Win A Signed Copy of the New Book, Girl In The Mirror!!

We are very excited to announce that YOU have the opportunity to win an autographed copy of the lesbian novel, Girl In The Mirror by Alix B. Golden!

Alix B. Golden, veteran blogger, candidly shares her life, viewpoints and outlook on her blog, A Brown Girl Gone Gay.  As a blogger, Alix writes about it all. She will give you brutally honest relationship advice while giving you insight into her own relationships. Her words are true and pure. Her words have often been compared to having a conversation with a friend. She invites you into her own reality.  Girl In The Mirror, is Golden's first novel, scheduled for release September 1st. But if you're reading this, you have a chance to win an autographed copy! Keep reading for a sneak peak into this awesome new book and enter to win a copy on the right hand side of this blog post!

About Girl In The Mirror

All Christen Calhoun really wants is to be a successful photographer, love a beautiful woman, and make her father proud, but easier said than done. When she graduates from Savannah State University, a dead end bank job isn’t what she had in mind. She stifles her creativity in bland business suits while her camera collects dust in the corner of her modest studio apartment.

Her inability to decipher lust from love often leaves her sexually satiated, but emotionally bereft. When her soul is drained, as well as her bank account, will she take the advice of her father, Pops Calhoun, and find a good man? When she no longer recognizes her own reflection, she realizes she isn’t willing to give up anymore of herself to earn approval from her father.

When Pop loses an unexpected battle with cancer, does she continue to push her dreams aside or is she finally honest with the girl in the mirror?

Free Wedding or Engagement Card from Treat!

Wedding season is officially in full swing.

Odds are you probably have an upcoming wedding to attend or know someone about to tie the knot…or perhaps you know someone who just got engaged?

Either way, Treat has got you covered. Today and tomorrow they are offering a FREE congratulations card for weddings and engagements. They have 75 beautiful designs to choose from and you can personalize them any way you choose.

Just use the promo code TREATWED when you checkout to get the free card.

So to get an awesome congratulations card for free just:

1.    Take a look at all of their card designs.

2.    Choose the one you want.

3.    Personalize it. This is where you can add pictures, change the text, add whatever you want…be fun, be sappy, be inspiring, be yourself.

4.    When you checkout, use the promo code TREATWED to get the card for free.

5.    You can choose to have the card mailed to them (this will cost you a stamp) or have it mailed to you.

Enjoy the card…and the reaction you get from the happy couple!


Visit Treat today to get your free card.

  

Special Event: All Girl White Party Richmond, Virginia

If you're in the Richmond area or within a commutable distance come out and party for a cause with Gratitude Rising Events on July 19th at their All Girl White Party!

Tickets are selling like hot cakes, VIP tickets are GONE!
Get your tickets here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/257929

Cocktails Anyone?

Your cocktail hour doesn't have to be boring! Cheese and fruit displays are not required!
Here are some great ideas for appetizing bites sure to please any crowd.

Treat your guests to a delicious tossed salad served in a martini glass. 

How about these bite sized mozzarella balls with a tomato basil sauce?

Great fruit salad option, that won't go to waste!
Image via Hostess With the Mostess.com

Mini burgers are trending.  And it's easy to see why.
Very easy to  pop in your mouth, no mess and delicious!

And what is cocktail hour without the cocktail? We love this light  and refreshing
Strawberry Lemonade Sparkler. with vodka.  Omit the vodka to please guests who don't consume alcohol.  Perfect for a summer or spring wedding.
Click here for drink recipe

There is nothing wrong with adding a light dessert to your cocktail hour menu.
We think this tower of chocolate mouse is the perfect addition if you want to treat your guests to a little something sweet.
via Projectwedding.com 

Save The Date with Pride!

Ready to go to press your save the dates? Check out this useful save the date guide with oodles of ideas and inspiration for your wedding!

The Wedding Paper Diva's recently added a pride collection to their wonderful offering of wedding invitation stationery, it's only fitting we start this post out with designs from their new line!

From Gayweddings.com, a site specifically dedicated to gay unions we found some great options as well! Here are a few...

Modern Wedding Invitations bring us these same-sex save the dates...

We also turned up some fun save the dates from some other great companies, check 'em out...

Pro Tip: Your save the dates will begin to set the tone for your shindig.  

