Wedding Edition (June 2015)

nEWFOUNDLAND & lABRADOR’S lgbt lIFESTYLE mAGAZINE

theoutport.com

Wedding Edition June 2015

QuickieNEW York Wedding

NL Gay CoupleLiving in Australia Get Hitched While Passing Through NYC

DesignerRod Philpott’s

Return To Newfoundland - Fashion - His Journey -

- Weddings - - & Where To Find Him -

How Much Is Too Much? Sugar

Design In Colour-Sweet Forget Me Knot-Amy Donovan Photography - Lester’s Farm Chalet

Dane’s Journey

Part II

The Outport // June 20152

Publisher

Edited By

Writers

Sales Manager

Design & Layout

Cover Photo

Josh Eddy ([email protected])

Josh Eddy & Colin Williams ([email protected])

Sarah Furlong ([email protected]) Ryan Crocker ([email protected]) Pat Watkins ([email protected])DJFabian Newfoundland (@DjFabianNL)

Karin Power([email protected])

Josh Eddy

Crystal Clear Images

How to reach us524 Water Street, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada

A1E 1B7 Telephone: 709.579.3673

Email: [email protected] Sales Email: [email protected]

Resources

Contributors to this edition

St. John’s Pridestjohnspride.ca

Trans Support Group [email protected] Trans Needs Committee [email protected]

Transgender HEalth Services Network of Providers [email protected] Egale Canada egale.ca Planned Parenthood nlsexualhealthcentre.org 24 hr mental health crisis line 1-800-726-2743

Tommy Sexton CentreAddress 47 Janeway PlaceSt. John’s, NL Phone: (709) 579-8656 (800) 563-1575

The Outport // June 2015 3

DJ Fabian’s Top10

10. Fire Under My Feet

-Leona Lewis

9. Worth It

-Fifth Harmony feat Kid Ink

4. Honey I’m Good

-Andy Grammer

7. Hey Mama

-David Guetta Feat Nick Minaj & Afrojack

5. One Last Time

-Ariana Grande

2. Pretty Girls

-Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea

8. Shut Up and Dance -Walk The Moon

6. Want to Want me

-Jason Derulo

3. Bitch Better Have my Money

-Rhianna

Potential 2015 Summer Anthems. With Summer just around the corner here are my picks for potential summer anthems, the songs that will have everyone talking and dancing!

1. Deja Vu

-Giorgio Moroder feat Sia

452 Water Street, St.John's NL

www.rodphilpoo.ca709.237.0990

Advertise With Us

Contact Karin for information 709.579.3673

[email protected]


Wedding Planning

Decorating

Invitations

Bridal Parties

Contact Marianne for

additional information on

services and inquire about

pricing!

DESIGN INCOLOUR

Over the past five years, Design in Colour has flourished as one of Newfoundland’s event decorating services. The company was founded by Shane and Nicole Cashin in 2010 and has been rapidly growing ever since.

After spending time as a DJ in downtown St. John’s, Shane started 20/20 Entertainment DJ Services in 2008. Two years later, Design in Colour was born. Since then, Nicole and Shane have expanded to include A Bouquet For You (florist services) and This One’s For You (personalized gifts).

Having been part of the wedding industry for five years, Nicole says she recognizes that some couples are now opting for a more do-it-yourself approach to weddings–from using the Best Man’s iPod to having a family member bake the wedding cake–but, she’s worried some couples are biting off more than they can chew.

“I decorated my own wedding and if I had to do it over, I don’t think I would again. Time leading up to the day and the wedding day itself goes so fast that you just want to be in that moment and celebrating with your partner and you shouldn’t have to worry about getting the centerpieces on the tables or dealing with ironing out the days before or with what you’d do when your iPod battery dies during the first dance.”

When asked whether she feels it is important to be an openly-inclusive business, Nicole said she can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to be openly inclusive.

“Everyone deserves to have the same opportunities and access to the same services as anyone else does. To be treated just as any other couple would regardless of the gender makeup of the couple is so important.

