Watermark's Wedding Guide 2020 by Watermark Publishing Group

celebrate y o u r

L G BT Q

l o v e .

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c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

Contents Introduction 7 Love Finds A Way

Wedding Trends

Five Years and Counting

LGBTQ-friendly Vendor Directory

Cover photo by José Moreno FotografiaMoreno.com Wedding Guide 2020 Published by Watermark publishing group, Inc.

owner & publisher

Rick Claggett

business manager

Kathleen Sadler editor-in-chief Jeremy Williams

tampa bay bureau chief

Ryan Williams-Jent contributing writer

Tiffany Razzano art director

Dylan Todd

sales director

Danny Garcia

founder

advertising sales

& guiding light

Sam Callahan Michael Wier Ricky Celaya-Renaud

Contents of this Wedding Guide 2020 are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Watermark Publishing Group cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Tom Dyer

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Photo by Dorian Gray Photography

Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020

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Adapt and overcome with joy

Watermark’s Wedding Guide has you covered for your big day J

“N

o union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.” Those words, authored by U.S. Supreme

So instead of clinging to marriage the way

Court Justice Anthony Kennedy in the court’s

it once was, in this guide we are looking at

landmark 2015 decision granting marriage

ways weddings and marriages are adapting

equality to LGBTQ couples, are as emotional

and changing.

to read today as they were more than five years ago when they were written.

First, we look at how venues and vendors are handling their wedding

For so many same-sex couples back then, the idea of being able to legally marry the one you love was something that seemed so

businesses and navigating these unusual times in 2020 and beyond. Next, we talk with wedding and

far out of reach. So when it did happen we

event planner Gerald Wagner-Young

celebrated — screaming, ugly crying and all

from Over The Rainbow Weddings

— and the country celebrated our love right

and look at upcoming trends

along with us.

including scaled-down receptions,

The White House lit up in rainbow colors; celebrities, politicians and faith-based leaders from all walks of life tweeted support;

micro weddings, weekday ceremonies and more. Finally, we look at how five

and we here at Watermark, with Florida

years of marriage equality

legalizing marriage equality earlier that year,

has changed the way the

had just recently published out inaugural

institution of marriage

Wedding Guide.

is seen.

Now here we are with our sixth annual

Whether big or small,

Wedding Guide and, just as we did five years

extravagant or simple,

ago, we are celebrating love, marriage and

in-person or virtual;

that special day of yours in all its shapes,

Watermark wishes you

forms and styles.

a fun and safe wedding

The year that is 2020 has changed the

celebration and a long,

landscape of how we do a lot of things,

happy and healthy

including how we memorialize our wedding

marriage.

day, but as the late Justice Ruth Bader

Photo by Eleanor & Pete of Kristen Weaver Photography

Ginsburg said, “Marriage today is not what it was under the common law tradition, under the civil law tradition.” c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020

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Love Finds a Way Wedding venues and vendors adapt for 2020 and beyond Tiffany Razzano

hile love wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t halted in 2020, many aspects of our lives were put on hold as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the United States. The coronavirus affected just about every facet of life.

Brick-and-mortar schools turned to virtual

Naturally, many in-person weddings were

classrooms. Businesses closed their doors. Many lost

cancelled, rescheduled or scaled way back to the

their jobs, and those day-to-day celebrations that

detriment of the $72 billion wedding industry.

make life worth living were suspended.

Many vendors were without income for months,

This, of course, included in-person weddings,

wondering what their next step would be. As Florida

as the Centers for Disease Control, state and local

charts its cautiously optimistic recovery, these same

municipalities, and other health organizations

vendors are finding creative ways to survive in this

nixed large gatherings. At certain points during the

new economy. We spoke with four of them about

pandemic, particularly in Florida, gatherings were

adapting for love finding a way in 2020 and beyond.

limited to the people in your home. Continued on pg. 11 | uu |

c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

Watermarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Guide 2020

Museum of Fine Arts photo by dylan todd

TheHistoryCenter.org

Weddings that make history

The Orange County Regional History Center offers distinctive, elegant spaces for your wedding or special event, including our beautifully restored 1927 courtroom. It’s the perfect location to celebrate life’s most joyous and meaningful occasions.

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c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

C o n ti n u e d f r o m p g . 9

Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando OMART.org | 407-896-4231

Navigating the pandemic on the wedding industry was “a ride, that’s for sure,” says Jonathan Von Villas, facility rentals manager at Orlando Museum of Art (OMA). The offbeat space is a frequently booked, sought-after wedding and special event

photo courtesy orlando museum of art

venue. In 2020, it saw a significant drop due to necessary restrictions and by October, had only hosted 23 events. OMA officially shut down the museum in mid-March. But the last event the space hosted was March 6. “After that, we canceled everything through September,” he reflects. “We ended working with a lot of clients. If we were unable to postpone them, then we canceled them completely with full returns.” Then, like the rest of Florida, OMA

many corporations declined for 2020. By the year’s end, however, they’d already booked their first wedding for 2021. “We’re hopeful. Obviously, it’s going to take a considerable change in data and availability, if there’s a vaccine, and when that happens, for us to change things,” Von Villas says. “For now, we’re just seeing how events go, where we can refine things and paying close attention to everything.”

staff waited and hoped for the best. In the meantime, they created health, safety and social distancing protocols for the venue. The museum was permitted to reopen in June. It wasn’t until months later, when state

The Stuffed Mushroom 825 Main St., Safety Harbor TheStuffedMushroom.com | 727-726-8686

laws on public venues and large gatherings loosened further, that the venue could begin hosting events again. In Sept. 2020, OMA hosted its first event, a scaled-down engagement party with only 30 guests. “They got us started again,” Von Villas

photo courtesy the stuffed mushroom Betsy Byrd, owner of The Stuffed Mushroom in Safety Harbor, knows she was luckier than

Mushroom catered six weddings early in the

many other wedding vendors when large

pandemic.

gatherings were banned in 2020. The Stuffed Mushroom was able to act as a

Byrd says her staff puts multiple safety protocols in place, removing the option for

says. The venue’s first wedding – for “a great

restaurant, even without the catered events.

self-service buffets. Instead, they provided a

couple of guys, Chris and Corey” – followed

They created a special pandemic menu and

gloved server who plates everyone’s meals.

Oct. 17.

focused on to-go meals.

They all wear masks and pay attention to social

Though the venue has a capacity for 300

As couples and organizers began planning

distancing.

people, they capped events at just about 33%

events again, some larger venues didn’t

of what’s normally allowed. OMA continued to

initially reopen. Many couples also restructured

necessary gatherings returned. The Stuffed

enforce local mask mandates, which instructed

their ceremonies, Byrd says.

