will need to know.

Finally, don’t forget this day is

all about you. Finalize your vows

and any additional touches to your

ceremony. Lock in your honeymoon

plans. And if you plan to invite a

friend to sing, for example, give

them plenty of notice so they can

rehearse that perfect song.

4 •SET DATE SET BUDGET •DECIDE ON VENUE

• WEDDING COLORS!

• WHAT TO WEAR • BOOK CATERER

• PHOTOGRAPHER • OFFICIANT

• DECIDE WEDDING

PARTY

• SCHEULE TASTING

• FLORIST

• ENTERTAINMENT

• WEDDING RINGS • CREATE INVITES • FINALIZE MENU • PARTY FAVORS • REHEARSAL DINNER GUEST LIST


Timeline

2MONTHS

OUTMail those invitations and

decide who is handling the

recording of RSVPs.

Also, don’t be afraid to reach

out to your vendors just to make

sure they have the correct dates

and details in place. It wouldn’t

hurt to nudge your wedding party

as well to make sure they’ve

secured the correct attire.

Know how to obtain your

marriage license. Give yourselves

plenty of time to go to the

courthouse so you don’t feel

rushed.

If you’ve already received

gifts, go ahead and write

out thank you cards. You’ll

appreciate the time saved after

your honeymoon.

WEEKS

OUTFinalize your vows and

readings with whomever is

conducting your ceremony.

Make sure your photographer

has a shot list and don’t forget

to make a timeline for reception

details—including toasts by

parents and the wedding party.

Make sure your entertainment

knows what specific songs you

want performed and when.

Secure your wedding night

accommodations.

Obtain your marriage license.

If anyone plans to change their

name, make sure you secure

those documents as well.

Pick up your wedding rings.

Hunt down whoever hasn’t

RSVP’d. Give them one last shot

to attend your big day.

1TO

2WEEKS

OUTGive your caterer and the

venues your final guest count.

If you have a seating chart,

finalize it now.

Check the weather forecast

and make sure the venue has

a contingency plan in case of

inclement weather.

THENIGHT

BEFORELay out everything you’ll need

for the big day—this includes

your clothes, your rings and the

marriage license.

If you still owe money to

vendors, organize your forms of

payment so you can easily hand

them off on the big day.

Ask a member of your wedding

party to collect your gifts after

the reception.

Go to bed early. You’ll need all

of your energy!

THE

333 • MAIL INVITATIONS

• WRITE "THANK

YOU" CARDS FOR

EARLY GIFTS

• TIE UP LOOSE ENDS

• ARRANGE SEATING CHART

• FINAL GUEST

COUNT TO CATERER

• LAY OUT CLOTHES FOR BIG DAY

• ORGANIZE PAYMENTS FOR VENDORS •REST

• FINALIZE VOWS • GET MARRIAGE LICENSE • PICK UP RINGS


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S T E V E B L A N C H A R D A N D S A M A N T H A R O S E N T H A L

Releasing doves? Beautiful, but it’s been

done. Blowing bubbles toward the new

spouses in lieu of birdseed or rice? Cute,

but fairly common.

For newly married same-sex couples

comes a challenge of creating a unique

experience for guests that sets our weddings apart from

our heterosexual counterparts. There is absolutely

nothing wrong with tradition, but we asked some

same-sex couples in Florida who have already tied the

knot to share how they put a unique spin on the biggest

day of their lives.

When Orlando couple Michael Scott and Thomas

Lawson legally tied the knot on Jan. 6, 2015—the first

full day that same-sex marriages were recognized in

Florida—they wanted to add some flair to their already,

elegant event.

Instead of the traditional wedding cake topper—bride

and groom—the two had a cake topper that said “Mr.

& Mr.” Since there was no traditional bride to throw a

bouquet, both men tossed a breakaway bouquet that had

messages attached to each flower.

“One of the things our minister told us during our

wedding ceremony, she said this is the most important

vow you’ll ever take in your life, and I really feel that it is

and I really feel that vow now being married to Michael,”


MAZEL TOV:David Merrill (left) and

Dave Rosen were legally

married in a traditional

Jewish ceremony in front

of friends and family.

Photo Courtesy David Merrill

Making it trulyuniqueuniqueWith some creativity, couples can add a memorable twist to

their special day, making it memorable for all who attend

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Lawson says. “The commitment that we made to each other

is very important to both of us, so it does feel different and it

does feel very good.”