To me, love is love whether that’s between two men, two women, or a man and a woman, and I feel honoured to play a part in that union.It’s important to offer a service that doesn’t judge and that makes people feel comfortable.”

To our same-sex readers, Nicole says to do what makes you happy.

“Have your wedding day be the way you want it; don’t get caught up in tradition if that’s not you. When I got married, I didn’t wear a wedding dress; I chose an ivory blouse and black pants because a dress wasn’t me.”

Nicole hopes our readers will keep an eye out for exciting things to come from Design in Colour.

“It’s exciting to be part of an industry that celebrates love, whatever form that love comes in. We love being a part of that industry and our clients truly mean the world to us!”

DJ, Personalized Gifts, Florist Services & More

By Sarah Furlong


DESIGN INCOLOUR

DJ, Personalized Gifts, Florist Services & More

By Sarah Furlong

SUGARHOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to how much sugar is too much. That being said, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada recommends that adults and children limit their intake of “free” sugars to no more than 10% of total daily intake and ideally less than 5%. Free sugars are unhealthy sugars that are added to food and drinks and don’t include the sugars found naturally in fruit, vegetables, milk, grains and other plant-based foods.

We all know that consuming calories as sugar promotes overconsumption and helps contribute to obesity. It also provides no essential nutrients, potentially leading to inadequate consumption of essential vitamins and minerals which is vital to bodily functions. Sugar also depletes the body of valuable vitamins and minerals and puts stress on our immune system which may increase the chance of developing cancer. It also contributes to serious health consequences like type II iabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and more.

To reduce the added sugar, try this:

* Drink water or calorie-free drinks instead of sodas or sports drinks.

* Avoid fruit juices. Eat the fruit rather than juice.

* Choose breakfast cereals carefully. Skip non-nutritious, sugary and frosted cereals.

* Opt for reduced-sugar varieties of syrups, jams, jellies and preserves. Use condiments like salad dressing and ketchup sparingly.

* Choose fresh fruit for dessert instead of cakes, cookies, pies, etc.

* Buy canned fruit packed in water, not syrup.

* Snack on vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheese, whole-grain crackers and low-calorie yogurt.

* Choose foods prepared with little or no added sugar.

* Read Nutrition Labels to compare foods based on sugar content.

* Read the ingredient list. Sugar can be listed as:

o Brown sugar

o Cane juice extract

o Corn syrup and corn syrup solids

o Demerara sugar

o Dextrose

o Evaporated cane juice

o Fructose

o Glucose

o High fructose corn sugar or glucose-fructose

o Honey

o Lactose

o Maltose

o Molasses

o Raw sugar

o Syrup

o Treacle

o White sugar

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is calling for a federal ban on the marketing of sugar-loaded foods and beverages to children, an exercise tax on sugary drinks, targets for the food industry to decrease sugar content in foods, the removal of sugary drinks from hospital cafeterias and a limit on the size of containers for sugary drinks sold at corner stores and other food outlets to a maximum of 16 ounces (or 473 millilitres)

I, for one hope this happens sooner rather than later.

By Pat Watkins PTS, NWS


QUICKIENYC WEDDINGWhile Sydney, Australia is described as a very gay-friendly city, with many gay bars and a massive gay pride parade, it is still not legal for two members of the same sex to marry.

Even with the headway that Australia has made in terms of the rights of LGBT people, the ban on same-sex marriage makes it abundantly clear that discrimination and unequal treatment of LGBT people is still present in the country.

For two Newfoundlanders, the ban on same-sex marriage wasn’t cutting it.

Larry Mullett of Burin, Newfoundland, moved to Australia in 2011 to be with his boyfriend Chris Brennan, who moved there from Mount Pearl after graduating from MUN.

Mullett had been to Australia for a friend’s wedding and instantly fell in love with the Country, and Brennan had moved there because of the large demand for skilled workers in digital marketing.

