**Today I’m doing something I’ve never done in the history of APW. I’m liveblogging Yay New York: two same sex legal weddings and a massive dance party for LAMBDA Legal {last minute tickets here.} Stay tuned throughout the day for updates on the site, as this post might not update in your RSS reader. All Photos by Emily Takes Photos.**
6:00 PM, New York City
This is the last update for the day, since I plan to actually *party* tonight. So you’ll have to wait till tomorrow to get a teaser on the party, and next week for a full run down. But now, the final wedding of the day.
Somehow, within thirty minutes of the boys leaving, we were having another wedding. How that small miracle happened, I have no idea. But Leanne and Anne walked down the aisle, and Genevieve lead a totally different ceremony.
This ceremony was focused on the civil and legal nature of what was happening, because Leanne and Anne are having their big wedding in exactly a month.
When Genevieve read from Goodrich vs Department of Public Health, the entire back row of staff lost it. Later, Anne’s Grandmother, Super Mom-Mom, said, “All the ladies were crying!” And boy were we.
And can we talk about that Confetti System Piñata that they married under? We’re breaking it later tonight, but it’s so lovely as is.
They signed the legal marriage license as part of the ceremony…
And Anne’s Mom rang bells in celebration.
This time, String Theory Trio played for them, and after another “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”so recessional, that song may make everyone on staff today cry for the rest of time. I kept saying that somewhere, Judy Garland was looking down smiling.
Then it finally stopped raining, and the couple dashed out to the terrace.
calin + bisous photo, their official wedding photographer, ran around being adorable and everyone’s new favorite person.
And finally, we revealed the surprise inside Maddie’s cake. The girls gasped. What else can you ask for?
It might be impossible for a single human to go through this more than twice in a day. The sun just broke through the clouds, the documentary film maker came to the backstage area and played Elizabeth and me a film clip of Leanne and Anne thanking us for doing this for “two perfect strangers” as the string trio played “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and I went into the kitchen and snapped. I just started sobbing and sobbing.
It’s been a great day. A long day. If a lifetime is made of moments, today was all moments. And somehow or other, we still have a long night of dancing and celebrating ahead of us…
We’ll tell you how that went tomorrow.
3:15 PM, New York City
After massive rain delays….
Cory and Aaron are, by the authority of the State of New York, legally married.
I was one of the lucky ones, who witnessed the declaration of true love. (You can see Alex of Federov Foto, their official wedding photographer, playing ninja in the background).
Genevieve made them laugh during the vows.
They kissed. As they walked back down the aisle to a single cello playing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” I cried.
Ang of Lowbrow Events cut the cake (this photo was not staged).
They signed their legal marriage license (thank you New York State Legislature).
And one of their dad’s watched the whole ceremony and marriage license signing via iPhone.
I wept. I cheered. I felt like I was given such an honor and a blessing, to be able to help facilitate an event like this, and to be allowed to witness Aaron and Cory’s union. Next week we’ll have a full re-cap of what happened, and Aaron and Cory will be back as wedding graduates, but for now I have to go, because we have another wedding in the next thirty minutes.
*****
1:58 pm, New York City
After massive rain delays, Cory & Aaron are waiting to walk down the aisle, and a cello is playing….
*****
12:45 pm, New York City
This update is going to be quick, because as I type this, Cory & Aaron are being interviewed by the documentary filmmaker about getting engaged, and their emotions surrounding today, and being able to get legally married. The wedding ceremony is starting in only a few minutes. So I’m going to let Emily‘s pictures do most of the talking:
Here is Elizabeth with the flowers. If Elizabeth and I can make a wedding full of flowers with $23 of bodega blooms and thirty minutes, anyone can do it.
Here is Kari of The Handmade Event with piles of gift bag magic for the couple. She’s been slaving away making them gifts to make them feel special and cared for by the whole community.
Genevive from Cheerleader For Love is getting ready for the ceremony, which is suddenly indoors, thanks to the pouring rain. Someone on Twitter just told us that a wet knot is stronger than a dry one, so that’s what we’re telling the couples. Jenny’s background is religious studies, she’s a long time APW reader, and she’s all about young, feminist, egalitarian weddings. How perfect. Plus, when we found out people were running late, she said, “They’re going to get married. That’s what matters.” And she’s right.
But what’s really important to me is hearing Cory & Aaron talk about how important it is to be legally married, and how important it is to make this change happen, in everyone’s hearts and minds, all over the country.
And now I have to go get dressed. I have a wedding to attend.
