GayWeddings.com

New York, NY (July 19, 2011) - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and City Clerk Michael McSweeney today announced that due to high demand for marriage services on Sunday, July 24, 2011 – the first day New York State’s recently passed marriage equality law takes effect – the City will conduct a public lottery for any couple wishing to marry on July 24th. The lottery will guarantee access to one of the City Clerk’s five offices for 764 couples – opposite sex or same sex – on July 24th.

If the results we saw when Washington, D.C. legalized (and California briefly legalized) same-sex marriage is any indication for the New York market, it will be important for wedding pros to thoughtfully approach the growing market of engaged, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered) couples.

We believe that these are the vendors who stand to gain the most and, in turn, offer the greatest help to the LGBT community.

Keep tabs on the vote throughout the evening! You might also enjoy following the trending topics #NY4M and #SSM and #LGBT on Twitter.

And, while you're at it, please leave a comment below with your thoughts on legal marriage having a chance in New York!

For kicks, we're inviting the LGBT community and its straight allies to share in the NY marriage equality experience.

As more folks add status updates and photos from the rallies, legislative sessions, and what we hope will be the thrill of victory rather than the agony of defeat, those of us who could not be in NY will be able to enjoy an "on the ground" experience.

Share your updates, videos and/or images!

by guest author, Cheryl Hooten of Dream Gay Weddings

As a Wedding Officiant, Chicago native and life long equal rights advocate, I’ve been paying special attention to the fight for marriage equality in Illinois. I’ve read all the blogs and articles about the historic law signed by Gov. Pat Quinn that recognizes Civil Unions and makes them officially available to couple as of June 1, 2011.

But many of those resources are misleading, and very few of them point out the significant things you need to know before you start making any wedding plans.

One of the things I enjoy most about this job is the energy of other professionals and the creative ways they are finding to express their talents. One local (DC) group in particular has pulled together it's second effort -- the Not So Big Wedding -- to have fun and showcase wedding ideas which can be executed with class, taste and affordability.

For better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health... I am pleased to announce my participation in "Gay Day" on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Hillwood Estate in Washington, DC.

Let's face it: sometimes I get a little mischievous when I think about what might happen if "the gays" took over some classic straight wedding events.

Take, for example: Filene's Basement - Running of the Brides

You know where I'm going with this, don't you? How could I not?

Summer is officially upon us, meaning that Pride Season is officially underway. Gay and lesbian couples who are planning to tie the knot or are seeking more wedding-related resources and products have a lot to look forward to this month.

At GayWeddings.com

Get ready for next week's product launch of an amazing new line of rings. We're bringing this fabulous new line to our customers with the help of a talented jeweler and you'll love what you see. We'll be offering individual wedding bands and engagement bands and fabulous sets which live at the intersection where traditional meets trendsetting. Stay tuned for more details.

In Washington, D.C.

The last few weeks have been busy ones for us here at GayWeddings.com. We enjoyed our recent contribution to the successful Gay & Lesbian Wedding Planning Seminar; headed to the Big Apple to meet some new business partners and expand the product offerings in our boutique; and now look forward to a restful holiday weekend as we reflect on those who have bravely served our country and (thanks to yesterday's vote in the House of Representatives) now those who gays and lesbians who will be able to openly serve our country.

Same Sex Marriage Planning Seminar