Tag Archives: Lesbian Wedding

Destination of the Week: Stockholm

We’re staring up a new segment in Travel called “Destination of the Week” to help give you some great travel options when it comes to cities around the world that are LGBT-friendly and are not only welcoming, but have plenty of great sights to see and things to do.

Are you planning to travel soon? Where will your next destination be?

This week’s LGBT destination of the week is Stockholm, Sweden. This Scandinavian city has emerged as a top gay and lesbian destination over the years and is only getting better.

Stockholm Pride (July-August) has grown into the largest Pride celebration in Scandinavia, and the city is known for being very open with gay-friendly establishments found throughout the city.

So why head for Stockholm on your next getaway? Aside from its welcoming LGBT persona, there’s also plenty of great tourist sites, gay nightlife, and popular restaurants.

Not convinced yet? Here’s a look at some of the top reasons to check off Stockholm on your LGBT destinations list…

Beautiful Scenery

Stockholm is full of historic buildings, including grand palaces, ancient churches, and even a medieval old town. Not only that, but the city sits on 14 small islands joined by bridges crossing various bays and narrow channels, so there’s going to be some amazingly picturesque scenery all around you.

Intriguing History and Culture

Stockholm is home so some of the best museums in Scandinavia, including the Vasa, where you can check out a restored (not to mention huge) 17th century Viking ship. You can also explore the Royal Palace, which has 600 rooms and offers year round tours as well as a museum. And let’s not forget about ABBA.

Fans of the Swedish band can visit the ABBA Museum located in the Music Hall of Fame. And if you’re a Greta Garbo fan, you can pay homage to the Swedish lesbian icon at Skogskyrko garden, a UNESCO World Heritage cemetery and her final resting place.

Vibrant Lesbian Nightlife Scene

Of course the lesbian girls are welcome to join any party going on in the city, but if you’re looking for a true “girl’s night out,” there are also plenty of places to choose from.

Check out the weekly lesbian parties like Jungle Jane at the popular King Kong gay bar where you can mingle with the ladies and dance every Friday night. Moxy is also a popular lesbian hangout with special parties held throughout the year.

They are also known for their awesome DJs, so make sure to put on your dancing shoes and mix it up with the great crowd there. There’s also the “Tjejfesten” which means girl party in Swedish. This affair is held once a month on Fridays with parties that can draw hundreds of girls. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a “girl party,” right?

Great Food and Hotels

Stockholm is known for being a culinary destination with its wide variety of fresh traditional as well as modern cuisine. And if you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll definitely love dining out in the city. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes that attract a nice gay following as well, so your options are going to be plentiful.

As far as accommodations in Stockholm, you’ll find a wide array of options from 5-star splurges to quaint bed and breakfasts. There’s definitely something for everyone’s budget when it comes to food and hotels in Stockholm.

Stockholm offers lesbian travelers plenty of abundant culture and idyllic surroundings with plenty to do and see. Not only that, but its LGBT vibe is truly open and refreshing. Have you been to Stockholm and have travel tips or destinations in the city to share?

Let us know and comment so our future Stockholm travelers can make the most of their trip!

After The Wedding: Tips For Planning An Amazing Honeymoon

Congratulations, newlyweds! Now that you and your wife are officially married, it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy each other on your honeymoon. Wait…you did plan a honeymoon, right?

Some couples get so caught up in the wedding… from the planning to the budget, that they may either be too tired to even think about planning a honeymoon, or think they just don’t have the money.

Or maybe you and your new wife just aren’t into the clichéd tropical beach honeymoon. Whatever it may be, planning a honeymoon doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, it should be fun and give you something to look forward to after finally making your love official.

Here’s a look at some helpful honeymoon planning tips that should make the idea of traveling and enjoying your new life together as wife and wife something special…

Plan a Honeymoon

Yeah, seriously…do it. Don’t put it off as something you’ll do later, because life will most likely get in the way and you’ll never end up going. Even if you’re working with a limited budget, there’s always a way to get out and do something together, even if it’s just a short weekend trip to hotel for some quality rest and relaxation. The two of you deserve it. So plan that honeymoon!

Think LGBT-friendly

If you are planning a trip abroad, make sure you do your research. The last thing you want to happen is for you and your wife to be sharing newlywed kiss only to find out you’re in a place that isn’t so keep on the gay lifestyle. There are plenty of gay-friendly destinations, so make sure yours is one of them.

Have a Romantic Splurge

Schedule a couple’s massage or make reservations for dinner at a fancy restaurant. You’re honeymoon is all about being romantic…and doing romantic things with each other.