Mushroom has contracts with several funeral

that guests must wear their masks anytime

The Stuffed Mushroom has, surprisingly,

Before weddings began again, other

homes to provide boxed lunches, Byrd says, and

they’re not eating or drinking. They also

reaped the benefit of these changes. “I feel so

while there weren’t “celebratory parties like

required six feet of social distancing.

horrible for the couples that were planning

weddings … there were celebrations of life.”

The museum’s layout makes it easy to

weddings and then this happened,” she

By 2020’s end, with uncertainty common,

keep 100 guests distanced. More difficult was

reflects. “We’ve had several weddings that

Byrd notes that “no one knows what to believe

monitoring everyone as they danced.

we’ve catered that were on the third date they

and everyone has an opinion about it. I feel that

moved to. They decided to just go forward with

we’ve been lucky, to date, in that everything

40 people instead of 150.”

we’ve been asked to cater I was comfortable

The Oct. 17 event set the stage for what’s to come. Three additional weddings were subsequently scheduled throughout the year’s

Many couples scaled down their original

end. While December usually saw more holiday

plans, hosting small groups outdoors under

office parties in the venue than weddings,

tents and bringing in caterers. The Stuffed

c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

with the precautions put in place from a client standpoint.” Continued on pg. 13 | uu |

Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020

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C o n ti n u e d f r o m p g . 1 1

Pride Wedding Ceremonies PrideWeddingCeremonies.com | 352-345-9270

Stephanie Savage-Fleming was planning her own wedding when she first realized the importance of LGBTQ+-friendly vendors. She and her now-wife had heard horror stories of other same-sex couples that faced discrimination as they planned their big days. “People shouldn’t have to feel like that when they’re getting married,” she says. “It’s supposed to be joyous and I felt like there was a need in the LGBTQ community.” She launched Pride Wedding Ceremonies for that reason, which offers officiant services specifically to same-sex couples. In late 2019 and into the next year, she started presiding over weddings. She scheduled more for later in 2020 – including her own wedding – when the

photo courtesy pride wedding ceremonies

pandemic hit. The weddings she had planned via her business were put on hold. Though the pandemic wreaked havoc on her fledgling business, she’s kept her spirits up, networking with other wedding vendors. They’ve even began partnering to offer creative piecemeal wedding packages at a discount to appeal to couples forced to change their wedding plans. “A lot of couples had big wedding plans and they still want to get married and do something, it’s just more intimate than they originally though it would be,” she says. Savage-Fleming also became more flexible with her own services. While it was initially slow to book new weddings, she noted that “I’m hopeful. My hope is this is something I can make happen for our community. It’s so important for these couples to feel special on such an important day.”

Museum of Fine Arts 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg

When the state shut down in 2020, he

both its conservatory and the Marly Room.

recalls how difficult the first week was. It was

The capacity for the conservatory is about

“right in the middle of spring wedding season”

280 people.

and there were numerous events to cancel or reschedule quickly.

What may have surprised some guests is that the MFA temporarily barred dancing at

Luckily, all couples, while disappointed,

these events, he says. They’re allowing couples’

were understanding and easy to work with

dances with their parents and their first dance,

despite these major changes. “It’s their

but other than those special moments, dancing

special day, but they understand it’s a risk

isn’t permitted.

bringing their friends and family together,”

“We’re just thinking about everyone

Fatseas reflects. “They know we’re all in this

imbibing at the bar, their inhibitions are

together.”

lowered, their masks come off by the end of

When they stopped hosting events, they

the night and they’re out on the dance floor

also shut down the museum. And then put the

shoulder to shoulder,” he says. “We have to do

closure to good use, completing renovations

what we can to control COVID.”

ahead of schedule.

After each event, staff will review the

As the state slowly reopened in phases,

protocols in place. Fatseas is hopeful that those

the MFA waited until mid-September. Most

who have booked weddings will be happy,

weddings were subsequently scheduled for

as the pandemic and subsequent limitations

2021. Fatseas notes that some even decided to

placed on them are out of their control.

push their events to 2022. The museum has

He remains cautiously optimistic.

also established strict guidelines for keeping

“Obviously, we’re hopeful that the wedding

all guests safe. This includes mask-wearing

department returns and books events and

requirements, temperature checks upon entry

generates money for the museum,” he says. “I

and physical distancing. Each event features

love working with couples. It’s a joyous time

Arts books about 100 events a year, says JP

a staff member will also be a designated

and I’d love nothing more than to get back to

Fatseas, director of operations. “Outside July

“COVID-19 point person.”

normal.”

MFAStPete.org | 727-896-2667

In “normal times,” the Museum of Fine

and August, every Saturday of the year we’re booked – and many Fridays and Sundays.”

Capacity has been severely limited as well. The museum is only allowing 50 guests in

c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020

Watermarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Guide 2020

c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

Wedding Trends 2020’s pandemic is impacting what 2021 weddings will look like J

here is no avoiding it, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted how couples are planning their weddings in 2021.

We chatted with Gerald Wagner-Young,

says. “Less than 30 guests would physically

special events planner and owner of Over The

be there with the couple. That would most

Rainbow Weddings in Orlando, about what

likely be very, very close personal friends,

trends we can expect to see on our special day

immediate family and the wedding party.” An addition to the micro wedding, which

moving forward in our new normal.

has not been traditionally done with small The Micro Wedding

weddings or elopements, is adding in a virtual component. “Instead of guests getting an invitation

The word being used the most right now for all celebrations is micro. A micro wedding

in the mail with the usual card and RSVP,”

is different than your standard “small

Wagner-Young says, “guests will get an

wedding,” which typically has about 50

invite with the date and time and a link to

guests, or an elopement, which isn’t a formal

watch the wedding through Zoom, Facebook

event at all and usually consists of the couple

Live or FaceTime.”

and a few witnesses.

Photo by J.D. Casto

“A micro wedding will have all of the same things you would have at a typical wedding,

Continued on pg. 17 | uu |

just way fewer guests,” Wagner-Young

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Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020

C o n ti n u e d f r o m p g . 1 5

that have been popular at receptions for a few

Non-Traditionalists

years now, people are getting more crafty and Some couples are even going a step further and sending a wedding gift box to virtual guests watching the ceremony from home. The packages can contain party favors, a champagne flute for the toast, personal keepsakes or whatever the couple wants to share with their online guests. “The gift box adds an additional expense but if you’re already saving money in other areas of the wedding like on catering, that can help offset the cost of the wedding boxes and it is a nice extra something to do for those who weren’t invited to the physical celebration,” Wagner-Young says. Other trends gaining popularity in the micro-realm include planning several

making their own instead of going out and purchasing them.” Another effect of the pandemic impacting 2021 weddings is the state of the economy. With lots of people having been let go from their jobs, and many more having had their hours cut back, the extra income that would have gone into the wedding just isn’t there anymore. “Some couples don’t have the money right now to pay for some of the typical wedding services,” Wagner-Young says. “So they look at it like our guests have already been to our home and have seen how we decorate, wouldn’t it be nice to bring that style into the canvas of the wedding and reception.”

micro weddings so that everyone gets an

It’s Just Another Day

opportunity to attend, organizing watch parties for virtual guests so that smaller groups of invitees can party together and planning a big celebration with all guests down the road. “Another option that couples are doing is having their micro wedding while it is still unsafe to have large gatherings and then taking the money they save on the wedding and putting it into a larger celebration at the one-year anniversary with everyone you wanted to attend the wedding physically,” Wagner-Young says.