The pair incorporated a little bit of tradition into their

special day. A friend gave them old tie clips but had their

names engraved on them together—something old and

something new. On the back of each was something blue—a

blue gem.

At their reception they had an open bar—but not

of alcohol. It was a candy bar where guests could help

themselves.

CANDY AND COLORSSeminole couple Kevin Clifford and Thomas Hlinko plan

to use candy in their June wedding ceremony. The pair, who

have been a couple for more than 30 years, say “Taste the

Rainbow” will be the theme of their wedding. To drive the

LGBT Pride colors home, the newlyweds plan to hand out

bundles of Skittles to their wedding guests.

Clifford said he and Hlinko had a Holy Union years ago to

solidify their union. But this time, the legal wedding will be a

bit more simple.

“Now we’re getting married, and we are both going to be

barefoot,” Clifford says. “A plain, simple beach wedding.”

AN UPDATED TRADITIONThe wedding day of Rachel Silverman and Abby Nicholson

of Orlando was unique in a few ways, but also tied to

tradition. Silverman’s brother, Matthew, officiated the

ceremony, which had strong Jewish themes and traditions

and tied to both brides’ backgrounds.

“We did do a pretty traditional Jewish ceremony with a

few tweaks, obviously, built in,” Nicholson says. “It was

actually kind of fun because as a result, we got to write our

own ceremony... We wanted a huppah, to do the circling, we

wanted to do the seven blessings, smash the glasses and do

all these traditional things, but everything was so ‘bride-

groom’ whenever we researched it.

“So we kind of got to design it ourselves,” Nicholson

explains. “We both smashed the glass at the end of the

ceremony. Instead of one person circling the other, we each

circled each other three times and then did a final circle

together. And the wording, we did our own rendition of the

seven blessings, which our sisters—we each have a sister—

got up and read for us.”

From tweaking simple traditions to incorporating bright

themes, same-sex couples can put a unique spin on their

weddings, now that they are legal.

But we wanted to know of even more ways to create a

memorable day for wedding guests when it comes to gay and

lesbian weddings.

MAKE IT INTERACTIVEOne website suggests incorporating technology into the

ceremony and reception by creating a hashtag. This allows

guests to share their experiences directly on social media

and allows the brides or the grooms to follow along with the

perspectives of their guests following the celebration. They

key is, of course, to let guests know of the hashtag. That

information could be included in the invitations.

A common point of confusion at same-sex weddings

comes to the seating arrangements for the ceremony. There

is no “bride” or “groom” side of the chapel or venue in these

cases. So what’s a new lesbian couple to do?

Simple: create an elegant sign with these directions:

“Choose a seat, not a side, either way it’s for a bride.”

For the guys: “Choose a seat, we’ve got room, either way

it’s for a groom.”

Same-sex couples may also want to put a new spin on the

floral arrangements. Since there may not be a traditional

bouquet toss, let guests create their own statements with

flowers.

Ask the florist about setting up a make-your-own-flower

station. Ask for some sturdy blooms like spray roses or

mums and supply plenty of ribbons and pins. Place some

instructions so that each guest can have his or her own

boutonniere or corsage.

Another way to make sure guests feel included in your

special day is to add an update to the traditional recorded

greetings from those in attendance.

With the popularity of reality shows, why not create a

video confessional booth? Rent a video booth and invite

guests to step in and record a quick on-screen message

for you. Many videographers will edit the best clips and

incorporate them into your wedding video. Any others can be

shared on your wedding website or on social media.

But be careful—you don’t want these confessions to go too far.

2 BRIDES, 1 BROTHER

Rachel Silverman

and Abbey Nicholson

held their wedding

ceremony at

The Acre, where

Matthew Silverman,

Rachel’s brother,

of� ciated.

Photo by Tina Craig



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100 North Atlantic Avenue | Daytona Beach | 32118 | USA

©2014 Hilton Worldwide

YOUR BIG DAYREQUIRES BIG PLANNERS.

The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort is the ultimate wedding location for your special day. Whether it's an intimate beach-side gathering with casual attire for just a few or 2,000 guests classically attired for a traditional ballroom ceremony, dreams come true at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Our onsite professional wedding specialist will ensure that all your dreams become a reality and help create memories to last a lifetime!

To learn more visit DaytonaHilton.com/weddings or call +1 800 223 1056

CateringBar Services

Rentals – tables, chairs, china & more.

Professional wait and culinary staffDécor, Linens, & Centerpieces

EEvent PlanningLGBT supportive Vendor Referrals

LGBT friendly Venue Referrals

Visit our showroom and tour our

15,000 sq. ft. facility. Free tasting & event planning consultation.