Truly the sky is the limit! You can go with a traditional style save the date, a magnet, a bookmark or send out a video save the date, it's up to you!  Your save the dates will let guests know what to expect at your wedding.  If you are planning a destination wedding, provide travel information and important details your guests will need giving them time to prepare well in advance  Consider setting up a wedding website where guests can get updates on the couple and the wedding festivities as it unfolds.

Help Say I Do! Qualify for the Mission Small Business Grant!

We're currently in the running to qualify for a Mission Small Business grant...and we need your help!  We need 250 votes in less than 5 days to qualify.  We are currently planning some major initiatives and winning this grant will help them come to light much quicker!  It only takes a few seconds to vote, you simply need to:

1. Visit: https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com
2. Click on the link
3. Log in with Facebook
4. Search "SAY I DO LGBT!
5. Give your vote.

Be sure to share with others as well!

Thank you so much!

Equality Virginia Reception at Casa Italia

Equality Virginia will be at Casa Italia on Monday, June 25 from 6pm - 7:30pm. Come mingle with your GLBT and Allied friends and neighbors from the area, and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

This is a wonderful chance to learn about what EV is doing across the state to end discrimination, protect families, and build safe communities along with how you can help.

RSVP by Sunday, June 24 here or email info@equalityvirginia.org with your name and the number attending!

Casa Italia
10515 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22030

Forgo the Engagement Ring?

Times are still tough, and by many accounts we are still in a recession.  Weddings, no matter how small; do cost money. Many couples are looking for alternatives and ways to save money on their wedding expenses.  Some are doing without flowers for their wedding and saving money with DIY projects as opposed to professional services.  But would you forgo the ring?  This was a question posted on the LearnVest site, (LearnVest is a site that helps users live their "richest life", and is full of great tutorials and information for budget-savvy consumers).

So...would you skip the engagement ring in order to save money, to make a down payment on a house or for other financial reasons?  With engagement rings averaging over $5, do you feel that money could be put to "better" use?  Leave a comment below and let us know if you would be willing to skip the engagement ring.

Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo is Today

Special Guest Kathryn Hamm at Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo on June 3rd!

We are so excited to announce Kathryn Hamm, of Gayweddings.com will be a special guest speaker at Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo on June 3rd!  How awesome is that?

Practically a legend in the same-sex weddings community, Kathryn is a pioneer in the gay weddings arena; promoting marriage equality before it gained the momentum we see today. Kathryn will be providing a weddings Q&A for couples who are looking to get the scoop on everything wedding for their upcoming same-sex nuptials.

We are elated to have Kathryn as a workshop speaker at our 3rd Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo!

Kathryn is one of the original "Poster Brides" of TwoBrides.com. She joined her straight mom (and company founder) as a full partner in the family business in 2005. She holds an M.S.W from the Catholic University of America and an A.B. in Psychology from Princeton University. Prior to becoming the President of GayWeddings.com, Kathryn spent 10 years as an educator and administrator in the Washington, D.C. area. Though she and her partner exchanged vows in a memorable ceremony on the Eastern Shore in 1999, they are not yet legally married.  via @ gayweddings.com 


We think it's totally cool that Kathryn's mom, Gretchen Hamm founded a company so Kathryn could have the same choices for her wedding as straight couples.  Seeing the lack of gay wedding products and resources, she Mrs. Hamm took matters into her own hands and created what now is GayWeddings.com.  And for that, we are all thankful!

Join Kathryn at Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo in Washington, DC on June 3rd! Kathryn will be presenting a Q&A: Everything You've Wanted to Know About Your Same-Sex Wedding For Free!  To register visit www.sayidoexpo.com or get your tickets through www.equalityvirginia.org.

Ask The Expert: Pro advice for your gay wedding

Let's face it, wedding planning can be challenging and most couples find themselves overwhelmed with questions and no answers.  Our "Ask The Expert" columns are here to help.  Experts provide answers to your most pressing wedding challenges.

Our first question comes from a bride who is having a commitment ceremony and not sure what to look for in an officiant or what the "correct" verbiage should be.  Our expert Reverend Starlene Joyner Burns who has over 8 years experience as a wedding officiant answers our brides' question below

Question:
I live in a state where gay marriage isn't legal, so I will be having a commitment ceremony instead of a wedding. Being as how it's a commitment ceremony and not a legal marriage are there do's and dont's for the ceremony part of it?