Whether it is for cost-saving reasons or because the build-up of postponed weddings are vying for the same venues on the same day, more and more couples are opting for a less traditional time of the week to have their celebration. A recent study from the website The Knot found that one in three weddings in 2020 happened outside of Saturday. “Typically, everybody wants to do their wedding on a Saturday,” Wagner-Young says. “It’s the weekend, most people don’t have to be at work the next day so they can party into

Keeping It Simple

the night. Now, we are facing a different kind

Another trend making its way into recent weddings is applying the old phrase “less is more.” “Couples are keeping it simple, simple, simple,” Wagner-Young says. “We are getting a little bit away from the glitz and glam and we are keeping it simple and chic.” Weddings are no longer about “Keeping Up with the Joneses” (or the Kardashians for the younger crowd). Couples are bringing things from the house into the wedding reception like vintage furniture, mismatched chairs and throw pillows to give that “at-home” feeling. Couples are also getting more DIY with the reception, creating their own decorations and making their own food. “They’re making their own centerpieces, doing floral arrangements,” Wagner-Young says. “Another thing I’ve seen are these

of economy, so that means less people are working or they are not working as much and have more time during the week to be able to party. And no matter what service you’re looking at, it is always cheaper on a Tuesday than a Saturday.” Couples can save tens of thousands of dollars simply by moving their wedding from Saturday to Monday. It also opens you up to having your wedding at a venue you once thought was out of your price range. “Monday through Thursday, most wedding venues aren’t doing much of anything so they will give you a really good price to get you in on a day that they would typically be empty,” Wagner-Young says. “This economy is making us all look at weddings in a different way and Tuesday may be becoming the new Saturday.”

nothing to do with the pandemic, is the move away from traditional wedding rituals. “We are getting far from those traditional weddings you see on TV and in movies,” Wagner-Young says. “I tell my couples, especially my same-sex couples, there are no rules to this. This is your day and you need to put your stamp on it and let your guests know this is you.” Along with integrating technology into the ceremony and reception, Millennial and Gen Z couples are looking for ways to express themselves through their wedding. “Unlike in the past when the parents paid for the wedding, most young couples are footing the bill themselves so they are looking for a cool, trendy way to have a wedding without having to spend a lot of money,” Wagner-Young says. And what’s more hip and trendy (and less expensive than a catered dinner for 100 people) than a brunch reception filled with bottomless Mimosas and avocado toast? Younger couples are also getting away from the traditional norms of the wedding reception, Wagner-Young says. “Back in the day, brides were suppose to wear a white dress and grooms wore a tuxedo, but now wedding dresses are popping up in all sorts of colors,” he says. “I’ve done a wedding with a bride in red, one wore a black dress. It’s whatever makes sense to you.” Many couples are doing away with the standard dress in exchange for something more “casual-but-coordinated,” according to The Knot. “Goodbye Black-Tie,” event planner Jove Meyer said to The Knot. “Couples are leaning into more approachable, fun-forward celebrations and saying goodbye to stuffy tuxedos and gowns.” Couples are also doing away with the traditional ceremony format. “Couples are approaching seating as one big happy family,” Wagner-Young says. “Traditionally you had the bride’s side and the groom’s side, now couples are having guests sit where ever you like.” For more on Over The Rainbow Wedding services, visit

human-size Jenga and Connect Four games c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

One trend popular with younger couples in particular, and something that really has

OverTheRainbowOrlandoWeddings.com.

Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020

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For Tampa Bay’s Nicholas Cardello and Kurt English, their 2015 marriage marked their third commitment in nearly three decades together. Their first was in 1993, surrounded by

Five Years and Counting Marriage equality’s marital milestone R

- J

t’s been more than five years since marriage equality was legalized in the U.S., enshrining into law that every American had the right to enter one of civilization’s oldest institutions.

Only 36 states legally acknowledged that

Among the happily married couples are

right before June 26, 2015. In Obergefell v.

husbands and wives throughout Central

Hodges, the historic 5-4 decision that legalized

Florida and Tampa Bay, not-so-newlyweds

same-sex marriage and changed the lives

who either married when Florida legally

of millions of LGBTQ Americans, the court

allowed them to Jan. 6, 2015 or who tied the

consolidated four cases challenging state laws

knot when it was recognized nationwide. For

that prohibited it.

them, marriage equality’s five-year mark was

Writing for the court’s majority, sinceretired Justice Anthony Kennedy noted that

a marital milestone of their own. “As simple as it sounds, the feeling of

“no union is more profound” than marriage,

permanence was a change,” Orlando’s Abby

adding that “two people become something

and Rachel Silverman reflect on their nuptials.

greater than once they were.” Same-sex

“Our relationship just felt different, in a way

couples sought that joy for themselves.

that wasn’t tangible but was very real. There

When the nation’s patchwork promise of marital equality came to an end, the LGBTQ community ushered in a new

was a new legitimacy to our relationship that felt grounding.” The two have been together for more than

beginning. Just five years after the landmark

a decade but have spent five years as “The

ruling, more than a half million U.S.

Silvermans,” an unexpected delight for the

households consist of married same-sex

couple. Abby decided to take Rachel’s last

couples.

name after they wed, which they say was

The U.S. Census Bureau released the

instantly rewarding. It allowed them “to

statistic Sept. 17, 2020 after the completion of

check into a hotel or go to an event and hear

its 2019 American Community Survey. It was

yourselves be referred to as a family.”

the first time the bureau highlighted data in

The Silvermans have only grown closer

this way, done so to improve the measurement

since saying “I Do.” They spent their five-year

of same-sex couples in the U.S.

wedding anniversary at home, celebrating

Their findings showed that the number of

their last milestone as a duo since Rachel was

married couples has increased by almost 70%

eight months pregnant with their first child.

since 2014. Of the 980,000 same-sex couple

Leo was born in May, they beam, and “we

households surveyed, 58% had legally wed.

couldn’t be more in love with him.”

c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

friends and family at their home in Brandon. Their second was in a 2008 ceremony in Massachusetts, the first U.S. state and only the sixth jurisdiction in the world to recognize same-sex marriages. It granted the couple federal protections for the first time, allowing them to file joint tax returns and amend several years prior. Their marriage was finally recognized in their home state when they were among the 100 couples wed in a mass Tampa ceremony upon its Florida legalization. “We have so many anniversaries that our family doesn’t know when to send us an anniversary card,” the couple muses. “We were delighted to introduce ourselves as husbands and see no one could challenge that.” Even after their decades together, their latest ceremony surprised them. “It felt good to fully participate in an institution that was solely reserved for opposite sex couples,” they say. “We had been afforded legal standing in terms of rights and responsibilities, and recognition of our relationship in all aspects of life.” According to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy group, more adults in the U.S. recognize those rights than ever before. In celebrating five years of marriage equality, the organization analyzed 30 years of public polling data – from 1988 to 2018 – to reveal that support for same-sex marriage had increased in the U.S. by 56%, rising from only 12% to 68%. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell not only changed the nation’s laws, they concluded, it “changed the hearts and minds of millions of Americans.” Or as the LGBTQ community has always known, before marriage equality and especially after its five-year marital milestone, love is love.

Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020

E 5 IS 65 RT VE 13D A 8 LL

H IT

S! U 90 -98

Your LGBTQ Life.

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Read Watermark in print every other week, and get daily news updates at WatermarkOnline.com /WatermarkFL

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D AY T O N A B E A C H • O R L A N D O • TA M P A • C L E A R W AT E R • S T. P E T E R S B U R G • S A R A S O TA

CATERING / CAKES John Michael Exquisite Weddings and Catering 407-894-6671 JohnMichaelEvents.com

The Stuffed Mushroom 727-726-8686 TheStuffedMushroom.com

CEREMONY & RECEPTION LOCATIONS Art and History Museum - Maitland 407-539-2181 ArtAndHistory.org

Barrymore Hotel 813-223-1351

Gay St Pete House 727-365-0544 GayStPeteHouse.com

Vendor Directory

Little Harbor Resort 813-922-6167 StayLittleHarbor.com

Orlando International Airport 407-825-2001 OrlandoAirports.net

OFFICIANT/ WEDDING PLANNER

o you’re about to get married, right? Oh, you thought it was all about the proposal! Well, if you want to do it up in style but aren’t sure where to start, here’s a list of businesses we know that will make your special day shine.

Humanist Celebrant Orlando 407-608-9242 HumanistCelebrantOrlando.com

Pride Wedding Ceremonies

BarrymoreHotel.com

352-345-9270

Bilmar Beach Resort

PrideWeddingCeremonies.com

866-302-7534 BilmarBeachResort.com

Celebration Gardens 407-896-0314 OrlandoCelebrationGardens.com

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown 407-425-4455 DoubleTreeOrlandoDowntown.com

Lakeside Reception Hall 407-298-3473 LakesideReceptionHall.com

Little Harbor Resort 813-922-6167 StayLittleHarbor.com

Orange County Regional History Center 407-836-8500 TheHistoryCenter.org

Orlando Museum of Art 407-896-4231 OMArt.org

PHOTOGRAPHY FINANCIAL SERVICES

The Capen House at the Polasek 407-636-9317 CapenHouse.com

GTE Financial Credit Union

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife

GTEFinancial.org

Dylan Todd Photography 727-310-1212 DylanToddPhotography.com

REAL ESTATE

813-871-2690

Preferred Properties of Sarasota

727-892-4200

HONEYMOON & TRAVEL

TheJamesMuseum.org

Zoo Tampa 813-935-8552

Barrymore Hotel

ZooTampa.org/Weddings

813-223-1351 BarrymoreHotel.com

ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC

Bilmar Beach Resort

941-321-5638 PrefHomes.net

RETAIL, GIFTS, ACCESSORIES & FAVORS

866-302-7534

City Furniture

BilmarBeachResort.com

CityFurniture.com

ShorelineDJs.com

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown

Tyrone Frame and Mirror

Strings Etc.

407-425-4455

TyroneFrame.com

Shoreline DJ 727-295-6376

DoubleTreeOrlandoDowntown.com

407-257-0610 StringsEtc.net

c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020

727-344-1000

Bevel and Flat Mirrors Cut to your specifications! Specialty Frames Available in Oval, Circle, and Shadowbox.

All Custom Framework is Professional Crafted on-premises!!!

TyroneFrame.com announcements

Wedding BeLLs

2060 Tyrone Blvd N • St. Pete condolEncES

Gavin and Patrick Cooper

Former St. Petersburg resident Herschel Bowen passed away Jan. 18. He will be dearly missed.

from Orlando, Florida

EnGaGEMEnT daTE:

Artist and former Orlando resident Paul Horan passed away Jan. 28. He will be dearly missed.

that we decided to post onto YouTube for our friends and family to see. Almost four years later, the video now has over 738,000 views!” You can see the magical flash mob proposal by going to the couple’s YouTube channel, Gavin&Patrick. The video is called “Patrick and Gavin’s Disney World Proposal.” The couple married in Nov. 2018. Their wedding day was packed with every bit of the same romance the couple had been feeling all along. Gavin describes a beautiful moment the couple shared prior to the ceremony. “I’ll never forget the last few moments we spent together before we separated to walk down the aisle to the ceremony stage. We stood together behind a wall, out of sight from our guests, and just held each other’s hands while praying and thanking God for bringing us together and for allowing us to have all the people we love in one place, in that very moment, to watch us celebrate our love for each other.” Gavin adds, “It was a feeling that I never had felt before. I think it was due in part to so many emotions running through my body. It was truly a magical moment.” For Patrick, the special moment came during the ceremony when the couple was sharing their own vows to each other. “While I was reciting mine, I stopped and told Gavin to look out at what we were able to do. I had been dreaming about that moment for so many years. It took a lot of hard work and sacrifices to get to that day and it had hit me right there on the stage that this dream was a reality, and if we were able to do that, we could do anything that we dream up together.”

local BiRThdayS

(727) 344-1000

March 11, 2015

wEddinG daTE:

nov. 17, 2018

vEnUE:

Hyatt regency orlando

coloRS:

Burgundy, navy Blue, Gold

wEddinG SonG/ aRTiST:

“a Million dreams” by pink

caTERER:

Hyatt regency orlando

officianT:

Chris winsor

caKE BaKERy:

Hyatt regency orlando

caKE flavoR:

Marble with citrus ﬁlling

PhoToGRaPhER:

danny Gorman photography

Photo by dANNy goreMAN PhotogAPhy

AVIN AND PATRIcK cOOPER

agree they’ve been stuck on each other since the first time they met.

“A mutual friend thought that we would be good together and encouraged us to add each other on Facebook,” Gavin says. “So we did, but never took the time to really chat or schedule a time to meet in person. More than a year later, we had our first meeting and first date on Feb. 11, 2014. We were inseparable starting that very night.” Patrick describes meeting Gavin as love at first sight. “I knew I wanted to marry Gavin when I first saw him walk out of the restaurant to greet me on our very first date. He was so handsome, it almost took my breath away. I knew in that moment I wanted to marry this man.”