*****
11:25 am, New York City
We’re about an hour and a half out from wedding guests arriving (eek!) and the space is a quiet buzz of activity. Leah and Mark (without Leah but +Raven) are quietly setting up the photobooth and cracking jokes. +Raven says she’s the brains of the operation today. Mark didn’t argue.
And are you even surprised that the photobooth is sparkly? Yeah, of course you’re not.
We just got our first look at the hand screen printed posters designed by And Kathleen, and you guys…. you guys. Whoa. Here is a sneak peek:
Representatives of the whole APW community are here, with Lauren of Suburbalicious Living helping. Lauren and I got married the same day, and we’ve been friends since the very beginning of APW, so it makes me get teary thinking that she took time off work and came in from Boston, just to be here.
And then there are the limited edition tote bags (sparkly! with the event information!) which are rocking my world. The posters and totes were printed by Yes Press in Oakland, who were super kind and basically took a loss on printing them for us. We love them. Make them print you stuff.
I’m so happy to be here, working my ass off with an amazing team of generous people, making two couples very happy. Gloomy New York summer rain be damned.
*****
11:00 am, New York City
Pictures soon, but I’m prepping flowers in 320 Studio’s kitchen, and the whiteboard with dates lists APW, MTV, the Governor of Japan, and Victoria Beckham. Rad.
9:00 am, New York City
If I were really live blogging this moment, I’d be telling you that Emily and I had just woken up (we were up working till 1am) and were getting dressed, but that’s not super compelling. So why don’t I tell you about the wedding flowers.
I’m not going to show you the flowers in full, because somewhere Leanne & Anne and Cory & Aaron are waking up and checking APW, and I’m not giving away all the secrets of the day. But I will tell you that we made the lovely things with $23 worth of bodega flowers (yes, tutorial coming soon). And bodega flowers do not play. They live for 10,000 years, so these flowers will be hanging around at Christmas time. (Dear Leanne, we’re giving you a bouquet that you can use at your big wedding next month.)
And now, it’s time for us to get dressed and walk to the event space…. more soon.
*****
7:30am New York City
As this post goes live, the whole team is (I hope) snug in our beds, getting a few more minutes of sleep. Yesterday was a long crazy day of work, and today is going to be even longer (but more awesome).
After a long adventure involving freight elevator men, a visit to Preston Bailey’s reception area to see what it was like (we were in the building, so why not? It ended up being a locked door), and help from the staff at a prop house… After all that we picked up Confetti System Piñatas. And they are gorgeous! (And clearly huger than I am).
Meanwhile, back at the ranch (or 320 Studios) Maddie of Hart + Sol was icing cakes. Why was a photographer icing cakes, you ask? Well, because she couldn’t be at the event, so she spent the last week sobbing with stress over two wedding cakes, because she wanted to do *something* for the couples. She is the mother effing boss. Also, fun fact, she wears her hair in a spike just because she can.
And then there is Elizabeth of Lowe House Creative. Elizabeth had the idea that grew into this event. Elizabeth has spent thirty hours a week for the last seven weeks, on top of her regular job, putting together these weddings and this fundraiser. What was Elizabeth doing? She was ironing table cloths. Because that’s how she rolls.
And then there is Emily of Emily Takes Photos, who has only been to New York once before, who split her time between marveling at the city (she told me not to curse in front of children on the street, adorable thing that she is), and taking these photos. I don’t have a picture of her, because she’s behind the lens.
And that’s just a fraction of the team and the work going on here… I’ll be updating you throughout the day with what’s happening, and who’s making it happen, so stay tuned.
Pictures: Emily Takes Photos
Yay New York! I’m pumped for the day of live-blogging today. That space is awesome, happy working!
August 25, 2011 4:38 am
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Ah, it’s Maddie! And Meg! I am SOOO excited to follow along with this! I’m part of the team…sort of…? I’m going to my sister’s to take her to the train so she can GET to YAYNY! I’ll be proudly wearing my tote bag all day! Congrats to Leanne and Anne, and Cory and Aaron!
Meg, and the team: this is AMAZING. You all rawk.
August 25, 2011 4:38 am
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Yay! Wish I could be there :-) I’m so excited to watch the updates throughout the day!!! It looks so beautiful already.
August 25, 2011 4:40 am
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OHMYGOSH I’m so excited! We are packing things up here in Philly and catching the bus to NY soon. It’s so amazing that you all have put in so much effort for this day, and we can’t wait to be a part of it!! Looking forward to the wedding today!!!!!!!!!!
August 25, 2011 4:58 am
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Leanne…you look gorgeous! So glowing in those pictures!! Congratulations! I am ecstatic for you!!!
