Youll Swoon Over This Joyful Lesbian Quaker Wedding
With a blend of whimsy and romance, Brittney, a special education teacher, exchanged vows with Rebecca, a library technician. The unconventional couple tied the knot on October 10, 2015, at Atlanta Friends Meeting in Decatur, GA.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
As we sat down with our photographer, one word kept echoing in our minds: ‘joy’. And that’s precisely what we received – a treasure trove of it! Our wedding may not have been the most extravagant or aesthetically pleasing, but it was an explosion of joy. We envisioned a Quaker ceremony, held at our beloved meetinghouse where we regularly worship, and we strived to create an atmosphere where every single guest felt like they were an integral part of the celebration.
Tell us about the ceremony:
As we entered the meeting room, accompanied by the iconic intro song from Robin Hood, our group of around 10 attendants and my wife joined me in traditional Quaker ceremony. In this sacred space, we formed a circle with us at the designated marriage bench. The ensuing silence was palpable as we collectively centered ourselves and contemplated the weight of what was to come.
It wasn’t until I felt an overwhelming sense of readiness within that I knew it was time for my wife and me to exchange our vows and sign the marriage certificate, officially marking this new chapter in our lives.
Following the signing, a close friend took the floor to elucidate on Quaker practices and the essence of silent worship. With an open invitation for others to share their thoughts or messages, we were initially concerned that non-Quakers might feel uncomfortable.
However, as the minutes ticked by, individuals began standing up to express heartfelt sentiments – about us, our faith, their hopes for our future together, and the ways in which they would support us. The atmosphere was nothing short of extraordinary. The ceremony’s profound intimacy left me unable to recount the specific messages shared, but my eyes well with tears whenever I recall that unforgettable moment.
As we concluded our vows, a radiant burst of sunlight illuminated the room, as if everyone present had gathered to envelop us in warmth and positivity. If I’ve ever felt truly blessed, it was on this day, surrounded by loved ones who cherished us so deeply. In a delightful twist, we opted to conclude the Quaker meeting for worship with the Parent Trap handshake, departing from tradition but adding an air of levity to our joyous celebration.
Tell us about your reception:
As we exchanged vows, the atmosphere at our reception was electric with love. The decorations were a testament to the generosity of our friends and family, who donated their time, resources, and creativity to make the evening unforgettable. We incorporated meaningful elements into the decor, including children’s books that hold special significance for us, as well as board games that bring us joy.
Scouring thrift stores and used bookstores in the weeks leading up to the wedding, we curated a unique collection of books and games that became a huge hit with our guests. Who could forget the impromptu readings of Elephant and Piggie stories in silly voices? Rebecca’s culinary masterpiece was another highlight of the reception. Taking a week off from work to prep, she single-handedly prepared most of the food, including sweet tea fried chicken, waffle batter, and grits casserole.
The brunch spread also featured an assortment of muffins and fresh fruit. Our friends went above and beyond, not only providing all the necessary equipment – think crock pots, waffle irons, and sound systems – but also serving as our waitstaff, washing dishes, and ensuring a seamless flow of events. A particular favorite photo of mine captures seven people in their aprons, amidst the bustle of the kitchen, lending a hand to make it all happen.
This sense of community and support is what our wedding was truly about: coming together to celebrate our love and pave the way for a lifetime of happy memories.
What was your most important lesson learned?
As we embarked on the journey of planning our wedding, we didn’t aim for perfection; instead, we aimed to bring together everyone we hold dear in one space. Our greatest challenge wasn’t the planning itself, but rather the pressure to present a flawless experience. People would ask us about the progress with a hint of exhaustion, as if we were shouldering the weight of the world. But we trusted in our relationships, and ultimately, in a higher power, to guide us through the process.
We never set out to have a perfect wedding; we simply wanted to create an atmosphere where love could flourish and everyone could share in our joy. In retrospect, I’ve come to realize that the key to a stress-free wedding lies not in having every family member present, but rather in being mindful of what matters most – your own desires. I chose not to invite my immediate family, and while it was a difficult decision, I don’t regret it.
The weight of their potential disappointment would have overshadowed the celebration we were trying to create. Instead, I prioritized the happiness of those who truly supported our union. It wasn’t an easy choice, but with the support of close friends and Rebecca’s loved ones, I was able to focus on what really mattered – a day filled with love, laughter, and unbridled joy.
Vendors
The photographer behind the captivating images was YouAreRaven. The striking dress worn by Brittney was sourced from ModCloth, while Rebecca’s elegant attire came from Eshakti. The makeup artist responsible for the stunning looks was Kellyn Willey. The picturesque venue for the occasion was Atlanta Friends Meeting, where delicious eats were provided courtesy of Rebecca herself.
The decorations added a playful touch to the setting, courtesy of our friends and a few creative inspirations from Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems.