Since moving to Australia, Mullett and Brennan spoke a lot about getting married. Same-sex marriage certainly isn’t unheard of here in Newfoundland; it has been legal for same-sex couples to marry in Canada since June 2005.

“We talked about marriage off and on for

years,” Mullett told The Outport. “Chris would randomly ask me in passing, ‘Marry me?’ and it almost became a little bit of a running joke,”

Unfortunately, Australia’s regressive legislative views and subsequent ban on same-sex marriage leaves the pair without the opportunity to publicly celebrate their commitment to each other the way they would like to.

“Same-sex marriage is still not legal in Australia, which is odd for such a gay-friendly place. We would have done it here but it wasn’t an option.”

Late last year, Brennan and Mullett were planning a trip home to Newfoundland for Christmas. While in the midst of planning for their trip, Mullett suggested that they stop in New York to elope.

“Neither of us wanted a big wedding and [we] quickly agreed that eloping was right for us. We both love New York City and thought it would be the perfect place.”

They decided to keep their plan a secret until they arrived home. Both Brennan and Mullett’s mothers were to meet them at the airport upon their arrival to Newfoundland.

“I was thinking we would wear gloves off the plane and then get everyone together and say ‘By the way, while we were in New York,

we got married!’”When the couple arrived in New York, they headed to the City Clerk’s Office to obtain a marriage license. After a one-hour wait to receive their marriage license, they headed off to what turned into a five-hour shopping trip to pick out wedding bands.

“We arrived on a Thursday night, went ring shopping, had a bachelor party, got married, had a celebratory breakfast at the Plaza, and were in St. John’s by Monday.”

As the pair was leaving City Hall following the wedding ceremony, they were stopped by a reporter. Strangely enough, the reporter was from Australia and was working on a story for the February edition of Marie Claire Australia.

Brennan and Mullett were interviewed by the reporter to have their story included in Marie Claire’s feature Where New York Says “I DO” as part of the Valentine’s issue of the magazine alongside several heterosexual couples who had also gotten married at New York’s City Hall.

“Same-sex marriage is still not legal in Australia, which is odd for such a gay-friendly place. We would have done it here but it wasn’t an option.” By

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LESTER’S FARM CHALET

A friend of the newlyweds says she is very pleased that the magazine included the marriage between a same-sex couple in a country where it is not yet legal. She feels it sends a strong message to the magazine’s readers that there is no reason why it shouldn’t be legal.

You can view a video of the couple’s journey, entitled Chris and Larry’s Guide to a Quickie New York Wedding on YouTube!

By

Sara

h Fu

rlong

In 2009, Jim and Michelle Lester opened Newfoundland’s first ever agritourism farm, naming it after themselves.

The business began as a traditional horticulture services operation but due to the constant growth and change of consumer and market demands, the farm evolved to include Lester’s Farm Chalet.

Jim and Michelle’s daughter, Samantha, says that the business has quite a lot to offer.

“The farm chalet provides a venue to serve and sell produce and meats grown and raised right from the farm. Great food, great services, and a stunning farm backdrop make for the perfect combination for any event or occasion.”

Having spent most of her time on the farm, Samantha says she’s learned a lot about the agritourism business.

“Being the oldest daughter on the family farm, I’ve kind of turned into a Jill of all Trades. I do a little bit of everything on the farm; planting vegetables, caring for the livestock, facility management, client consultations, and even website design.”

Lester’s Farm Chalet is always expanding, Samantha tells The Outport.

“This summer we have plans to building our brand new storefront. In our storefront we will have 100 per cent local produce, crafts, art, baked goods, meats, and preserves.”

Samantha says Lester’s Farm Chalet is happy to open its doors to anyone and everyone.

“Everybody who walks through our doors is welcome and brings value and diversity to our operation.”

Check them out at 92 Pearltown Road, St. John’s.

Where In The World Can I Get Married?

www.freedomtomarry.org/Photo provided by Larry Mullett


From bridal wear to cocktail dresses, Rodney Philpott Designs offers beautiful, custom, one-of-a-kind couture that will make jaws drop. The Newfoundland native’s design resumé features a long list of pieces featured throughout the media including ET Canada, Chatelaine Magazine, and CTV’s Juno Awards.