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Officiating with Your vows or Traditional vows

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Rainbow-hued Adirondack chairs, a palm tree thatched cabana and a sandy beach lend an island vibe to the setting.

Paradise Cove will customize a wedding to fit your vision and budget.



Even though same-sex couples have been legally marrying since

2004 (thanks, Massachusetts), there is very little data available

concerning same-sex weddings. Same-sex couples are, of course,

tying the knot and throwing elegant celebrations. But we are also

hosting smaller, more intimate ceremonies and receptions.

According to CNN, the average cost of a wedding is $31,000. That figure

represents mostly opposite-gender unions. It adds that weddings in urban

areas are typically more expensive than those in rural locations.

Not everyone can afford such a celebration nor does everyone want

something so grandiose. A benefit of marriage equality being so young

is that couples can set their own rules and traditions while spending as

much—or as little—as they want.

Whether your wedding is an extravagant affair or a small, intimate one,

you can make it memorable, no matter the budget.


Weddings can be expensive—or affordable, depending on your tastes and your time

G O I N G M O D E RAT E

or elaborateM O D E RAT E

elaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateelaborateM O D E RAT E

elaborateM O D E RAT E

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GOING SMALLRenting wedding halls adds to the expense of the affair quickly.

But couples can have just as memorable a day by renting a city-run

space. Many Florida cities are now welcoming to LGBTs, so finding a

friendly city employee should be easy.

We also have the weather on our side here. So using a park or a

beach for an outdoor event could save some money as well. Fewer

people means fewer furniture rentals and easier set up, too.

Guys, tuxedos cost a couple hundred dollars—and you have

to return them in a day or two! So if you want to save, go with a

themed wedding. Hawaiian shirts are a popular choice—we are in

a tropical paradise, after all. Another possibility is a T-shirt and

shorts kind of wedding. You’ll be comfortable, your guests will be

relaxed and your budget will be saved.

Ladies, wedding dresses can run up to $5,000—and you wear

them once! Find a theme for your event as well. Or, incorporate

some tradition and wear your mother’s dress, if she’s comfortable

with that, or maybe check out a second-hand store. You’ll slice the

dress budget in half, at least.

Not to stereotype here, but many LGBTs know people in the

entertainment and service industry. If you have a friend who is a

caterer or a chef, why not ask them to provide the food as a wedding

gift? You can at least offer to pay for half of it. It saves you money

and allows your friend to give one of the most unique gifts that

every guest will enjoy.

It’s important to remember that costs add up way before the

actual wedding day. So if you plan to send invitations, think about

doing an evite or build a free website to invite your friends. You

can also use a print shop to create your invitations if you’re feeling

creative. You’ll save hundreds by going this route rather than using

a professional invitation stylist.

GOING BIGIf you and your future spouse have a large budget and want to go

big, there are unlimited options. Most wedding planners suggest

hiring, well, a wedding planner, if your budget is over $10,000.

That’s because there are so many small details to keep up with that

the stress is hardly worth it for the brides or the grooms.

The jewelry industry “rule of thumb” is that a ring should cost two

months’ salary, though that seems like an extraordinary high bar to

meet. That’s also referring to the woman’s ring in a opposite gender

wedding. Nonetheless, a ring can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000

or more. The more money, obviously the more fabulous the ring.

Ladies, the average bride spends $3,000 on her dress. Remember,

in addition to the main gown, you might opt for a veil, shoes, and

complementary jewelry. These can add up faster than you expect.

But if you’re going big, go all out. Orlando and Tampa Bay are full of

bridal shops with thousands of gowns. Finding your perfect fit will

happen, it will just take time.

Other articles within this guide discuss flowers, unique ideas and

other ways to make an impact on your big day. So don’t forget to

include some of those impactful ideas no matter how elaborate your

day becomes.

Flair is great, especially at a wedding. But you don’t want to

forget about the minor details that will leave your guests talking

years after your honeymoon.