Think Outside the Box

There’s no written rule that says you have to go to an exotic tropical island for your honeymoon. Think of somewhere you’ve both always wanted to go together, or an activity that you both enjoy doing. Center your honeymoon around that instead and you’ll end up with something really memorable!

Keep it Simple and Enjoy Each Other

That’s what a honeymoon is for after all, isn’t it? Enjoy your time away together and keep the trip small and intimate. It doesn’t have to be an all-inclusive, break the bank type of trip. It’s the little things that count…you, your new wife…a bottle of wine…and a little time away to celebrate being newlyweds.

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Breathe! … And 5 Other Things Brides Forgets To Do On Their Wedding Day

It’s your big day… you’re going to marry the woman of your dreams. And no matter what kind of calming pre-wedding rituals you’ve decided to try (and let’s face it, you’ve probably tried it all), you just can seem to calm those butterflies in your chest, much less remember if you’ve forgotten anything regarding the ceremony.

So chances are you’re probably not even thinking much about taking care of yourself.

What’s a bride to do? Here’s a look at 6 things brides to be tends to forget to do on their wedding day.

Breathe

How can something as basic as remembering to breath be an issue? Well, with all of those nerves and excitement, you may find that taking a breather for yourself…even for a moment is something you may forget to do. You definitely don’t want to be known as the frantic bride. So step back, relax, and take in a deep breath throughout your day.

Take Time for a Snack Break

Food is your friend…no really. Do you want to be fainting from hunger during your wedding vows? Probably not. So be sure you have a few snacks throughout the day if sitting down for a meal isn’t an option. It’s even a good idea to assign someone to “snack patrol” so that you’ll remember to eat and feel great for those “I do’s.”

Spend Some Time With Your Friends

They can be a calming source for you as well as your go to support system if you feel like you’re about to have a nervous breakdown. Plus it’s always good to acknowledge their love and support of your big day.

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Take Time For Yourself

You’re likely going to be surrounding by everyone involved with or in the wedding as you go through last minute preparations. A moment alone to collect and calm yourself is a must during all of the mayhem. And while you’re taking that moment…remember that breathing tip.

Remember What the Day is About

Between the family, friends, dancing, and celebrating…don’t forget that this day is for you and your wife. It’s a day where you are celebrating your togetherness and love for each other. Nothing and no one else really matters in the grand scheme of things but the two of you.

Appreciate the Moment

When it’s all said and done, you are getting married to the woman you love. Don’t forget to appreciate and savor every moment. From her walk down the aisle to your first dance…take the time to cherish and remember the moments with your new wife.

Checkout these beautiful lesbian weddings…

Tying the Knot? Make Sure Your Girlfriend Has These Qualities Before Marrying Her

You and your girlfriend have been together for a while now. Things are going splendidly.

You’re head over heels in love and even contemplating taking that big step of getting married.

Marriage…otherwise known as a lifetime of commitment and devotion to each other. But before you decide to jump into the matrimonial bliss, first it’s time to take a step back from things and make sure your girlfriend truly is the one you want to marry.

Often times we can be blinded by lust. And while lusting can be quite fun, you also have to make sure your girl has the qualities you’re looking for in a future wife. So before you two tie that knot, let’s take a look at qualities to look for in each other.
Does your girlfriend…

Share Your Beliefs and Values?

This doesn’t mean she has to share the same religious beliefs (or lack thereof), but it does mean that she should have respect for your views.

It definitely does help to have some of the same moral and ethical beliefs though. Believing in the same things…like coffee as a morning necessity, for example, can make life a whole lot easier on the two of you.

Like to Learn New Things?

Spending your life together can get pretty boring if you aren’t learning from each other as well as trying new things. If your girlfriend is okay with the same old routine and isn’t one for changing things up, then you may have a problem down the road. (Unless you’re not a change sort of girl either, then it may work).

But your relationship will only grow and flourish with learning together. So make sure she’s up for trying something new…whether it’s traveling to an exotic destination or taking up a new hobby together, never stop trying new things.

Trust You (And is Trustworthy Herself)?

Trust is one of the most important things for a relationship to survive. If your girlfriend feels like she needs to check your cell phone 24/7 to see if you’ve been texting your ex or is always jealous of past relationships or even other women passing you by on the street, then you may have a problem.

Trusting each other is vital, and if she doesn’t trust you, or gives you any sort of reason not to trust her, its not likely things will change once you get married.