In 2012, Rod Philpott was featured on Slice TV’s Wedding Dress Wars and was selected as the winner when the featured bride chose his piece as her favourite.

Philpott has had the opportunity to design for the Stephen Lewis AIDS Dare to Wear Love charity fashion show from 2012 to 2014 and was asked to design for the Cashmere White Collection 2012 with an invitation to return in 2013 and design for the Cashmere White Collection’s 10th anniversary.

Philpott is a graduate of the Academy of Design and founder SHKANK INC, a company described as “a wearable couture fashion house focused on creating original, fun, and outrageous pieces for club kids and fabulous people alike.”

Since its conception in 1992, SHKANK INC has grown vastly, however it has always cherished its niche market.

The same way that going out to a club in the 90s was a statement of individuality, the name SHKANK is a statement of personality and eccentricity. Philpott believes that the success of his designs stems partly from the fact that they amplify a person’s spirit; even when his pieces are hanging in the closet they exude life.

Philpott approaches design tasks with a “no holds barred” attitude and strives to challenge society norms with his pieces.

While Philpott’s new design method has evolved from latex pant suits into couture that can be worn anywhere at any time by those at the mortgage-paying point in their lives, he still applies the same energy, vitality, and excitement to every piece he designs. He wishes for everyone to hold onto what makes them unique.

“Life is not a dress rehearsal,” says Philpott. “We embrace fashion for the sake of ourselves. Everyone deserves to feel special and with 7 billion people sharing our planet, why would anyone want to surrender their individual personality?”

After roughly 20 years of operating a business

in Ontario, Philpott relocated Rodney Philpott

Designs to downtown St. John’s.

On SHKANK INC’s 20th anniversary, Philpott decided it was time to put his name on his designs. While SHKANK INC remains Philpott’s parent corporation, a new subsidiary has been born called Rodney Philpott Designs.

After roughly 20 years of operating a business in Ontario, Philpott relocated Rodney Philpott Designs to downtown St. John’s.

Philpott was born and raised in Point of Bay, Newfoundland and is very proud of his heritage. After spending most of his adult life in Ontario, he reprioritized and moved his company home in order to spend as much time as possible with his parents.

While SKANK INC’s corporate office still resides in Ontario, Rodney Philpott Designs is situated on the west end side of Water Street in downtown St. John’s.

RODNEY PHILPOTT DESIGNSOpens in Downtown St. John’s

BySarah Furlong

“Our new location is anchored between the Newman Wine Vault Heritage Building and the Railway Coastal Museum. Our showroom is intimate and ever changing.”

Philpott has always run his own studio which has given him the opportunity to become very personal with his clients and build strong client relationships.

“I’ve earned the privilege of designing my core clients’ daughters, nieces, great nieces, and granddaughters. It’s an incredible feeling to be involved in a family’s special life milestone events that overlaps generations.”

Philpott classifies himself as a proud gay man and has been happily married to his best friend for the past five and a half years.

“When I got married, a lot of people couldn’t wait to see my gay wedding. Neither could I since I didn’t understand what a gay wedding was supposed to look like. A wedding is a celebration of love, regardless your sexual orientation. Whether your wedding is a backyard BBQ with close friends, an intimate garden party, a big bay event, or a full-out banquet sit-down dinner, it’s already a fabulous event because two people in our crowded world can’t begin to think of being apart from each other.”

Coming up in 2016, Philpott plans to step outside his comfort zone and incorporate a Newfoundland heritage item into his wedding dresses.

“You’ll have to come out to the Ultimate Bridal Show this September at the Sheraton Hotel to see what it’s all going to be about!”


Photo Credit: First Focus Productions

The Outport Magazine is very proud to support Hope Walk Project by Pathways Foundation.