Gavin, an Altamonte Springs, Fla. native, currently works as a leasing professional. Patrick is a social media influencer, originally from Laguna Beach, Calif. They now live together in Orlando. With such remarkable chemistry from the beginning, it comes as no surprise that the couple’s engagement was a big to-do. Patrick was the one to pop the question. “Patrick proposed to me with a flash mob proposal at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, the location where we had our first date,” Gavin says. “We had an amazing group of talented friends that were able to record the whole thing and edited it into a beautiful video

Orlando attorney barbara Leach, Orlando fitness guru tony edge, real estate agent eric Puzone (Feb. 7); St. Petersburg dance instructor Julia Meyerovich-Neighbors (Feb. 8); Co-owner of Hamburger Mary’s Orlando Mike Rogier (Feb. 9); Watermark columnist Melody Maia Monet, Creative Tile Design of St. Petersburg owner tom o’Keefe, St. Petersburg hair stylist Ric Castro (Feb. 10); Stonewall’s Julian Bain, LaToya Little aka Xia Adonis, St. Petersburg attorney bobby King, Tampa media specialist Bart Birdsall, Florida Council on Economic Education Executive Director Mike Bell, Watermark’s former creative assistant Patrick o’connor (Feb. 11); Tampa photographer Mark Danner; (Feb. 12); J. Meyer’s Insurance co-owner cathy Meyers-Keene, USF Vegetarian Society President Mark Weber, Tampa Suncrest Home Health director Portia Weiss (Feb. 13); Honey Pot and G St Pete co-owner ernie Webb, Tampa Bay performer Jaeda Fuentes, UCF graduating senior Steven Hogue, Orlando banking guru Diana cox, Tampa Bay realtor Ryan Thompson (Feb. 14); Gary Lambert Salon & Spa co-owner Shawn Hunt, St. Petersburg’s The Queen’s Head co-owner Darren Conner (Feb. 15); LGBTQ-friendly Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni, The Venue Orlando owner Blue Star, Orlando man-about-town Nick Crush, Tampa activist chris goldsmith, Tampa Bay Bears president Keenan Rose (Feb. 16); Tampa Bay entertainer Iman, Downtown Arts District board member Ben Laube, Orlando playwright-actor John Ryan, Disney entertainment guru John Bearse, Punky’s cast member Monique Love (Feb. 17); Tampa’s Xtreme Total Health and Wellness consultant Ty Williams, Orange County arts hero Terry Olsen (Feb. 18); Owner of Crabtree Healthy Living toni crabtree, Stonewall Pinellas Democrat Rick Boylan (Feb. 19); Watermark husband Wade Williams-Jent aka Dixie Lynn Michaels, Tampa model and web site recruiter Michael Vought, Orlando realtor sam gallaher, Central Florida funeral director Sam Odom, Tampa Bay leather entrepreneur Billy seablom, Lighthouse Credit Foundation founder David Crow, Tampa Bay actor Jay goldberg, Sarasota realtor Michael grady (Feb. 20).

from Orlando, Florida

enGaGement date:

about whether I was going to end up moving to New York or he was going to move down here, and I said to him, ‘For when we get married … you are going to marry me, right?’ and he said ‘of course,’ then all of a sudden he went, ‘Wait a minute, did you just ask me to marry you?’” “I was like, ‘Back up! Wait, repeat that?!’” Rafael says. “Then he did the formal ask, ‘Will you marry me?’, and then I said yes. The waiter came by and asked us the status. She high-fived us and brought us champagne on the house. It was very sweet that she was in on it, too.” Taylor and Rafael married two years from the date of their engagement. They shared it was an outdoor wedding ceremony at the same place as their first date. The ceremony was very casual with just their immediate families and a few very close friends. They wrote their own vows. “I thought it was special that we came back to the location of our first date five years ago,” Rafael says. “Having our families and loved ones brought together in one place as witnesses made it even more meaningful.” “Lots of happy tears,” Taylor shares. The ceremony was followed by casual drinks at Stonewall and soul food at Chef Eddies Restaurant. The couple says that there was one touch in particular that made the day even more amazing. “Rafael made our rings with his own hands,” Taylor shares. “I have an arts background. I always wanted to design and make our own rings. I forged them two days before the wedding. Talk about last minute,” Rafael laughs.

Jan. 11, 2017

weddinG date:

do yoU havE an annoUncEMEnT? See your news in Watermark! Send your announcement to editor@Watermarkonline.com

Jan. 11, 2019

iT’S ThaT EaSy!

—Aaron Drake

announcements

Wedding bells

William Taylor bulloch and rafael torres

venue:

do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? If so, email the details to editor@Watermarkonline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

Urban Wetlands at Greenwood park

COlOrs:

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 7 - F eb rua ry 20, 2019 // Issue 26 .03

Black & White

weddinG sOnG/artist:

“this Must Be the place” by talking Heads

OffiCiant:

Colin Moore

phOtOGrapher:

Meche ausina photography Photo by meche aUsiNa PhotograPhy

Former St. Petersburg resident Herschel Bowen passed away Jan. 18. He will be dearly missed.

from Orlando, Florida

EnGaGEMEnT daTE:

nov. 17, 2018

vEnUE:

Hyatt regency orlando

coloRS:

Burgundy, navy Blue, Gold

wEddinG SonG/ aRTiST:

“a Million dreams” by pink

caTERER:

Hyatt regency orlando

officianT:

caKE BaKERy:

Hyatt regency orlando

caKE flavoR:

Marble with citrus ﬁlling

PhoToGRaPhER:

danny Gorman photography

Photo by dANNy goreMAN PhotogAPhy

AVIN AND PATRIcK cOOPER

agree they’ve been stuck on each other since the first time they met.

Artist and former Orlando resident Paul Horan passed away Jan. 28. He will be dearly missed.

