From very early on in our relationship, we have been very committed to each other. On our 1st anniversary, Josh got us a pair of simple gold bands for us to wear. Seeing us with these rings, I think many people assumed over the years that we were already married. We never saw the need to have a wedding ceremony because we were already very committed to each other, and the only additional benefit we sought was legal recognition.
When marriage equality finally came nationwide in 2015, we did not immediately marry because we did not want to rush, and because we wanted the date to have personal significance. With a new administration in place we have felt the need to gain better legal protection for our family. Our 20th anniversary, March 31st, felt like the perfect date for our wedding.
The wedding turned out beautifully and as planned. Josh and I wanted to blend elements from our Jewish and Chinese heritage into the ceremony and reception. We also wanted to have our 4 kids play an active role. More than 180 of our friends and family gathered on that night.
Photos from that night have been trickling back in the weeks since, and I will update this post if more come in.
- Save the date cards
- Wedding license at clerks office
- We added 4 diamonds to each band
- Our social media hashtag and table centerpieces.
- Sand ceremony, 7 Jewish blessings and we broke the glass
- AJ and JJ were so handsome as best men.
- MJ dutifully walked up the aisle as ringbearer, and then ran back to us.
- DJ was so excited to be flower girl, she tossed all her petals at once!
- Two grooms coming down the aisle
- We wrote our own vows.
- David’s vows
- Josh’s vows
- Sealed with a kiss
- Family photo taken right after the ceremony
- It is customary for the Chinese bride to wear red silk, so we wore red silk scarves.
- Lion dancers and drummers opened the reception
- David white wine or Josh red.
- Double happiness cake topper
- Our favorite flavors. Almond cake, Coconut cake