Willingly Make Compromises?

If your girlfriend is willing to forgo staying in to catch that next episode of her favorite TV show that she’s been dying to see all week in order to accompany you to your favorite artist’s concert (even if she isn’t really into the artist), then she’s probably a keeper for life.

Let’s face it; relationships are about compromise and not always getting your way. And if you’re both willing to compromise to make each other happy, then your relationship will stay healthy and happy as well.

Love Your Flaws?

And do you love hers? You’re not perfect, and neither is she, but does she embrace your flaws and imperfections, or does she always point them out and dwell on them? Your girl should find the beauty in your flaws.

It’s the beautiful quirks that make you who you are. If she doesn’t appreciate those quirks and thinks she can change who you are, then she’s not worth holding onto.

Have the Same (or Close to the Same) Sex Drive?

Being sexually compatible is always a plus when it comes to your relationship. If you and your girlfriend are completely off when it comes to each other’s sex drives…like you want to be constantly doing it like rabbits and she’s totally fine with making love once a week…then you have a problem.

And while sex isn’t the only thing you should base a future with her on, it’s still quite important. You should be with someone who has a similar interest in sex as you do.

Make You Happy? (…like you can’t stop smiling when you see her…happy?)

Okay, maybe you don’t have to be smiling every second of every day, but she should at least give you a feeling of true happiness.

Of course there are going to be bumps in the road along the way, but at the end of the day, do you look forward to being in her arms and feeling that genuine sense of pure content that comes with loving her?

If so then make sure you hold onto her tight and work together to keep that happiness vibe flowing!

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Lesbians Really Are The Marrying Kind, As Survey Reports More Queer Women Are Getting Married Than Men

First official figures in the UK have offered intriguing evidence that queer women are more likely to marry than gay men.

Until the law changed last year allowing gay and lesbian couples in England and Wales to marry, men and women were, by definition, equally likely to get married.

But new figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that during the first 15 months of legal same-sex marriage, lesbian couples were significantly more likely to tie the knot than gay men.

Overall 4,059 lesbian couples tied the knot between the end of March 2014 and June this year (or a 55 per cent of the total) compared with only 3,307 male couples.

That contrasts sharply with the situation when civil partnership was the only form of legal union for same-sex couples when male couples outnumbered female couples almost every years since their introduction in 2005.

Previous ONS studies have also shown that twice as many men as women identify themselves as gay, while women are more likely to say they are bisexual.

Significantly, the latest figures show that women in same-sex marriages are twice as likely to have been married previously to someone of the opposite sex.

One in seven women in same-sex marriages were divorced compared with one in 13 men.

Overall, there are now just over 15,000 married same-sex couples in England and Wales, when those who converted their civil partnerships are included.

Gianna Lisiecki-Cunane, a family lawyer with JMW Solicitors, said the figures appeared to suggest that gay women shared the preference of their heterosexual counterparts for the security and stability of marriage.

Even though it might seem to be a stereotype, more female same-sex couples than males are opting for the greater commitment which marriage is taken to represent.

However, the history of civil partnerships makes clear that women are also more likely than men to end those relationships which aren’t working out.

Given that married couples must wait a year before they can divorce and the first same-sex marriages only took place in March last year, it is reasonable to assume that we might detect a similar pattern amongst gay married women in the future.

The figures also indicate that those men who do make a commitment to one another might be more inclined than women to try and work through their problems and regard either a civil partnership or same-sex marriage as being for keeps.”

She added:

What is apparent is that a significant proportion of men and women are choosing to marry partners of the opposite sex before entering into same-sex relationships. In the case of women, in particular, that might be because they feel somewhat pressured by family, friends and wider society into pursuing heterosexual marriage, even though they may not feel entirely comfortable in such an environment. Also, at the time of those relationships, same-sex marriages might simply not have been legal.

The demise of their earlier marriages might well have coincided with the opportunity to marry in a manner of their own choosing as well as the confidence in expressing their true selves which comes from being even a few years older.”

31 Beautiful Lesbian Wedding Photos That Prove Two Brides Are Better Than One

We’re feeling the love here at KitschMix HQ. These stunning photos celebrate the love and joy that partnership can bring. And as we all know recognition and acceptance are the fruits of a long and difficult struggle, and while there is still progress to be made, perceptions are changing for the better.

Do you have any LGBT wedding photos to share? If you are a photographer, a bride, or a bride-to-be, we would love to see your lesbian and queer wedding and engagement photos for our website then please drop us an email.