March 11, 2015

wEddinG daTE:

local BiRThdayS

I wasn’t interested in any of them.” Taylor laughs. Taylor is General Manager at Stonewall Bar in Orlando, where he moved from Tallahassee. Rafael is a philanthropist and moved back to Orlando, where the couple now lives together. “I knew I was going to ask him [to marry me] at the Red Rooster in Harlem,” Taylor says. “We were talking about moving forward and how we were going to go about things as we had been dating long distance for three years. I just was talking

from St. Petersburg, Florida

engAgeMent dAte:

May 5, 2017

wedding dAte:

Jan. 12, 2019

venue:

Cathedral of St. peter

cOlOrs:

dark blue, purple, white

live MusiciAn:

Choirmaster dwight thomas, ashley thunder, kevin Mitchell, amanda Mayven Missbehavin’, nicole desiree Hays and Curiositorium crew

dJ service:

DJ L Mo, laMonte Monnell

cAterer:

Hyatt place

OfficiAnt:

Father Sam tallman and Canon katie Churchwell

cAke BAkerY:

Dec. 31, 2017

weDDinG Date:

March 24, 2019

venue:

Bern’s Park

colors:

Dark navy, burgundy and gold

weDDinG sonG/artist:

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

live musician:

String quartet

DJ service:

Grant Hemond and Associates

caterer:

Jackson’s Bistro

officiant: Brian Frey

photoGrapher:

Brian Adams Photographics and Perfect Sky Productions

Photo by bRIan aDaMS PhotoGRaPhICS anD PeRFeCt Sky PRoDUCtionS

ARRy myeRS hAD the SuRpRiSe

of a lifetime for Nicholas Relyea on his 40th birthday at Bern’s Park—a proposal. He had planned the engagement for four months and it was attended by 40-45 people. “Bern’s Park is our halfway point when we take walks at night, so it has great significance to us,” Relyea says.

The pair first met in March 2017. “We met through mutual friends on March 24, 2017, and the attraction, both physically and emotionally, were instant,” Relyea tells. “Neither of us was pursuing any kind of relationship. People say when you stop looking he will appear, and they are right! Love at first sight really does exist!” Relyea, who works as a loan underwriter, is originally from

Syracuse, N.Y. Myers grew up in Chicago, Ill., and is currently employed as a community development officer. They now live together in Tampa. “Marriage was never in the cards for either of us, so it didn’t really cross our minds until we had several conversations over the course of six months,” Relyea shares. “Our relationship was different from our previous ones and we knew what we had was

cAke/cupcAke flAvOrs:

conGratulations

Chocolate ganache layer cake, edible glamour chocolate glitter balls

orlando City Commissioners officially voted unanimously April 8 to pass a resolution to recognize LGBTQ-certified businesses in their procurement practices.

from Tampa, Florida

enGaGement Date:

artistic Whisk desserts, Jovana Boksen

announcements

Nicholas Relyea and Harry Myers

theMe:

GayStPete house celebrated 11 years serving St. Petersburg on April 14.

special. We moved quickly and recognized that at the time—but hey, when you know you know.” (The couple invites you to watch their sweet engagement video at WatermarkOnline.com.) The couple later married in the same location that Myers proposed to Relyea, at Bern’s Park. A reception followed with their friends and family at the Waterfront Room of Jackson’s Bistro. “Our processional was ‘A Thousand Years’ arranged for string quartet, and our first dance was ‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran,” Relyea says. “We didn’t necessarily have a theme per se, but knew from the beginning of the planning process what our colors would be. Since the reception would begin at 7 p.m., we knew that candlelight was a must so we chose gold tapers and round floating candles—a lot of them. The tables were dressed with burgundy linens, geometric gold chargers, gold flatware and dark navy napkins.” And instead of a cake, the pair opted for a seven-tier champagne fountain! Each of the guys had their favorite moment from the day. Relyea says, “Harry loves to dance and he is really good at it! He hired two choreographers prior to the wedding, had dance routine sessions and surprised me at the reception with a dance that incorporated several songs that are special to both of us. He rocked it!” For Harry, it was all about being together with their loved ones. “The evening ended with an impromptu friendship circle dance with everyone arm-in-arm, singing and swaying together. It was a truly magical moment of friendship, love and support.”

Publisher/Owner/Editor rick claggett celebrated 17 years with Watermark Feb. 28. bradley’s on 7th celebrated its eighth anniversary March 2.

lOCal Birthdays

St. Petersburg muralist Dereck Donnelly, Tampa Bay political expert Randy Smith (March 7); Orlando Sentinel columnist scott maxwell, Orlando actor erik branch, St. Petersburg realtor matt lawrence, Jobsite Theater’s David Jenkins (March 8); St. Petersburg mail carrier Derek Wilkins, Sarasota woman about town misty smeltzer, St. Petersburg Practice Management Consulting president Jacob hamm, Southern Nights bartender cathy binkewicz (March 9); Halcyon singer/songwriter Deb hunseder, Gulfport gal caitlyn DeWitt, St. Petersburg City Councilwoman gina Driscoll, Punky’s bartender Aaron Mcbeth, Biz Buzz Inc’s bryant Dannic (March 10); O-Town actor Kevin Kelly, Orlando activist/ arts supporter margo Dixon, artist terry hummel, Dunedin dentist mike hopkins, St Pete Pride President D. chrys bundy, Foreign film aficionado bob Austin, Former Doggie Door co-owner Jeff brow (March 11); Wells Fargo regional president David guzman, Burlesque performer “Lady Siren” shena lollar (March 12); Tampa muscle man Danny Watson, Orlando Hamburger Mary’s John Paonessa, St. Pete community leader larry biddle (March 13); Quench bartender Mitch Demmons, Tampa event planner tim thompson, Orlando softball superstar Mary Johnson, Ember bartender Ramon hernandez (March 14); Tampa nutritional biochemist Debra Roche, St. Petersburg realtor bobby Poth, United Health’s Paul bradford (March 15); Publix Headquarters PR man chris mcNally (March 16); St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, skincare genius tabor Winstead, Talkin’ Pets co-host Jon Patrick, Enigma staple Indrek Karner (March 17); Ember bartender brian Kabbash, Central Florida recruiter charles elliott (March 18); St. Petersburg massage therapist terrell Ray, Sheriff deputy becca riley storozuk, ABM Orlando’s Sheila block (March 19); Central Florida radio personality Moira, Central Florida performer William bruce, Two Spirit guru alex rey cardona (March 20).

dO yOu have an annOunCement? send your announcement to editor@Watermarkonline.com

Xanadu, You Have to Believe We are Magic.

