Oh, hi! :)
I have been rather silent over the last few weeks, with a list of things to achieve before flying back to Phoenix for a very special occasion. Which I will get to, once I announce my latest news.
Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuuunnnnnnn....
"Vintage Ink - Every Second Counts" will be released from Evernight Publishing on April 1st, 2013. Just a few days away! I will talk about it more soon, but what I will say is it's a series set in the city I not only lived in for 10 years of my life but just got back from visiting.
A visit back to the desert is always nice. I have a lot of friends who I miss dearly and it's always great to see them. But on this particular trip, there was something to celebrate. Something immensely special, in which I not only feel grateful to have witnessed but proud to have been able to be a part of.
One of my dearest, best and most beautiful friends married the love of her life on March 23rd, 2013. It was a beautiful day. The sun shone gloriously on the city, and the feeling in the air was right. I watched as Carrie was treated like a queen; her hair curled and pinned, make-up applied, glass of champagne in hand, the brightest, happiest smile spread across her face. A moment that will forever be in my memory. I have never felt so proud...
This wedding, however, is not considered "legal" in the eyes of Arizona's state law (like many, many other states, currently), because she is in love with a woman. I still cannot fathom how anyone can be denied the right to love someone in the eyes of the law, and not feel outcasted. It literally turns my stomach. But these girls are strong, and they have an army of strength in the form of family and friends standing firmly behind them, myself included. A love like theirs is something you cannot DENY. Pure, complete and true, in every sense.
Not to mention the FUN we all had! I haven't enjoyed myself that much at a wedding, ever...the entire day was just fantastic. The wedding party, of which I was priveledged to be part of, danced down the aisle to Prince's "Kiss", with Chelsea and both her parents following soon after. She was dressed in dapper vintage slacks and braces, to fit the old Carnival theme. Then Carrie came down the stairs...a champagne tea dress, with pearls and mint/blue brogues. The place was full of smiles as we continued to dance and cheer for the couple. It was a moment that people will talk about for a long time to come.
And who needs laws when you know deep down, inside, you have found true love? Ain't no one has to tell you who you can and cannot love.
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I'll post a couple of photos from the festivities. Hopefully you can see just how much fun and how beautiful it all was. A truly perfect celebration.
Carrie and Chelsea, I just want to say how proud I am to know such strong and beautiful people. Thank you again fot letting me be a part of your amazing day. <3
Bachelor/Bachelorette Night
Chelsea and Miquela hammin' it up.
Chelsea, Nick/Pink Lady #2, and Miquela being so very mature ;P
Chelsea, Rebekah and Miquela at Amsterdam, one of the best gay bars in Phoenix.
My Currie butt! At the bathroom in Amsterdam having just ticked a few things off the Scavenger C"Hunt".
Carrie and I <3
Our AMAZING friend Coco St James!
Coco and I <3
Wedding!
Wiping her tears <3
First kiss as a married couple!
Holding their certificate.
Best family portrait, ever!
First dance.
Bride dancing with her step-father, Jim.
My wonderful mother posing with the lovely Coco!
Coco and her partner Robert <3
Me! :) All the bridesmaids got to choose our own dresses.
Aaron and I.
A little too much booze for Coco and I, later on with the SUPER happy bride! Check out that grin! How can you not believe in a love like that when it's so blatantly obvious? Ugh...I'm so proud of my girl. SO proud.
Oh, and just two photos of my hair. My boss from some years back worked on it for me, and she created the most amazing piece of art. I had people asking me left and right who did it and if those were real roses. I assure you, it's all my hair curled and pinned.
Caren Trahan at Studio Cento located in Scottsdale, Arizona.