1. Ilina & Kristin // Photographs courtesy of JAG Studios.

2. April & Heather // Photos courtesy of Nicolle Moshiri.

3. Erica & Kasandra //Houston, Texas // Photos courtesy of Oryan Photography.

4. Anne & Allyson//Washington // Photos courtesy of Jonathan Steinberg.

5. Ariel & Michelle//Connecticut // Photos courtesy of Amanda from Boro Creative Visions.

6. Becca & Laura//Denver, Colorado // Photos courtesy of Andrea Flanagan.

7. Jillian & Emily // Provincetown, Massachusetts // Photos courtesy of Lisa Rigby

8. Jamie & Sam // Seattle, Washington // Photos courtesy of Jenny J.

9. Dawn & Jennifer//Provincetown, Massachusetts // Photos by Studio Gregg

10. Olivia & Nicole//Maryland // Photos courtesy of Maggie Winters

11. Mandy & Aleyna//California // Photos courtesy of Nicole Anderson

12. Meghan & Emily // Portland, Oregon // Photos courtesy of You Look Nice Today Photography

13. Ashley & Sherry//Massachusetts // Photos couresty of Solare Wedding Photography

14. Ali & Meenoo // Philadelphia, Pennsylvania // Photos courtesy of Tara Beth Photography

15. Chrystal & Rebecca // Colorado // Photo courtesy of Maria Alexandra

16. Sara & Megan // Seattle, Washington // Photos courtesy of Andrew Bueno and Tony Lau.

17. Desiree & Sara // Mexico // Photos courtesy of Bethany Moslen, BLM Photography

18. Lil & Nere // New Zealand // Photos courtesy of Larsson Photography

19. Jamie & Jesse//Chicago, Illinois // Photos courtesy of Carol DeAnda

20. Ashlee & Alyssa//Ontario, Canada // Photos courtesy of Miller Ellis Photography

21. Andrea & Julie // Chicago, Illinois // Photos courtesy of Arthur Mullen & Nako Okubo.

22. Natalie & Lauren // North Yorkshire // Video courtesy of Craig and his ironically named business

23. Lo & Kate//Mexico // Photos courtesy of Pink Palm Photography

24. Latrice & Maurita // New York City // Photo courtesy of De Nueva Photography

25. Holly & Mya // San Francisco, California // Photos courtesy of Blueberry Photography

26. Ellen & Amanda // New Hampshire // Photos courtesy of Rodeo & Co

27. Jess & Emet // California // Photos courtesy of Jennifer Emerling

28. Katrina & Nora // Massachusetts // Photos courtesy of Erica Camille.

29. Jaci & Kerry // Key West, Florida // Photos courtesy of Melissa Kelly

30. Katy & Emory // Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts // Photos courtesy of Michelle Davidson-Schapiro

31. Laura & Kathy//New Jersey // Photos courtesy of Peter Gebhardt.

Wonder Woman Avert a Crisis in Crimea and Officiate Her First Lesbian Wedding

So, what did you do with your day? Well, if you’re Wonder Woman – you officiated a same-sex wedding and while stopping Russia from destroying the world. It’s all in a days work for her!

The Amazon warrior officiates her first same-sex wedding in DC’s Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman, Chapter 48, the newest issue in the anthology series.

Writer and artist Jason Badower sends Diana of Themyscira on a mission to Crimea on behalf of the United Nations, with Superman in tow.

The pair then spot an unnamed Russian general rolling dozens of tanks and munitions through a shady mountain pass. Diana waves Superman away, gives the general her best “come at me, bro” face and calmly glides through every missile and bullet his army throws at her.

She ends up deflecting a bullet back and disarming the general. She doesn’t actually do anything violent in the story. I just think that Wonder Woman is smarter than that.”

Wonder Woman casually wraps up her day by officiating the wedding of a woman she met while volunteering in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina.

Clark Kent seems surprised at the act, to which Diana remarks,

Clark, my country is all women. To us, it’s not ‘gay’ marriage. It’s just marriage.”

Point made.

Phoebe Dahl Reveals Wedding Plans With Her Fiancée Ruby Rose.

Ah celesbians. Oh how we love the fact we now have a number of out women to gossip about, especially when it comes to their nuptials.

In a recent interview with fashion designer Phoebe Dahl with Hello! she has revealed how she wants to have a huge wedding with her fiancée Ruby Rose.

On the couple’s plans for the future, she said;

Ruby wants a low-key wedding but I want a big one. I’m from a family of 50 so it’s going to have to be big. I don’t know how anyone has time to plan a wedding; we’re both so focused on our careers right now.