Sawmill Resort celebrated 21 years as America’s favorite gay camping ground on April 16.

phOtOgrApher:

local BirthDays

Jeanine Halum

Orlando arts patron Jerry baumeister, St. Petersburg Stonewall Democrat beth Fountain, St. Petersburg superwoman tammy benjamin, Tampa Bay environmentalist Joey Stalker (April 18); Orlando bartender Spencer Dalberth, Tampa Bay entertainer Jacqueline St. James (April 19); Tampa Bay entertainer vivion Rachel harris Clarke, YouTuber and transgender advocate Zinnia Jones, Sarasota-area actor Peter Ruiz (April 20); Central Florida realtor Scott Penyak, LGBTQ advocate Randy Stephens, On-air personality for Magic 107.7 Chad Pitt, Tampa burlesque producer Mayven Missbehavin (April 21); “Miss Pee-Vira” aJ Pratt, Central Florida promoter neema bahrini, Tampa business owner Michael DiCamillo, Rollins College director of dance bob Sherry, Project No Labels founder Claire eli, Tampa Femmes and Follies producer Katie James (April 22); TIGLFF former executive director Scott Skyberg, former Watermark sales rep tammi Jones, Tampa Leather Club’s Joseph Mastrapasqua, artist amanda vickers, Metro Operations Manager allan hero-Shaw (April 23); Congressman Darren Soto’s aide vivian Rodriguez, St. Petersburg actor tom Campbell, former Tampa actor larry buzzeo, O-Town textbook editor Sara lyna, former St Pete Pride president Scott turner, Tampa bear bill vincent, Project No Labels Social Media Director valerie Lynn; Florida Orchestra Principal Flutist Clay ellerbroek-Pettiford, Red Ribbon Cyclist Drew Reed (April 24); Watermark contributor and “News Junkie” Sabrina ambra, Florida Democratic Progressive Caucus president Susan Smith (April 25); Iberian Rooster Kyle hill, Gender Identity in Florida Today president Jennifer Marvin, Tampa dancer Jackie huston (April 26); Metro Inclusive Health Fundraising and Event Coordinator Roosevelt Cevallos (April 27); Parliament House owner Don Granatstein, app whiz Randy Shepard (April 28); St. Pete hotel manager tom Ziri (April 29); Tampa licensed mental health counselor anthony Quaglieri, UCF’s former GLBSU president Jessica osborn, St. Pete drink-slinger Russell Sutherland (April 30); Orlando DJ brianna lee from Parliament House, Orlando Shakes marketing director Christian knightly (May 1).

PhoTo by Jeanine haLum

R. STEPHEN HAWK AND

Jonathan Soots first met in 2014 how many people tend to connect these days: online. The pair finally met in person in February 2015 at a house party.

“We first met at a mutual friend’s housewarming,” Soots says. “Our first real date was after our friend Eddie Sotomayor’s funeral.” The couple explained their mutual friend passed away during the Pulse tragedy in Orlando. Seeing each other again opened the door to them

spending more time together after they attended the funeral. Then they made things official in July 2016. Hawk is from Kansas City, Mo. and Soots is from Lenoir, N.C. The couple lives together in St. Petersburg with their dog, Dusty.

cOngrAtulAtiOns Watermark contributor Colton adkins and Caleb hernandez were engaged Feb. 3.

salty’s gulfport celebrated its sixth year Feb. 17. honey Pot celebrates its 12th anniversary March 2.

Soots recalls when he initially thought they were destined to marry. “We realized a couple months into our relationship in fall 2016 when we were apart for a couple weeks, one on a pre-planned vacation and the other staying home for work. Stephen was on a gay cruise in Europe and messaged me saying, ‘OMG, I miss you, will you marry me?’” Hawk surprised Jonathan when he popped the question at the International Mall in Tampa. “He took me to International Mall and said we were going to the Tesla store,” Soots says. “Then he took me next door for ring shopping. He said to me, ‘What rings do you like?’ And then said, ‘Marry me!’ I said yes, and we picked out our rings.” The two married at the beginning of 2019 in downtown St. Pete. Performers included soprano Ashley Thunder, baritone Luis Gonzalez, tenor Kevin Mitchell and cellist Betsy Goode Isaak from Disney. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” was performed by pianist Sean Bennett. The ceremony was followed by a reception at Hyatt Place with their families and friends. For Soots, the most memorable moment of the day came from the ceremony. “Kissing him in a 120-year-old cathedral where it once wasn’t always acceptable,” he says. “After coming out in 2010, I never thought I would love again. I worried about the rawness and emptiness of life, but he became my everything.” Hawk also says the most unforgettable moment of the day for him came during their ceremony. “Speaking from my heart at the reception. Giving vows in front of hundreds of important people in our lives.”

barCodes orlando celebrates 10 years on March 5.

lOcAl BirthdAYs

Orlando educator John albritton (Feb. 21); Tampa consultant bart nagy, Rollergirl Jessy “spikey” wayles, TIGLFF superstar Renee Cossette, St Pete Pride Treasurer stanley solomons, Orlando photographer/videographer savannah Powell, Graphi-ko Gallery owner wilmer e. vergara homez (Feb. 22); Orlando’s singing cowboy cub CiJay bailey, The Hammered Lamb owner Jason Lambert, Central Florida realtor david dorman, Sunrise Body Revival Chiropractic’s Dr. Travis france (Feb. 23); Metro City Realty owner Jon sheehan, St. Pete Free Clinic’s beth houghton (Feb. 24); Songbird megan monesmith, Geek Easy’s oral frier; Orlando graphic designer Lisa buck, Framing of Central Florida co-owner mike van der Leest, Tampa hairstylist Christopher nejman, Tampa Bay’s FabStayz and Outings & Adventures founder Robert geller, Tampa Bay transgender activist Janice Carney, Regions man bob sanders (Feb. 25); Come Out With Pride’s matthew Riha, Orlando City Soccer Club account executive Tiago mazzotti (Feb. 26);Tampa softballer Carlos Lopez, Sarasota Ballet marketing manager mike marraccini, A/V technician at The Social/Beacham Peter smith, Orlando aesthete extraordinaire Jim Cundiff, Tampa massage therapist eduardo Campos (Feb. 27); Orlando photographer J.d. Casto, Polk Pride’s scott guira, Disney Cruise Line’s david baldree (Feb. 28); Fields Motorcars Orlando’s Russ fowler, Orlando Gay Chorus’ Joel strack (Feb. 29); Drag beauty Chrysanthe mum, Orlando Gay Chorus founding member Joel strack (March 1); Former Joy MCC pastor Lisa heilig, Indigo Hotel’s Tim Calandrino, Orlando community activist heather Leibowitz, Tampa Bay bowler Carmen aguilar, Girls in Wonderland’s yesl Leon (March 2); Gay Days’ steve erics, Tampa photographer Todd montgomery (March 3); Tampa Bay singer and comedian Judy b. goode, Sarasota activist mark kidd, Club Orlando attendant arthur adams, Tampa mama Patty Cannon (Mar. 4); Carnival Cruise Line’s seth grunes, St. Pete socialite david hines, The Pub/Lakeland and Southern Comfort Campground owner vaughn howell (March 5); Orlando playwright, actor, and Watermark contributor michael wanzie, TIGLFF Director of Programming kJ mohr, Orlando realtor Rustin davis, Rollins College theater director Thomas ouellette, Tampa colorist Chas stickney, Les Vixens dancer allyna nikohl, Sarasota Modern agent hector esteban (March 6)

dO YOu hAve An AnnOunceMent? send it to editor@watermarkonline.com

it’s thAt eAsY!