As part of her physical and spiritual journey of recovery, Pathways founder and clergy abuse survivor, Gemma Hickey will walk across the island starting in Port aux Basques and ending at the Mount Cashel memorial in St. John’s. Hope Walk will take place from July 2nd to Au-gust 2nd, 2015. Although Mount Cashel is just one component of the history of clergy abuse and abuse within religious institutions, it is the tragedy which precipitated a turning point in awareness of this type of abuse. By ending the walk at the site of the orphanage, Gemma will pay respects to the many young men who made a tragic journey from their homes to Mount Cashel. As a lesbian survivor of clergy abuse in paying homage to male survivors, Gemma reflects the range of people who are victims of this type of crime.

Pathways is a non-profit organization that of-fers support to men and woman who have ex-perienced abuse within religious institutions. To support Gemma, please visit Pathways on Facebook and Twitter or online www.pathways-foundation.com.


With the summer months approaching, many couples are full force into wedding–planning mode. From hiring a caterer to picking out floral arrangements, it can be an overwhelming process. For anyone who feels like they might be in over their head, the Devotion Wedding Show is a great opportunity to alleviate some of the stress that comes with planning a wedding.

For anybody unfamiliar, Crystal McLellan describes the Devotion Wedding Show as “a trade show for wedding couples.” Soon-to-be newlyweds will have the opportunity to check out local businesses that operate as part of the wedding industry, and to discover new trends, book appointments, and acquire samples all in one place.

Guests of the Devotion Wedding Show are greeted at the ticket booth by staff and are then registered for door prizes. The first 300 brides to arrive at the show receive a gift bag filled with goodies.

McLellan began with Devotion Wedding Magazine in 2005 after she realized there weren’t many opportunities to advertise for weddings. The magazine was comprised of articles, photos, and upcoming trends in addition to advertisements from several local companies. In 2008, Devotion Wedding Magazine grew into Devotion Wedding Magazine and Show, but with a new baby and a wedding of her own, McLellan had to take a step back from the magazine in 2013 and decided to dedicate her time to the Devotion Wedding Show which has continued to flourish with each passing year.

One of McLellan’s favourite parts of each Devotion Wedding Show is the constant buzz in among the guests.

“Everyone is so happy and chatting it up with the vendors at the show. It makes me smile knowing that people are getting to meet the businesses and choose who they love.”

While the Devotion Wedding Show is a large part of McLellan’s life, she also has her hand in wedding photography. In 2000,

McLellan founded Crystal Clear Images and has shot more than 300 weddings to date.

As a wedding photographer, McLellen has been to more than her share of weddings, and says she loves the happiness the surrounds them.

“The excitement of a wedding makes me happy and I just wanted to be a part of that. Who wouldn’t?”

Having been a wedding photographer for roughly 16 years, McLellan had become familiar with many companies who played a role in the wedding industry. She felt that Newfoundland needed something new and exciting so making the move into another aspect of that industry made a lot of sense. With everything that goes into planning every Devotion Wedding Show there isn’t time for much else, but McLellen says she loves every bit of it.

Throughout her professional career in the wedding industry, McLellan has solidified some important and rewarding relationships with local companies to whom she has lent a hand and who have also helped her along the way.

When asked her least favourite part of wedding planning, McLellan says she doesn’t technically plan weddings.

“Even though the wedding show is all about wedding planning for the couple and booking their vendors, I really don’t have much to do with wedding planning itself. But, I have heard a lot of brides and grooms say that the guest list is the hardest part of putting their wedding together.”

For anybody currently in the wedding planning stage, McLellan says not to stress.

“Take your time and set a date. Once you have the date set, start doing research on who’s who, what they offer, and if they are available. Choose three companies and compare

DEVOTION WEDDING SHOW

A trade show for wedding couples. Soon-to-be newlyweds will have the opportunity to check out local

businesses that operate as part of the wedding industry, and to discover new trends, book appointments, and

acquire samples all in one place.

Writer of the storyJohn Sebastian Doe

PhotographeBydnBy

Sarah Furlong



PhotographeBydnBy

Sarah Furlong

them–everyone offers different packages and prices–especially when it comes to the people who will be with you on your day, like your photographer or videographer; make sure that your personality matches theirs.

