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!