WITH THIS RING...
Windy City Times' quarterly Gay and Lesbian Wedding Guide continues with business profiles, wedding planning tips, and photos and stories sent in by our readers.
-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. For locations see the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/distribution.php .
-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 .
Welcome to marriage equality, Illinois!
The fight has been long and arduous, and our resolve unshakeable, and we, as a community, have achieved Marriage Equality in the state of Illinois. Whereas our battles as a community are far from over, this victory for justice and fairness is ours to celebrate! All over this great state, questions are being popped, rings are slipping onto fingers and our LGBT brothers and sisters are beginning to forge new traditions, build stronger families and shout their love from the rooftops, from Chicago to Springfield to East St. Louis and beyond. It's time to add your voice to that chorus of shouts.
At Windy City Media group for almost 30 years now, we have always put forth the idea that we, as a community should support those businesses that support us. With the advent of the signing of SB-10, the bill legalizing Marriage Equallity, we have seen a groundswell of business owners who are proud to stand with us. These businesses look forward to giving their all in the effort to make your "big day" all it can be ... and all you deserve it to be.
So please consider the businesses in this guidephotographers, caterers, venues, officiants, florists, orchestras, clothiers, and so many moreas you put together the details of your own wedding. It's time to party!
INSIDE THE BOOK:
10 THE START OF SOMETHING BIG: Gray and Ewert make history as first IL same-sex marriage
12 FRANKLY SPEAKING:Expert tips to plan your wedding expertly
14 SNAPSHOTS OF LOVE
18 HONEYMOONIN: LGBT Honeymoon Destinations
30 PREP WORK: The road to the big day for Johnny and Jason
36 LGBTFAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois gay marriage
40 PROFILE: Rick Aguilar Studios
42 PREMARITAL AGREEMENTS: Protect your property rights
44 PROFILE: Fragrant Design
46 PROFILE: Becca Kaufman Orchestra/L.V. Jordan Designs
50 BUSINESS LISTINGS
58 ON THE MARCH: Images from the Oct. 22, 2013, March on Springfield
Kirk Williamson, editor