We asked readers to send in photos of their weddings/civil unions to share with the community. What we received was a collection of beautiful stories of love and commitment.
All photo courtesy of subjects except where otherwise indicated. Additional photo gallery at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/photospreadthumbs.php .
Partners Brian Fallon and Fred Mahaffey exchanged vows in a commitment ceremony on Sept. 6, 2003 ( left ). 10 years later to the date, they had their civil union at the same church ( right ).
Partners Blake Ryan Howard ( with glasses ) and Keeton Chamberlain met at their local neighborhood bar and have been inseperable ever since. After celebrating their civil union, Dec. 11, 2013, at Armand's Pizzeria, they spent their honeymoon in Asheville, NC. At the Illinois marriage bill-signing ceremony, their image was part of the big Powerpoint presentation.
Couple Michelle Thomas and Jan Ferguson from their civil ( and spiritual ) union, Sept. 8, 2012. They plan to convert their union to a "real" marriage at City Hall June 1.
A Family Affair: Kate Lindberg-Vazquez ( left ) with Myrna Vazquez ( right ) and their adopted son Matheos.
Diane Martino and Tina Kachold joined together in a civil-union ceremony in June 2011, followed by a celebration with friends and family the following month. The couple plan to "upgrade" to marriage in June.
Craig Harzinski and Ken Mertes travelled north to Victoria, British Columbia, July 12, 2005, to tie the knot. They also celebrated with a kiss at the recent signing of SB-10, legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois.
Partners Drew Bauhs (left) and Olin Eargle seal the deal at their civil union ceremony.
Partners Cally Raduenzel (left) and Polly Jones wed at Herring Cove, Provincetown, Mass. on August 17, 2013.
4 Chicago Flower & Garden Show, presented by Mariano's, is March 15-23 at Navy Pier. See www.chicagoflower.com .
WEDDING GUIDE
-See the Windy City Times special stand-alone Wedding Guide to LGBTQ supportive businesses and services, new on Feb. 5, 2014, at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/pdf/WCTG_20140205_web.pdf or pick up the book at some of the locations where Windy City Times is distributed.
-See the Feb. 5 Windy City Times special weddings section at the link www.windycitymediagroup.com/pdf/WCT_20140205_weddings.pdf .
-See complete wedding guide listings at the link www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/WINDY-CITY-TIMES-WEDDING-GUIDE-Business-Listings/46134.html .