-Tongue Tied Bride
Michigan

Answer: 

1. Don't hire an officiant who does not know the legalities of officiating a commitment ceremony.
2. During your vows and the ceremony the following words cannot be use in addressing you, your partner or your event: marriage, wife, husband, or any euphemism of husband or wife.

I hope that helps.

Reverend Starlene Joyner Burns 
MD Wedding Minister and Maryland Wedding Officiant
Specializing in Customized Wedding Ceremonies
4722 Morning Glory Trail Bowie
Maryland 20720
(202) 253-3629
revsjburns@gmail.com
revsjb@comcast.net
http://www.startum.com/revburns.htm

Blog Love! Capitol Romance

Capitol Romance is a blog started by Bree Ryback after her own experience creating an offbeat DIY wedding for her own big day. This blog is full of inspiration and creativity and is a
 "must follow" for any bride or groom! Click here to visit Capitol Romance, you will not be disappointed!

Free Mothers Day Card!

Weddings cost their fare share of money, so why not take advantage of something free! Hurry to Cardstore and get your free Moms Day card! Just use the code "LUVMOM" at checkout.

Business Spotlight: Mixology Bartending

Today's business spotlight belongs to Mixology Bartending. Mixology can help you celebrate your nuptials with their personalized beverage services.  See below to learn more about Mixology!

Mixology Bartending Services Co is an award winning, woman owned beverage catering services company. In 2012 they were named one of the area’s Top 100 Minority Business Enterprises. T he company provides specialized services in the area of beverage and event planning. Mixology’s clients are unique in that they do not want just bartenders at their events they want a personalized beverage experience created just for them and their guests. Our client’s events are from 20 to 1500 guests enjoying the Mixology beverage experience. Our beverage experience can include Hand Crafted Signature Drink Creations, Organic and Dietary Fruit and Yogurt Blends, Bar Rental Services, Liquor Consulting, Wine Selection Consulting and Event Staffing.

Visit Mixology online at: http://www.mixologybar.com 

Love Portrait: Rob and Anthony

We are excited to share the love stories of Cutest Couples Contestants!   Meet Rob and Anthony, currently in the running for our cutest couple! Keep reading to learn more about their romantic meeting and future plans.  To vote for Rob and Anthony, use the poll on the right hand side of this blog.

I'm (Rob) a flight attendant for a major airline and was flying the NY Giants to their Thanksgiving Day game 11/26/09.  We stay with the team and then fly them back to NYC. While the team slept for their Turkey Day game I decided to go out and do a little Denver line dancing.  I met Anthony on the sidelines of the dance floor instruction hour for the country dancing.  Within minutes I knew this was the one.  I just officially moved to DC January 1, 2012 and we reside together now.

Anthony is in Management with a large scale construction company based in Sweden.  Rob is a flight attendant and Paramedic for a Medical Rescue Helicopter.  We are known by our friends as the ones to call on a Friday thru Sunday.  We don't go out to the bars or clubs much but we love cooking up a storm and entertaining our friends all night.  If it's been a long work week we are very well known for hosting movie nights will all the fixing for our friends.  I always say how important our friends are to us. We would rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies. 

We have been engaged for over a year and are going to pick a venue first then set the date. That way we can guarantee we get exactly the place we want.  Ideal would be fall of 2013. We want a venue that will be start to finish for our wedding..ceremony to cocktails to reception. Two of our options are a hotel rooftop or a VA vineyard.

---------------

Congrats to Rob and Anthony and their engagement,
they certainly are a cute couple!

Business Spotlight: Olivia Travel

Our business spotlight shines on Olivia Travel, the premier lesbian travel company. Let Olivia, the leader in lesbian travel, spoil you with a honeymoon to remember! Whenever and wherever you tie the knot, know that Olivia has the perfect honeymoon escape for you.  We always charter the entire ship or buy out the whole resort, so you will be surrounded by women, able to be out and free.

Set sail on a Caribbean cruise for a week of fun-in-the-sun, take a riverboat cruise through romantic France, or try an all-inclusive resort vacation, like our Vallarta Palace Resort in beautiful Puerto Vallarta—Mexico’s most gay and lesbian friendly destination.

Let us delight you with our touching group commitment ceremony complete with champagne and cake.  Maybe we’ll even see you starring in our popular Oldywed/Newlywed game!