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HEALTH & BEAUTY

EO Inn

Hopkins Dentistry

Karen Evans

YMD Eye and Face

CEREMONY & RECEPTION LOCATIONS

310 Lakeside

At Journey’s End

Atlantic Center for the Arts

Bella Collina Club

Celebration Gardens (John Michael Events)

Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal

Dali Museum

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando Downtown

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

First Congregational Church

Hammered Lamb

Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/ Ocean Walk Village

Historic Dubsdread

International Palms Resort

Joy Metropolitan Community Church

Karnes Stables

Lake Fairview Marina

Lakeside Terrace

Leu Gardens

Lowry Park Zoo

Mission Inn Resort

Paradise Cove at Buena Vista Watersports

Park Inn by Radisson

Rosen Shingle Creek Resort

St. Johns Country Club

The Abbey/The Mezz

The Plaza Resort & Spa

The Shores Resort & Spa

Weddings & Events at Stetson Mansion

HEALTH & BEAUTY

EO Inn

Hopkins Dentistry

Karen Evans

YMD Eye and Face

First Congregational ChurchFirst Congregational Church

Hammered Lamb

Hilton Daytona Beach Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/ Ocean Walk Village Resort/ Ocean Walk Village

Historic DubsdreadHistoric Dubsdread

International Palms ResortInternational Palms Resort

Let those who support you, help you.


While marriage equality in

Florida is a reality-and

soon to be inevitable

across the nation thanks

to a pending decision

from the U.S. Supreme

Court, there is still a large debate when it comes

to same-sex weddings.

Bills that allow discrimination based on

religious grounds are making their way across

the country and they typically stem from

businesses who don’t want to help same-sex

couples create a memorable day.

Fortunately for Floridians, there are plenty

of vendors ready to help gay couples tie the

knot. To make sure that your day isn’t ruined by

hateful business owners who don’t want your

money, we’ve rounded up a list of LGBT-friendly

businesses—by category—who are ready and

willing to do everything they can to make your

wedding day a day to remember.

Let those who support you, help you.


REAL ESTATESouthern Heritage Realty

GIFT REGISTRY/INVITATIONS, ACCESSORIES

& FAVORSStationery Loft & Gift Boutique

Ten Thousand Villages

PHOTOGRAPHYCain Lotus Productions

Yvette Waters Photography

EVENT PLANNER82 South

A Rose Design Events

Cocktails Catering

John Michael Events

Signature Weddings

St. Augustine Wedding & Events

JEWELERYBay Hill Jewelers

Bruce Watters Jewelers

GR Bridges Jewelry

OFFICIANTFirst Congregational

Church

Florida Vows

Joy Metropolitan Community Church

Karen Evans

HONEYMOON & TRAVELAt Journey’s End

Atlantic Center for the Arts

Bella Collina Club

Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

EO Inn

Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/Ocean Walk Village


Mission Inn Resort

Park Inn by Radisson

Provincetown

Rosen Shingle Creek Resort

St. Johns Country Club

The Plaza Resort & Spa

The Shores Resort & Spa

CATERINGChouinard’s Cuisine Catering

Cocktails Catering

Hammered Lamb

John Michael Events

Orange Blossom Catering

Piquant

Royal Catering

ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC

82 South

Carla DelVillaggio

Frederick P. Hodes

Strings Etc.

UNIQUE SERVICES

Fairvilla Megastore

Gecko CPA

Orange County Tax Collector

The Wedding Alliance

FLORAL & DÉCOR

Lee James Floral Designs

Kissimmee Florist

FASHIONAbsolutely Fitting

REAL ESTATREAL ESTATESouthern Heritage RealtySouthern Heritage RealtySouthern Heritage Realty

GIFT REGISTRY/GIFT REGISTRY/GIFT REGISTRY/INVITATIONS, INVITATIONS, INVITATIONS, ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES

JEWELERYBay Hill Jewelers

Bruce Watters Jewelers

GR Bridges Jewelry

OFFICIANT

EO Inn

Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/Ocean Walk Village


Mission Inn Resort

ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC

82 South

Carla DelVillaggio

Frederick P. Hodes

Strings Etc.

Let those who support you, help you.Let those who support you, help you.

NEW HUSBANDS

Michael Thomas (left)

and Rustin Davis walk

down the aisle together at

their wedding ceremony.

Photo Courtesy Michael Thomas


Gay Owned and Operated


Photos by Scott Watt

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Medical Director, YMD

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

Fellowship Trained in Oculoplastic & Facial Plastic Surgery

328 W. Morse Blvd. • Winter Park, FL 32789 • 407.960.1000 • www.YeildingMD.com

Now is your time Call Dr. Yeilding today!

Get the Wedding Glow

Ruth Hill Yeilding, MD

“Achieving beautiful eyes is key to obtaining a

Naturally youthful face.” – Ruth Hill Yeilding, MD

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Documents

Watermark's Wedding Guide 2015: Celebrate