“Don’t wait to book; do your research and book when you’ve found the right person. Wedding services in NL usually book within two years on dates that are popular. Hint, you may find discounts on some services if they are on weekdays or even Sundays.”

In terms of having an openly-inclusive business, McLellan agrees that it is very important.

“The times have changed and everyone needs to have an open mind. Love is love no matter what kind of form it comes in.”

McLellan invites our readers to check out the Spring Show happening on September 20 at the Mount Pearl Glacier.

“We are always working on new things for the show; there are new changes coming along with new door prizes and other things that I can’t give away yet!”

Photo provided by Crystal Clear Images


AMY DONOVAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Amy Donovan, the sole owner of Amy Donovan Photography (formerly Island Mist Photography), grew up between Clarenville and St. Johns. She lived in Edmonton from 2005 to 2012 but moved back to Newfoundland because of her love of the landscape.

“I loved coming back to the island to shoot weddings. I love the look of prairies, but there is nothing quite like the rocks, water, and wind to add elements of drama to photos. I’m so glad to be back.”

In Clarenville, Donovan worked with the community newspaper, The Packet, right after graduating high school. Her love for that job drove her to pursue journalism as a career, but that dream didn’t last for too long.

“After studying [journalism] for a bit in Halifax, I realized that hard-hitting and tragic news stories were not for my sensitive self. The human-interest stories and the associated photography were more my style.”

“I knew I couldn’t build a lifelong career covering catastrophes or violence, but catching couples on the happiest days of their lives was definitely something that made me happy.”

Since her transition into photography, Donovan has expanded to shooting boudoir photos and family photos in addition to wedding photos.

“While each kind of photography is vastly different, they are all incredibly rewarding. I have been a full-time, self-employed photographer since 2008.”

Donovan has shot many boudoir photos for brides who want to give them as

wedding gifts to their partners. In June, she is hosting the biggest Boudoir weekend she says she’s pulled off to date.

“It’s a weekend of fun and pampering for my clients and it’s an exciting time for me as well because I get to hear so many amazing stories about who these people are and what led them to stand in front of my lens.”

While there is often pressure for one’s wedding to live up to the expectations of friends and family members, Donovan says the she’s noticed that weddings over the last couple of years have shifted more toward doing things to please the couple rather than making sure every guest or relative has influence over how the day goes.

“It’s a weekend of fun and pampering for my clients and it’s an

exciting time for me as well because I get to

hear so many amazing stories about who these people are and what led them to stand in front of

my lens.”

“If you want a morning ceremony and brunch because that is your favourite time of day, go for it,” says Donovan. “If you prefer to have a small ceremony with your closest family and friends on a boat tour in Gros Mourne, then that’s amazingly fun too; trust me, I have been lucky enough to capture it!”

Having shot her fair share of weddings, Donovan has some advice for our readers.

“Most weddings can quickly add up in price – and stress – but don’t let it get the best of you. Take some time to figure out what is most important to you and go from there.

I always tell couples that no matter how big or small their wedding budget is, to prioritize and invest in the best photographer you can afford. At the end of the day when the cake is eaten and the music stops playing, all you are left with is some beautiful rings and the photos that tell the story of the day.”

Donovan advises couples to meet with a wedding photographer to decide whether you feel comfortable with them. Remember, they will be with you for the entire day, so it’s important to establish a great rapport.

“In some cases, you will see more of your photographer than you will of each other through the day!”

Donovan also says that just because weddings are steeped in tradition, every wedding doesn’t have to have the exact same timeline, venue, flowers, and customs.

“Every single couple is totally different. My favourite weddings are a reflection of a couple’s personality as opposed to doing things the way that is expected of them. It’s your day; do what you want. You will enjoy your day far more and at the end of the day, that’s exactly what matters most.”