—Aaron Drake

do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with watermark readers? if so, email the details to editor@watermarkonline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

announcements

Wedding BellS

nick Crush and Jason Ruggerio from Lake Helen, Florida

engAgement dAte:

Oct. 22, 2016

wedding dAte:

Dec. 7, 2018

venue:

Pass-A-Grille Beach

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

congrAtulAtions

Community Cafe celebrated five years and old Key West bar & Grill celebrated four years Jan. 19. the hammered lamb celebrates its sixth anniversary Jan. 29.

to pop the question, I had known for years.” “I knew that I wanted to be with Nick before we were together,” Ruggerio says. “When we met he gave me a hug, and even though we were introduced as friends, I knew I wanted to get to know him and I knew I wanted to be kept in his warm, loving, secure and protective arms forever.” The two were married in a small ceremony in Dec. 2018. The wedding was organized by Tide the Knot Beach Weddings and held on Pass-A-Grille Beach in St. Petersburg. The couple shared the chairs were adorned with royal blue ribbons. The flowers were tropical with orange and red roses, blue orchids and orange birds of paradise. Ruggerio and Crush walked down an aisle scattered with red and white rose petals to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” played by a saxophonist. “There were many special moments, but I think my favorite moment was the champagne toast with our families,” Ruggerio says. They followed up with a cocktail hour and reception on Dec. 9 at The Veranda in Thornton Park in Orlando. The colors were red and white, and it was themed “Mad Tea Party,” with guests invited to wear bowties and fun hats. The couple ditched the traditional wedding cake and went with a variety of goodies made by Ruggerio’s mom Laurie and Kaitlyn “Badvegun” Bailey.

Once you say

I DO,

announcements

wedding bells

iT’S ThaT EaSy!

wedding bellS

6s boutique celebrated its eighth anniversary Feb. 20.

Ma rch 7 - M a rch 20, 2019 // ISSue 26 .05

stephen Hawk and Jonathan Soots

do yoU havE an annoUncEMEnT?

Feb rua ry 7 - F eb rua ry 20, 2019 // Issue 26 .03

—Aaron Drake

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Rafael Torres went on their first date to Urban Wetlands at Greenwood Park.

COnGratulatiOns

Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? if so, email the details to editor@Watermarkonline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

See your news in Watermark! Send your announcement to editor@Watermarkonline.com

—Aaron Drake

iLLiAM tAYLOR BULLOCh AND

“It was supposed to be just a lunch date and it turned into a whole afternoon thing,” Taylor says. “I remember thinking at the end of our first date, I could so marry this guy,” Rafael says. “Then after two years of talking and dating long distance, I was going back to New York after a long holiday visit together and I knew this is the one I wanted to keep.” Rafael adds, “My job was in New York City, of all places, with thousands of gay men and

condolEncES

Gavin and Patrick Cooper

Chris winsor

announcements

Wedding BeLLs

COndOlenCes

College Park resident angelyn conklin passed away Feb. 18. The activist and community champion was loved by many and will be missed.

share your story with Watermark readers.

Tampa Pride and GaYbor icons Carrie West and Mark West Bias celebrate 42 years together on Feb. 3.

locAl birthdAys

Orlando home inspector and art lover Paul Kusic, St. Petersburg performer Rolando Xavier, former Watermark intern Kim Slichter (Jan. 24); Tampa Bay performer Ashley Smith, Tampa Bay guiding light Jan Flowers, ABC7 meteorologist trevor hayes, St. Petersburg realtor and Punky’s proprietor Jim longstreth (Jan. 25); Sarasota photographer Kaje housman, Double M Band’s Mario Jooste, The Garage bartender larry Wolf, Ybor City special events promoter Chucky Ruckus (Jan. 26); CR insurance group agent miguel rullan-Calaf (Jan. 27); Orlando performer ellen Jewell, St. Matthew’s Tavern co-owner matthew Fassl, Orlando thespian tim DeBaun, Faith Arts Village Executive Director Will Benton, Tampa Bay massage therapist Michael Scranton, Tampa Bay bartender Robb Weese, Spooky Empire’s Gina mongelli (Jan. 28); Central Florida photographer Jenna Michele (Jan. 29); Lightning fast jammer haley Perry; Woodhouse Day Spa owner Mark lettelleir, FSU grad and Ocala muse Bill Bondank, Orlando performer Apple teenee (Jan. 30); Orlando drag legend leigh shannon, marketing pro Ken Kundis, WFTV News 9 anchor Jorge estevez, Orlando Gay Chorus singer holly Cowden-Feld, Orlando juggler Dantei Grace (Jan. 31); Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, St. Petersburg massage therapist emily stone, Tampa Softball player thomas hale, Orlando softball hunk Jason hamm, Southern Nights owner rick Kowalczyk, Social on First managing partenr Mark Anthony, Tampa darling Bryan Chant (Feb. 1); Tampa Pride president Carrie West, The Center Orlando board member lee Kirkpatrick (Feb. 2); Enigma Show Director Daphne Ferraro, Gulfport theater addict Rob McCabe, Tampa Pride’s Carrie West, Central Florida community activist Brock Cornelus (Feb. 3); former TIGLFF executive director Margaret Murray, Tampa Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Scott Ryan, St. Petersburg painter David Rule, Orlando doctor Rafael Pinero (Feb. 4); Watermark contributor holly Kapherr Alejos, Orlando Fringe board member Daniel Blumberg (Feb. 5); Fine art photographer Josh Garrick, photographer

EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM FOR CONSIDERATION AS A FUTURE FEATURE. Do you have an announcement?

Send your announcement to editor@Watermarkonline.com

—Aaron Drake

it’s that easy!

wedding song/ Artist:

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M Ay 1, 2019 // issue 26 .0 8

colors:

Blue & khaki

“The Way you Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

dj service:

DJ Wayne McKay

cAterer:

Pom Pom Teahouse & Sandwicheria / St. Matthew’s Tavern at the Orlando Beer Garden

Watermark’s Wedding Guide 2020 wedding goodies:

Chocolate peanut butter brownie cupcakes, apple pie tartlets and homemade strawberry, chocolate raspberry and blueberry lemon Pop-Tarts

officiAnt:

Photo by tiDe the KNot beaCh WeDDiNGs

ASON RUGGERIO AND

Nick Crush met in November 2011. “On our first date, after dinner, I took him to a little playground off Mills and that’s where I proposed to him five years later,” Crush shares.

“He later told me that he had been planning it for a while and

who is employed as Operational Risk Liaison for Charles Schwab,

c e l e b r a t e y o u r L G BT Q l o v e .

Continued on pg. 25 | uu |

Wedding Design by Simple Weddings Florida

Your cake can be vanilla, but your wedding shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be! Indoor & Outdoor Venues Exquisite Catering Animal Experiences & Photo Ops Expert Event Planners Enhanced Safety Measures Wild Memories For More Information: Email Events@ZooTampa.org or Visit ZooTampa.org/Weddings