We're happy to post your wedding announcements for the world to see and celebrate! Please see below for submission instructions.
Donate to Vermont Freedom to Marry in honor of newlyweds to honor them and protect the freedom to marry at the same time. Click the "Donate" button above or send a tax-deductible check to:
Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, 8 Oak Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452
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Teri Anderson & Rose Fitzgerald
Guildhall, -- On December 19, 2009 at a Winter Solstice celebration, Teri Anderson and Rose Fitzgerald, both of Guildhall, Vermont (pop.268), were married in the first same-sex marriage in Essex County. The marriage ceremony was performed at the Guild Hall and officiated by Barbara Peaslee Smith, Guildhall Justice of the Peace, and witnessed by a group of close friends and neighbors. The celebration was followed by a solstice party attended by hundreds of loved ones which spilled out onto the historic Guildhall Town Green and included fireworks and a bonfire.
Michael B. Warner & Joseph F. Watson
Michael B. Warner and Joseph F. Watson were married on November 1,
2009 at their home in Leicester. They were honored to have Beth
Robinson, Justice of the Peace from Ferrisburgh, officiating at the
simple civil ceremony. Immediate family members were in attendance.
The Leicester couple first exchanged vows and rings in a commitment
ceremony on June 13, 1993 and entered into a civil union on July 7,
2000. Warner and Watson were among the founders of the Vermont Freedom
to Marry Task Force in 1995 and are deeply grateful to all those who
have worked so hard for so long to achieve full marriage equality.
Euan Bear & Mary Schwartz:
Bakersfield -- Ms. Euan Bear and Ms Mary Schwartz were joined in civil marriage on October 10, 2009. They have been partners in civil union since 2000, and they've been together for more than 29 years.
JP Paul Madden officiated at the double-ring ceremony held in the couple's home. The ceremony was written by both brides to affirm their love for each other.
Ms. Bear wore a tuxedo shirt and black silk tie under a black, red and blue silk half-sleeve jacket over black trousers. Ms. Schwartz wore a white blouse under a sari-silk turquoise and dark maroon gold-embroidered half-sleeve jacket over dark brown slacks.
The couple, who occasionally eat dessert first, traveled together to Alaska in August, the trip serving as a pre-wedding "honeymoon."
Bear and Schwartz will continue to reside in Bakersfield working for the day when Congress matches the Vermont legislature in enacting America's promise of equality.
Michael J. Bond & Jeff Towsley:
South Burlington -- Michael J. Bond and Jeff Towsley of South
Burlington were united in marriage on September 25, 2009, the 25th
anniversary of their commitment to each other. An anniversary party,
with music from the year 1984 and a slide show of the last 25 years,
was held at Mount Philo State Park. The party culminated with their
marriage vows at sunset, with Justice of the Peace Michael Olinick
presiding over the ceremony. Since they had been wearing rings
signifying their commitment for 25 years, Mike and Jeff exchanged rings
to start the next 25. Jeff works for the USPS and Mike for the
Gardener's Supply. Their wedding trip was to the National Equality
March in Washington, DC in October. "We are working towards the day
when our marriage will be recognized by Jeff's employer, and we have
full equality. Until then we are happily residing in VT where our
contributions to society are valued and respected."
Jamie L. Reddinger & Daisy M. Chamberlain
Mendon -- Jamie L. Reddinger and Daisy M. Chamberlain were married at The Vermont Inn on September 19, 2009. Under a bright blue sky with a view of the mountains, the couple was joined in a handfasting ceremony officiated by the Rev. Kirk White of Bethel, VT. Jamie was attended by Courtney Behm of Mentor, OH and Liz ‘Spanky’ Maurhoff of Pittsburgh, PA. Daisy was attended by Robbin Maxwell of Clarksburg, WV and Justin LaFond of Castleton, VT. The couple spent the weekend surrounded by and celebrating with family and friends. After the wedding the couple enjoyed an Olivia cruise to Alaska. The brides thank Karen Pike Photography of Hinesburg, VT and Elegant Flowers and Treasures of Fair Haven, VT for helping to make their day beautiful. The new Mrs. and Mrs. Chamberlain reside in Fair Haven, VT where they continue to work for equality.
Roberto & Herbert Font-Russell
Rutland
-- Roberto and Herbert Font-Russell of Rutland were joined in marriage
on September 12, 2009 at an outdoor ceremony at the Vermont Inn in
Mendon. The couple was surrounded by their families, friends, mayor and
several legislators who were supportive of marriage equality. "It is
because of them that this day has become the reality we never thought
possible in our lifetime." Representative Megan Smith officiated. The
reception and dinner were held indoors. Roberto and Herb honeymooned in
Bar Harbor, Maine.
Sadelle Wiltshire & Ann Coakley
Putney -- Sadelle Wiltshire & Ann Coakley were joined in marriage on September 5, 2009 at a public Marriage Equality Celebration party in Westminster West. The marriage was officiated by Eva Mondon, Justice of the Peace, of Putney.
Earlier this year, on May 16, 2009, witnessed by 150 friends and family members, Sadelle and Ann celebrated their Civil Union and Quaker Marriage ceremony under the care of Bennington Friends Meeting
(Quakers) in the gardens of the Paradise Inn in Bennington, VT. "The celebration was truly a community-made event and we were surrounded by such an outpouring of love from our religious community, family and friends."
The couple honeymooned in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The photo is from their May civil union and religious marriage.
Ann and Sadelle now reside in Putney, Vermont.
Jennifer L. Dilworth & Patricia A. Murray:
Salisbury -- Ms. Jennifer L. Dilworth and Ms. Patricia A. Murray both formerly of West Chester, PA were married at Jennifer's parents house on Lake Dunmore on September 1, 2009. Jennifer and Patricia were previously joined in a civil union in Middlebury, VT on August 9, 2008 and had a reception for family and friends at the VFW in Middlebury. They have been together since December 24, 2006 and now reside in Barre, VT. Their marriage was also covered by the Addison County Independent and appeared on the front page of the September 3, 2009 edition.
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Wedding Announcement Submission Guidelines:
- Your words: Please email us a paragraph announcing your wedding with a maximum of 150 words.
- Your photo: Please include a photograph (attached as a jpg or bmp file) with a minimum resolution of 150 kbs.
Email submissions and questions to info@vtfreetomarry.org, or call 802-353-7286.