For a full list of our great lesbian honeymoons, visit www.olivia.com

For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-631-6277 or 415-962 5700, option 1 or submit an online request form. 

Business Spotlight: Lia Sophia

Jewels are a girls best friend and Lia Sophia has beautiful and affordable jewelry for your wedding adornment or as gits for your bridal party.  Read a bit more about Lia Sophia as today's spotlight shines on Cindy Barrett, Independent Lia Sophia Advisor.

Lia sophia connects women to their dreams, from obtaining beautiful fashion jewelry to empowering their financial futures. The company always has Customer Specials and their Hostess Benefits are the best in the in the industry. The jewelry is also covered by a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee and all the pieces are made from semi-precious stones, electroplated in rhodium (part of the platinum family) and 14 - 22 k of gold mils. Celebrities love the jewelry and it is perfect for weddings, bachelorette parties, girl’s night out…and much much more!

For more information visit:

www.liasophia.com/cindyhuerta

Meet Zavos Junker Law Group

Legal planning is especially important for LGBT couples, Zavos Juncker Law Group is one of the best in the business at helping you protect your family. Keep reading to learn about the many beneficial services they offer...

Attorneys at the Zavos Juncker Law Group, PLLC, have served our community for more than 30 years.  We have been pioneers in the establishment of legal protections for our families.  We represent clients in matters of pre- and post-nuptial agreements, estate planning, including wills and powers of attorney, adoptions, custody and visitation, divorce and dissolution, probate, surrogacy, donor and parenting agreements, and all issues of LGBT family law.  We practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.

Visit online: www.zavosjunckerlawgroup.com

Meet Vintage Ivy Events

Next up in our spotlight series is Vintage Ivy Events who is ready to help you plan your wedding to a tee! They certainly know how to throw a party!  Keep reading to find out more about them...

Impeccable planning creates signature occasions! 

 
Vintage Ivy Events is an Events Planning and Design company with exquisite style, impeccable planning, and seamless execution. We will guide you through every step of the planning process from helping you choose a spectacular venue, connecting you with our talented vendors, taking your initial ideas and creating a personal style for your event that defines who we are. Having Vintage Ivy Events is an advantage because we reduce the amount of time, energy, and money you would spend if you were to do it on your own. With a touch of our expertise, resources, guidance, and personal attention, no details are overlooked. Planning and designing your exquisite celebration is our passion! Let us be your events planning and design team for your next wedding or event!

Visit Vintage Ivy Online at: http://www.vintageivyevents.com. 

 

Meet Perfect Reflections Travel: LGBT-Friendly Travel Agent

This series we will be spotlighting LGBT- friendly businesses, that would love to help make your big day special! Meet Perfect Reflections Travel great for your honeymoon, romantic getaway or your destination wedding!

Welcome to Perfect Reflections Travel, the experts in global travel! 

Perfect Reflections Travel, a Member of the Travel Connection RI, provides consultation and vacation arrangements to satisfy the uniqueness of individual and group travel. We also pride ourselves in providing you with the ultimate travel experience for honeymoons and destination weddings. Perfect Reflections Travel has over twenty years of experience in the Travel and Entertainment industry. We are located in the Boston, MA, Cranston, RI and Washington, DC areas.

We provide the same attentive personalized care and service from handling an individual's travel needs to managing worldwide travel for large groups. Our packages and rates are extremely competitive to meet your travel and entertainment needs. Perfect Reflections Travel has a worldwide reach and, in addition, we have experience working with and meeting the needs of all groups. Visit our website at www.goprt.com.

We wish for you to experience our motto...."Don't just dream it, live it. We create memories that last a lifetime!"

Say I Do! Vendor Call

Say I Do! 2011 Washington, DC Photo Summary!

Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo Date Set for June 3rd, 2012

Check out of Facebook CLICK HERE!

Win a ride on the "Love Train"

ALL couples are invited to share their story on how they met their current love on SEPTA.  This is the first year the contest is open to same-sex couples.  Share your story and you can land a ride on the "Love Train"  For details visit SEPTA Love Stories or click the image below.

Monogamy Anyone?

Wine that is.  Monogamy Wines is a perfect fit for your upcoming Valentine's Day festivities! While I've never had the pleasure of swishing this around on my palette, I am sucker for the branding!  I hope to get my hands on a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon very soon!

http://www.monogamywines.com