We’ve known Debra and Michelle for about 10 years. Their son Jackson went to pre-school with our daughter Clara. While we were certainly cordial school hallway acquaintances during drop-off and pickup, we didn’t really get to know them well until one day Jackson asked Clara out on a date. A date!?! They were like 4 years old, if a day! Michelle and I chaperoned the two to Endolyne Joe’s where they ate macaroni and cheese off the kiddie menu before heading to the nearby playground to run it off. I held the rose Jackson and brought Clara. It was all very sweet. And we all became fast friends.
Since that time Michelle and Debra have always maintained that if gay marriage ever became legal in the State of Washington they’d tie the knot and ask Clara to be the flower girl. Sure enough, in November of 2012 the voters of Washington State legalized gay marriage with a referendum of the people. They asked Clara shortly thereafter and we rearranged our trip to Europe to ensure we could attend. We wouldn’t miss this wedding for the world! The wedding becoming all the more special when just a few last week the United States Supreme Court struck down DOMA and California’s Proposition 8 as unconstitutional – clearing the way for federal recognition of gay marriages performed by States that have approved.
So, on July 6th, 2013 (29 years to they day since they committed to eachother) we had the honor of attending (and Clara participating) in the nuptials of our dear friends at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Congratulations Debra and Michelle. Its been a long time (29 years) in coming.
As a wedding present we gave Debra and Michelle a Parisian Love Lock similar to the one we did for our own anniversary. And mounted the keys to the lock in a frame along with some of the photos below.
Long a symbol of eternal fidelity, love locks have adorned the bridges of some of the world’s most romantic cities. In Paris, a couple writes their names on a padlock and locks it onto the the bridge. They then throw the key into the Seine River, a symbol of never-ending love. The only way to break the seal of love brought on by this love lock is to find the key and unlock the padlock – clearly an impossible feat as the key sits amongst thousands at the bottom of the swift moving Seine.
Debra and Michelle’s love lock is on the Pont de l’Archevéché with the beautiful Notre Dame cathedral as the backdrop.
The wedding ceremony was a beautiful, touching, and moving experience punctuated with quotes, prayers, and reflections on love from the Bible. A particularly moving sermon from the priest apologizing on behalf of the Church for taking so long to recognize the love between two people regardless of who they are.
Flower Girl
The reception, with decorations, food, wine, and different desserts on each table, with their extended network of family and friends was a joyous celebration of life and love.
Decorations
Joyous Bride
Happy Couple
Bride & Bride
Cake cutting ceremony
Cake cutting ceremony
Cake cutting ceremony
Cake cutting
cake cutting
The after party was hosted at the pre-school where we first met Debra and Michelle. Dancing with more food and drink into the wee hours of the morning before Debra and Michelle left on their honeymoon (a cruise to Alaska). Bon Voyage! We love you.
After party
After party
After party
YMCA
Dancing at after party
After Party
Happily Married
Sabbatikos 
It was very nice meeting you and your family at Debra’s wedding. I have heard so many stories about you all that I felt like I already knew you. Clara did great as the flower girl and she looked so radiant! Thanks for posting the pics. I didn’t take any but know more will be coming but not for a couple of weeks. Have a great time on your cross country trip.
Well shucks, that made me cry. That was a very beautiful story. I loved hearing about how you were all brought together by your kids, and your lasting friendship. Thank you for sharing.
A seared memory of the day was the pure joy on Clara’s face just before we walked out. What a great day-thanks for being part of it.
Pic of Clara is stunning.