BySarah Furlong


SWEET FORGET ME KNOT

Forget Me Knot Wedding Planning & Design provides soon-to-be newlyweds with wedding planning, decorating, stag/stagette parties, bridal showers, and invitations to help alleviate the pressure that comes with planning the Big Day.

Marianne Curran started the business in January of 2012 after having operated wedding planning businesses in both Calgary and Scotland.

Throughout the early 2000s, Curran was living in Calgary and working with the oil and gas industry. Her journey between that time and the conception of Forget Me Knot Wedding Planning & Design was quite eventful.

“While on maternity leave in 2005, I decided to go back to school. I received a diploma in Event Management from Mount Royal College and University in Calgary, Alberta. During that time period, I certainly planned a fair number of private and corporate events.

In December 2007, I moved with my family to Scotland. During that period, I started my first wedding planning business, Tie the Knot in Scotland, which specialized in destination wedding planning for a North American market.

In the summer of 2011, I returned home to Newfoundland and set to starting my own wedding planning business here, which officially launched on January 1, 2012.”

In addition to a diploma in Event Management, Curran has been certified with the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada.

Curran says she believes that weddings should be as exceptional and unique as the couples getting married. She promises to add a distinctive touch to each and every wedding she plans.

“Weddings can be a great opportunity for couples to show off their personalities and

reflect their ideas and traditions, and what better way to do that than through your wedding ceremony and reception?”

Curran told The Outport that lately she’s noticed couples electing for a less old-fashioned approach to weddings.

“I have found recently that couples are forgoing the traditional wedding standards in order to incorporate a lot more humour and fun into the day. Cupcakes instead of cake, popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, and chip trucks are adding a little bit more whimsy into the festivities.”

Curran cautions couples not to get overwhelmed with expectations of friends and family members when getting married.

“Don’t forget yourselves in the planning. Weddings can sometimes become a challenge of pleasing your families instead of yourselves. While you should try to incorporate some traditions or suggestions from your family, don’t lose yourself in the process. The wedding is about you and at the end of the day, your guests should feel like they are at your wedding. Let your personality shine though!”

She also reminds couples not to forget about each other during the process.

“Don’t forget to go on date nights leading up to the wedding, but don’t talk about the wedding on the date. Enjoy each other’s company.

Schedule some alone time during the wedding day, after the ceremony. The day is going to fly by and it’s nice to have a memory of just the two of you, even if it is just for a few minutes.”

Check out Curran’s services and products at www.sweetforgetmeknot.com!

Wedding Planning & DesignBySarah Furlong


This journey took him a long way from where he started, identifying as a cisgender, heterosexual, Christian

person in Corner Brook. “Until the age of 18, I regularly attended church, had never seriously dated anyone, and had managed to dismiss any ‘strange feelings’ as normal parts of adolescence that I assumed were too personal for discussion,” he said. “At the age of 18, I found myself attracted to another person on my high school basketball team. As mentioned, I had experienced fleeting thoughts throughout puberty, but this was the first time that I could not mistake my feelings for anything

Dane’s JourneyPart II


PhotographerRyan Crocker

other than what they were. I eventually got the courage to pursue this individual, thus beginning my first same-sex interaction. I came out as a lesbian when I was 19 years old, after a year of surreptitiously nurturing my love life and battling with the shame that I felt for being different than most people I knew.” Woodland maintained this identity until he was 23 years old, when he came out as transgender. “In the 4 years that I openly identified as a lesbian, I felt some fulfilment in stepping beyond the constraints that exist in our

society’s expectations regarding sexual orientation, but I still found myself experiencing thoughts and feelings that didn’t totally coincide with my self perception. I can remember standing in clothing stores amongst the items that were intended for women, yearning to be shopping on the other side of the store. I always wondered why that was such a big deal to me - I knew lots of girls who proudly acknowledged when they were wearing men’s shirts or sweaters, especially when complimented for doing so. I, however, considered the opportunity to purchase menswear to be monumental, and it was something that weighed heavily on my mind every time I shopped. Over time, I cut my hair short, began wearing sports bras and boxer briefs, and slowly