August 26, 2011 10:14 am
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weeee!! I can’t believe I’ll be there in a few (actually several) hours. SO.ExciteD. also yay Maddie! you ARE the mother effing boss.
August 25, 2011 5:09 am
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Well, there goes MY work day….
bwahaha
August 25, 2011 5:11 am
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I’m there in spirit, I am. http://instagr.am/p/LNz1r/
August 25, 2011 5:42 am
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You guys have Lauren and a sparkly photobooth. It’s killing me that I’m not there.
August 25, 2011 8:46 am
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OMG Lauren! Sparkly Photobooth! Just packed my brand spanking new tote-bag for a vacation…but I wish it had been at (earlier)vacation to New York. Good job,all.
August 25, 2011 9:37 pm
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I’m blushing over here.
August 27, 2011 3:12 am
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Woo liveblogging! You are all boss. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
August 25, 2011 5:42 am
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You guys! I have chills! And it’s like 100 degrees outside!
August 25, 2011 6:17 am
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As soon as I started reading this, I got chills too. And a little misty eyed. So excited to see the love and support and awesomeness that happens today! Thanks for the live blogging today for those of us who are only there in spirit.
August 25, 2011 8:46 am
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So basically I’m going to sit with this window open and refresh every 5 minutes? YESSSS!! :) I can’t wait to see everything go down!!
August 25, 2011 6:24 am
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So jealous of everyone there! Thanks for including us, Meg.
<3
August 25, 2011 6:29 am
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BAH! This is so freakin EXCITING!
August 25, 2011 6:36 am
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I promise to stop stalking the liveblog as soon as we get on that Barf/Bolt Bus, but I just wanted to say that it’s total fate that Anne’s shirt matches those pink flowers and ribbons just perfectly! Amazing! Alright, I gotta go get married now. Will check back later!
August 25, 2011 6:38 am
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[...] have settled. In the mean time, if you’d like to keep tabs on how the day is going, check out APW for liveblogging of today’s weddings and tonight’s dance party! And remember, even if you can’t be [...]
August 25, 2011 6:43 am
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Oh, I wish I could be there. I’d be helping on those delicious-looking cakes.
This is so exciting!!!!!! I can’t wait to check back throughout the day!
August 25, 2011 6:50 am
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ahhh this is so exciting! woot! the space looks beautiful. I so wish that I was there.
August 25, 2011 6:57 am
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I’m on the train, reading over ceremonies and reloading this page like a mad woman. Oh my gosh, I can’t wait to get there!!
August 25, 2011 7:30 am
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Thanks so much for letting us be a part of what looks like it’s going to be an AWESOME day.
August 25, 2011 8:07 am
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AMAZINGNESS!
Every single photo makes me get a little teary- YAY NY and YAY every single one you beautiful people making such an awesome day/event/party/meaningful celebration possible!
Can’t wait to see more, more, more!
xoxo
August 25, 2011 8:38 am
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So bummed I can’t be there!! But glad +Raven is able to represent. Go APW! And congrats to the lucky couples!
August 25, 2011 8:38 am
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I know you’re usually the brains of the operation ;)
August 25, 2011 9:07 am
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Nothing better than a sparkly photo booth and totes that sparkle too. The place is looking great!
August 25, 2011 8:43 am
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So proud of you guys!! And so excited for the happy couples too. The pictures are great, feels almost like we are there!!!
August 25, 2011 8:52 am
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I wish I could be there…it looks amazing! I can’t wait for the rest of the day! Thank you for everything you’re doing to make this happen, and for liveblogging it too :)
August 25, 2011 8:55 am
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hooray everyone! I’ll be dancing around in my living room this evening – pretending I’m there with you all. Need to find something sparkly…Can’t wait to see all the pics!
August 25, 2011 8:59 am
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Ooohhh I like that. I’m thinking I need a bottle of champagne and my sequenced dress. THAT sounds like an awesome idea.
August 25, 2011 9:21 am
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Ooh, good idea! All of my sparkly stuff is still packed (we’re in the process of moving to San Francisco), but I do have a little bottle of (30th!) birthday champagne left over from yesterday! And thrifted champagne flutes with stars on them. Yes!
August 25, 2011 10:01 am
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Happy Birthday!
And will raise a glass to all y’all celebrating from home tonite!
This live blogging is making me sooooo excited.
Happy Wedding Cory & Aaron and Leanne & Anne!
August 25, 2011 10:54 am
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Yay for Yay New York!
I can’t be there, but I would love to buy a poster to support not only LAMBDA but the press that made them. Are they for sale???