I didn’t [believe in love at first sight] before Ruby, but now I do.”

The pair got engaged earlier this year. While Ruby was the first one to propose marriage, it was Phoebe who actually got down on one knee and it was not the most usual engagement.

The next day I wake up at 5am and she’s broken into my house!’ the Orange Is The New Black star told Australian radio KIIS. I freak out because I think someone is going to rob me and she gets down on one knee and says, ‘Will you marry me?’”

She added

I’m like, “Is this a prank? Get the F out of here! I’m absolutely serious—I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.””

Awwww

11 Things I’ve Learnt In My First Year Of Marriage

My wonderful, beautiful wife and I have just celebrated our first anniversary. In total we’ve been together almost five years together, but despite this we still haven’t really figured it out.

This past year has been the most challenging and rewarding of my life. So, here are the things I’ve learned over the last 365 days:

1. Marriage isn’t always easy; it takes work.

Marriage, a house, two cats, and thinking about having a baby. It’s rasied my anxiety levels to a whole new high. We have a serious responsibility and it’s tough.

2. I had no idea how selfish I was.

I’m sure I’m not alone here, but it was much easier for my wife to think of us as a team rather than individuals. It’s not Kate and Sammy anymore. It’s “us” and “we.”

3. However, you should still be a little selfish (sometimes).

That being said, you still need to be a little selfish and do things that make you happy.

4. People communicate differently.

My wife and I are working hard to learn how to communicate with each other. She likes to talk things out, and I avoid all confrontation.

5. You don’t have to agree on everything.

My wife and I have slightly different views on style and fashion, money – how many kids we want. And that’s okay, as long as we respect each other’s views.

6. Don’t stretch yourselves too thin.

Take some time to just chill. Take a nap, binge-watch “Orange Is The New Black,” or just do nothing.

7. Sometimes, you just need to listen.

As humans, we have the urge to solve problems and really just to talk. In marriage, or in any relationship, you should just learn to listen.

8. Actions speak louder than words.

Don’t tell her you are going to do it. Do it.

9. To trust and be trusted are amazing feelings.

Be present, and get excited about every moment you get to spend together

10. Never settle – Make your life together everything you want it to be.

11. Say “I love you.”

Who Pays For a Same Sex Wedding?

Good question – when the gender of the couple is the same, how do the traditional rules for parent financial support apply?

Watch and learn…

Bakery Who Refused Lesbian Couple A Wedding Cake Found Guilty Of Discrimination

An Oregon bakery who discriminated against a lesbian couple, that wanted to order a wedding cake, could have to pay up to $200,000. The exact amount will be determined at a hearing next month.

In January 2013, Sweet Cakes refused to sell a cake to Laurel Bowman and Rachel Cryer for their wedding. Bowman told newspapers that one of the co-owners of the bakery told her the wedding would be an “abomination to the lord.”

Bowman filed an anti-discrimination complaint with the state later that year, citing a 2007 law that protects the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals.

An administrative law judge has rejected the owners’ contention that they had the right to reject the order, based on their religious beliefs, as the bakery is not a religious institution.

“Oregonians may not be denied service based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The law provides an exemption for religious organizations and schools, but does not allow private businesses to discriminate based on sexual orientation.”

Charlie Burr

In Oregon, such cases may be heard either before an administrative law judge or taken to civil court. Both sides had had sought a speedy decision in the dispute, but in his order, administrative Judge Alan McCullough found that the facts in the case supported charges of unlawful discrimination.

The couples lawyer, Paul Thompson said

“The entire time, I felt the law was very much on our side because the law is black and white. You cannot discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.”

Paul Thompson

Anna Harmon, one of three lawyers representing bakery owners Aaron and Melissa Klein disagreed.

“The (administrative law judge) recognized that all of the state’s claims but one were baseless and not supported by the facts of the case. We view this as a partial victory. However, the (judge) ruled wrongly that the Kleins’ right not to design and create a work of art celebrating an event which violates the tenets of their religion is not protected by the Oregon or federal constitutions.

This is a wrong and dangerous result for religious liberty and rights of conscience in Oregon. … Americans should not have to choose between adhering to their faith or closing their business, but that is what this decision means.”

Anna Harmon

The hearing scheduled for March 10 is intended to focus on the amount of damages to be awarded to the couple.

Cryer, 31, and Bowman, 30, were married on May 23, four days after a federal judge ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in Oregon.