On January 6, Florida made history by becoming the 36th state to legalize same-sex marriage. My partner, Alex, and I were ready to celebrate! After eight years of building a life together—buying our home and intertwining our finances (he pays for everything, I swear)—we had also been raising our wonderful child, Noah, for four years.
While many envision weddings filled with beautiful decorations, meticulous planning, and emotional toasts, our wedding was anything but traditional. Ours was the “let’s get married because we can!” kind, and it was far superior to the conventional approach. Here’s why:
11. No Planning Required
Most weddings take months, if not years, of planning. Couples often obsess over details like venue choice, seating arrangements, and floral designs. Not us! A quick Facebook invite summed it up: “Meet us at the courthouse in three days! We’re tying the knot!” The officiant just showed up outside, and that was that.
10. Community Support
The fear of taking the plunge into marriage can be daunting for couples, but not when you’re surrounded by a supportive community. Instead of being nervous about our commitment, we joined hundreds of other couples doing the same thing. We even had to take a number, A26, just like at a deli! As my mother used to say, “Never underestimate the power of being part of something bigger.”
9. Our Child Was There
Traditional weddings often overlook the presence of children because couples usually have them later. But as a same-sex couple, we got to raise Noah long before we could legally marry. Having him there made our day complete.
8. Affordable Celebration
A traditional wedding can cost a small fortune with attire, venues, and catering. Our wedding? Just rings and a new outfit. Simple and effective!
7. No Strippers, Just Real Cops
Our event featured actual police officers, not strippers—although now that I think about it, maybe that would’ve made for some interesting entertainment!
6. Midnight Vows
We said “I do” at 12:01 AM on a Tuesday. Who else can claim a wedding at such an unconventional hour? It felt rebellious and cool. Plus, enjoying a late-night coffee while getting married just added to the charm.
5. Unique Venue
We held our ceremony in a government building. Sure, it might not seem romantic, but the contrast was remarkable. Picture this: our wedding took place in a bustling courthouse filled with spirited people, a few news reporters, and even some cheerful officers. It was a celebration in a typically mundane space, which made it all the more special.
4. Dignitaries in Attendance
Did your wedding have the County Clerk and Sheriff present? Ours did! Not something you see at every wedding, I assure you.
3. Shared Anniversary
Now, our wedding anniversary falls on January 6, alongside countless other couples in Florida who also celebrated their love that day. It creates a unique bond among us, and we were lucky to celebrate with two incredible women, Mia and Tessa, who play a significant role in our lives. Our son adores them, and they help instill values in him.
2. The Essence of Love
At the end of the day, what truly matters is love. Our marriage is not better than anyone else’s, but the love we share, along with the support from family and friends, makes it profoundly special.
1. A Hard-Fought Victory
As LGBTQ+ individuals, we have fought for the right to love and marry. Our family dynamic is unique, and Noah didn’t even realize he should have the same last name until we told him he would. The joy on his face was priceless.
We received countless congratulations, gifts, and an overwhelming amount of love from our community. Marriages become all the more meaningful when they are hard-fought victories. Ours is just another love story, but it’s filled with gratitude and joy.
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Summary
Celebrating our Florida same-sex marriage was a unique experience filled with spontaneity, community support, and love. Unlike traditional weddings, we embraced an unplanned, affordable, and joyful ceremony that included our child and a sense of rebelliousness. Our love story is a testament to the power of fighting for equality and the joy that comes with it.
Keyphrase: Florida same-sex marriage experience
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