August 25, 2011 9:05 am
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They are for sale at the event. If any are left over, they’ll be online. The proceeds of that are supporting the event, our LAMBDA fundraising drive goes straight to LAMDA so give.
August 25, 2011 9:08 am
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And the poster are super pretty in person (so are the limited edition tote bags – I didn’t even carry mine in the rain today because I didn’t want to mess it up!) Your walls will be happy (and they fit perfectly in an Ikea frame)
August 25, 2011 10:53 am
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ah I hate that I can’t be there tonight and am sending all good YAY New York thoughts your way from 20th and 6th. So close but so far…
August 25, 2011 9:44 am
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This is so exciting. Thanks for liveblogging this for all of us.
August 25, 2011 9:46 am
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“wet knot is stronger than a dry one” Love that!!
August 25, 2011 10:06 am
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yeah, that’s really good! (I will have to use that one from now on).
August 25, 2011 10:28 am
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Happy Wedding Day, to the APW couples!!!!!! I think you will be having a lovely lovely loving day!
August 25, 2011 11:00 am
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Mmmmmmmm, cello.
August 25, 2011 11:08 am
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I”m so excited I can’t wait to hear about the weddings! Congrats to Cory & Aaron and Leanne & Anne.
And the party, I’m excited to hear about the party too :)
August 25, 2011 11:16 am
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Way to go Team Practical!
August 25, 2011 11:22 am
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yay!!!!! I got butterflies in my stomach with the cello update just picturing Cory and Aaron waiting in anticipation!
August 25, 2011 12:01 pm
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Love the play by play, it’s great for those of us who can’t be there. Yay New York and APW!
August 25, 2011 12:09 pm
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CONGRATULATIONS, AARON AND CORY!!!
Ang is a freakin’ contortionist, whoa.
August 25, 2011 12:29 pm
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I can feel the excitement from here! So many happy yelps to both couples and all of Team APW today!
August 25, 2011 12:34 pm
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Congratulations to Aaron and Cory! And congrats to APW and New York for helping it happen!
August 25, 2011 12:39 pm
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This is completely fabulous.
Warms the cockles, warms the cockles I tell you.
August 25, 2011 12:40 pm
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This is so beautiful! I’m, as predicted, crying in my cubicle. Congratulations Cory and Aaron. I am so happy for you!
August 25, 2011 12:42 pm
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This is not as awesome as being there, but it’s still giving me chill bumps!
YAY CORY AND AARON!!!
August 25, 2011 12:51 pm
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yay nyc! aya apw! yay meg!
and kari and maddie! hi!
and lauren, who i just met in boston! yay!
August 25, 2011 1:10 pm
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oh I just cried for Cory and Aaron. Happy wedding day, congratulations and cheers! And that picture of their dad watching the wedding…bigger tears. Love is a splendid thing!
August 25, 2011 1:12 pm
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Oh I wish I was there!!! But when CA gets gay marriage legalized – again – I will be there with bells on every limb!!!
August 25, 2011 1:17 pm
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An incredibly touching day AND you got a sweet tote bag! Incredible! Congrats Aaron and Cory!
August 25, 2011 1:35 pm
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thank you so much for liveblogging this!
That photo of the iphone made me weep.
So happy for them!!!!!
Yay NY!
August 25, 2011 2:08 pm
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You finally got me. Usually, when everyone else is crying into their coffee at work because of a touching post, I’m not. I’m always touched, but not crying.
Until now.
Dad watching by iPhone. Instant tears. Who would have thought that would be the magic moment for me?
CONGRATULATIONS CORY AND AARON.
August 25, 2011 2:20 pm
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That’s the part that got me.
August 25, 2011 2:39 pm
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Congratulations to the happy couple. And Meg, I love that you are wearing your famous silver shoes ;)
August 25, 2011 2:25 pm
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YAY YAY YAY! I’m cheering and tearing up at the same time.
Have been following the posts from my office computer in San Diego ~ excited and I have to admit: wildly green with envy of the APW team and everyone who gets to be in NYC for this awesome event.
And CONGRATS TO THE NEWLYWEDS! XO
August 25, 2011 2:57 pm
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That last post got me. Now I’m weepy and happy and laughing and crying and ready for a party to celebrate with you guys! “Today was all moments” … yep, for all of us reading the blogs too. Yay Team Practical!! So effin proud of you guys!!
August 25, 2011 3:17 pm
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I’m not sure if you picked the cutest couples in the world, or if an APW wedding turned them in to the cutest couples in the world…
August 25, 2011 3:56 pm
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