Weekly Roundup: Top 5 Headlines in Love, Marriage and Equality...

Been too busy to pay attention to what's been going in the past week? Don't despair! We've rounded up the top 5 headlines that we've been watching right here!

1. The Fed says "i do" to federal benefits for legally married same-sex couples. It's about time! Here's what you need to do now.
   
2. We celebrated the 50 year anniversary of the March on Washington. Progress has been made, but still much work to do.
   
3. Liz Cheney does not want her lesbian sister to legally wed. Find out why Liz Cheney is not pro-gay marriage.
   
4. Let Them Eat Cake...For Less!  Trim the costs on your wedding cake with these 20 tips.
   
5. We found some tear-jerking proposals...get your tissues ready and see them here.

image from: http://www.akashicbooks.com

Best Gay and Lesbian Wedding Proposals

While listening to a few oldies but goodies on YouTube the other day, I happened to stumble across the cutest lesbian proposal I'd ever seen, and then another and another... If you're looking to feel all warm and mushy inside this post is for you!

The Flash Mob Proposal

The Google Proposal

The Birthday Proposal

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I did! Congratulations to all the happy couples...love always wins!

Note: This list isn't mean't to be exhaustive by any means, these are just a few of many. Who knows maybe I'll follow up with a part 2!

Engagement: Jen and Marie

We received an email from Jen who shared with us some beautiful photos of her proposal to her partner and future wife Marie.  We love to post engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the Say I Do! Facebook page, its just part of what we do. While we normally only post one picture of the couple we had to make an exception, we couldn't choose among the pictures Jen sent over, so we are posting them all here!

Congratulations to the beautiful couple this is an awesome proposal!

Jen and Marie were engaged in Hollywood Hills near the Hollywood sign. Jen proposed to the love of her life, Marie on March 8, 2013.  The couple hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

3 cheers for Jen and Marie!

Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo Heads to Virginia

We are so excited to bring Say I Do! to the state in which we are headquartered! There is lots happening on the marriage equality front in Virginia and we know its just a matter of time before Virginia stands with the other states and D.C. with equality for all.

Want to join us? Email info(at)sayidoexpo(dot)com

Virginia Residents: Tell Your Story!

Equality Virginia is looking to collect the pictures and stories of gay/lesbian couples who have had to leave Virginia to get some kind of legal recognition for their relationship -- whether a marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership.

If this is you, please help out with this important event.  Below is a quick and easy questionnaire, simply answer the questions and send your answers to the email below along with a photo from your wedding.

Couples Questionnaire

1.      Tell us a little bit about yourselves. Where are you from, what do you do, etc?

2.      How did you meet?

3.      Where and when did you get married?

4.      Why did you decide get married?

5.      Why is marriage equality in Virginia important to you?

6.      Can we use you as a point of contact during press inquiries? If yes, please provide all of your contact information, including address, phone, and email.

Once completed, please email this form along with a wedding photo to jgehlbach@equalityvirginia.org

Deadline, Sunday, June 23rd at 11am EST.

It Was A Grand Day! Say I Do! DC Event Recap

June 2, 2013 was a grand day. We celebrated our 4th annual Say I Do! with over 200 LGBT couples, friends and allies. Over 2 dozen fabulous exhibitors came out to showcase their products and services to our couples eager to say "i do".

With the Hotel Palomar as our venue and the lovely Coco B. Colby as our hostess, it could have not been a better day.  

We have a huge responsibility that we don't take lightly...to create a safe space where our couples can meet LGBT friendly vendors for their wedding and to provide an environment where couples can mix and mingle with other engaged couples in a fun and relaxing environment. Say I Do! is not just an event, it's an experience and we are honored to continue to be of service to the community.

Thank you to those who joined us, helped spread the word and those who supported, we could not have done it without you!

Warm Regards,

Tammy Freeman
Say I Do! Founder

Click here to see pictures from June 2

Whimsical Straws Perfect for Creative or DIY Wedding

We just came across these whimsical and fun straws on the Very Jane website and HAD to share.  These are perfect for a wedding where a tall glass of fun is in order!

There are oodles and designs and colors to choose from.

Check them all out here!