diminished my makeup use until it was only worn for special occasions, and sparingly, at that. The more that I freed myself from stereotypical female behaviour, the better I felt.” For many people, such experimentation is as far as it goes - but Woodland knew something more was going on for him. “What I find most interesting about this process is that I was taught how to “be a girl” - I knew how to do my makeup, accessorize, style my hair, choose my wardrobe so that I was seen as desirable; I knew what it meant to be “ladylike”, but knowing how to do it did not mean I enjoyed it,” he said. “Conversely, I was never socialized as a male, and I was told to avoid things that were seen as masculine. Somehow, without any prior instruction as to how one presents as a male, it felt so natural when I began doing so. As I became more comfortable with myself, I cherished what I saw in the mirror. When people complimented me, I genuinely accepted the positive feedback that I received. This was not the case when I presented as a woman, even if I wore the hottest dress in town.” In 2014, Woodland dealt with several experiences that clarified for him who he was. “One of the most sobering of those experiences was during St. John’s Pride, when I was planning to attend the ever-popular Fetish Night near the end of the week. I had avoided attending it in 2013 because of my discomfort with typical fetish wear, and had told myself that 2014 would be different. I knew that lingerie was not an option for me, so I began searching for more androgynous methods of sexual expression that were feasible for me. When consulting


with a friend about this, a simple question created a life-defining moment. She asked what made me feel sexy, and I realized that I had never known what it was like to feel sexy in my entire life,” he said. “After some consideration, I responded that I would feel sexy as a guy - not even as a guy in special fetish wear or any other sort of attire, but just a plain old guy. That was way more palatable than lingerie and other feminine fetish wear. I am fully aware that the practice of sexual expression is not contingent on gender identity, but the combination of this particular experience, my development as a queer individual, my private thoughts, and several other factors, made it very clear to me that I did not identify with the gender designation that I had been given at birth.” That realization sped up Woodland’s journey to the man he is today, a process that continues. “My greatest difficulty is perhaps the need for patience throughout this journey. I remember enthusiastically running to the mirror in the days following my first shot of testosterone, seeking physical changes that would make me more comfortable with my outward appearance,” he said. “Growth, regardless of gender or sexual identity, takes

time - it does not occur overnight. I have been very guilty of pressuring myself to streamline this process as much as possible, but I am learning to go with the flow. The changes that have occurred during my transition have not only been physical, but mental as well. My relationship with myself has changed, my sense of self has changed, and with that, I have had to adjust. It takes time and thoughtful consideration to develop a strong sense of self.” He’s learned a lot about being true to himself, and how trans people are treated by the LGBT community and society as a whole - both good and bad. “One of the biggest benefits of being trans is something that I have nicknamed the “instant friend filter”. Since my coming out, many have gone out of their way to ensure my comfort, acceptance, accommodation, and so on,” he said. “It has shown me who I can really depend on and value as close friends. It is an extremely nice feeling to have peers make the effort to support you, especially when there is no obligation to do so. That, to me, is a very strong sign of caring. An offshoot of this benefit is also the sense of community that exists for trans individuals. I have had the opportunity to network with

many who have similar experiences to my own, and there seems to be a general sense of support amongst trans individuals for one another.” He said an added benefit of being a trans person is the opportunity to enjoy multiple perspectives on life. “Having been socialized as a woman for the majority of my life, there has been a shift in my social role now that I am recognized as a male. While I feel very strongly about the fact that there should not be a noticeable distinction between the way men and women are treated, this is a reality in today’s society,” he said. “I had identified as a feminist when I was not identifying as a male, but now that I have seen the difference in my treatment, I feel even more strongly about gender equality and women’s rights. It seems that I am often expected to be less of a feminist now that I am identifying as a male, but the stark contrast in perspectives and experiences make it very difficult to disregard the disparity that obviously exists.” See Dane’s Journey Part III in next month’s edition of The Outport Magazine.

Photo by Ryan Crocker

Documents

Wedding Edition (June 2015)