My partner and I cannot marry in our state (a civil union is an option but not one that gains us anything in rights). We will legally marry in NYC with just the two of us but will hold a ceremony before our friends and family with a reception/party prior to the journey to stand before a bureaucrat to make it legal two days later. We wish to be transparent about those plans and not hide the fact that this ceremony has no legal standing but, believing as we do that it is our vows that make our marriage, it is important to us to share with those who have been a part of our lives for the past 16 years. I've been saddened too many times while friends jet off to stand before a JOP to get their legal rights while sacrificing the spiritual and social aspects of sharing beautiful commitment with those who mean much to them. We will have both the ceremony and celebration and the tedium of travelling to a far away clerk to make it okay in the eyes of the feds. That is decided so please avoid the PPD talk and sideways galnces at what is socially acceptable. I don't mean to be rude but, in my eyes, it's completely socially unacceptable to prevent two people in love from marrying in their faith and obtaining the legal rights due to them. With that said, here's the wording we're tinkering with (based on input we got a few months ago around here). I'm open to suggestions.
Groom 1 and Groom 2
announce their legal marriage to take place
the twelfth of May
Two thousand and fourteen
in New York, New York
The great pleasure of your company is requested
as they affirm their vows before their most
cherished family and friends
Saturday, the tenth of May
Two thousand and fourteen
at half past seven o’clock in the evening
Thanks for your thoughts.