A couple of weeks ago I received a Facebook message from Ronny asking if I was free on a Friday afternoon for an hour or so.  It wasn’t a usual request for me, as being a documentary wedding photographer my wedding work is a little longer than 60 minutes!  However, I know Ronny from two places; the Human Rights Campaign in Cincinnati, but also through a company called Interbrand where I interned for three months in their photography studio in 2009.  He and Dave, his now husband, have been together for many years and were planning on having a very private and intimate ceremony at Mount Auburn Presbyterian church in Cincinnati.  Mount Auburn wasn’t their regular church, but the pastor and church council welcomed them with open arms.    The members of Mount Auburn had stopped all legal weddings in their church back in 2004 – until “all” could be legally married in it. Since the marriage equality ruling that came down from the highest court in our country, the church had reopened for legal weddings. Ronny and Dave were to be the first same sex couple to be legally married there, something that they considered a great honour.  I was delighted to be able to say yes and to be part of their celebration!

The afternoon began with meeting the pastor of Mount Auburn, Barb, the musician, Beth, and going over the details of their ceremony.  Ronny, Dave, their children, and groomsmen arrived about fifteen minutes later.  For those of you have not been to this church before, it is a big space, but what surprised me was that it was instantly filled with a fantastic feeling of love, family, and warmth.  It was really quite amazing and I felt quite special to be a part of it.  The ceremony started at 5pm sharp with a short procession and a beautiful candle lighting ceremony dedicated to family.  There were some readings, beautiful blessings, wonderful music, and some fantastic singing by Ronny, who I’ll now be talking to about the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus, one of my regular clients…..

After the ceremony, we took a quick trip to Eden Park for some additional photos.  The early evening weather was beautiful and the flowers were in full bloom.  We found a great spot under some trees where Dave and Ronny cracked open a bottle of champers to celebrate their nuptials with their groomsmen.  It was the perfect closing to their ceremony that was filled with moments from the heart.  It goes to show that events that are simple and straightforward are just as poignant and memorable as other more lavish affairs.

Ronny and Dave, thank you for including me in your afternoon.  I am honoured to have been included.  Congratulations to you both!