WE GOT MARRIED! July 3, 2008

We got married! July 3, 2008, in West Hollywood, California. We were visiting my sister, the visit had been planned forever, but not the marriage, which Susan had to talk me into. This is what we said in our announcement:

Dear friends,

We, Susan and Yvonne, are proud to announce that we were married on July 3, 2008, in the West Hollywood section of Los Angeles.

We'd been planning the trip to visit Yvonne's sister Meret's family for months, but the idea of our marrying was of course only thinkable subsequent to the California Supreme Court's ruling in May. We were thrilled to be part of what was only the second week of gay marriage in California. The kindness, congratulations, and help we received from everyone moved us to the core, especially from Meret's whole family and our friend Annie Wetherbee and her family. We also were lucky to have the help of the officials in West Hollywood--the most pro-gay part of L.A.--who told us how special it was for them to be part of a "new dawn" in equality, and gave all the kids toys and then more toys and finally Wheat Thins as we waited our turn to be married in a civil ceremony. They also magically found a way to fit us in despite being booked out for over a month.

We desired the legality of marriage for many reasons, foremost for protection of our children and our family. In addition, we felt strongly about participating in our new-born right to have our culture and government acknowledge us as (an already established) couple and family—to be equal under the law.

However legal issues are only one aspect of marriage, which is also about the social: recognition, love, and support from family and friends. We decided to have the marriage this year, compliments of California, and that we would have a wedding too, in a year. For us they are part of the same festivity, the same ritual, and a sign of ongoing commitment rather than something brand new.

We have been committed to each other since we privately exchanged rings seven years ago. Three weeks ago we exchanged rings again. Dylan held one and gave it to Yvonne for Susan, while Rylie held on to the other and then gave it to Susan for Yvonne. If you look closely at the picture (below) of them on the bench, with their cousins, watching oh so intently as we exchanged vows, you can see the rings on their fingers.

We wanted to share the moment with you, both with this note, and with the photos below.
With joy and love,

Susan and Yvonne

This is mid-ceremony:  D and R are each holding the rings they will give us soon.