Sunday, August 23, 2015

Historic wedding of April & Jayne Deboer-Rowse

How do I begin to write anything about this historic wedding without thinking of my Bill?  I lost him on April 5, 2005. We were registered Domestic Partners in the state of California because that's all we were allowed to be back then. He never thought the day would come that we would have the choice, and lawful right, to get married. 
Well honey, these two ladies helped make your dream come true with the help of many others in this great country of ours called THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

April Lynn Deboer and Jayne Anne Rowse were legally married on Saturday, 22nd of August 2015


April was walked in by her father to a waiting Jayne who had walked in with their children. 

The ceremony was officiated by U.S. Federal District Judge Bernard Friedman, who had been the judge to determine that Michigans same sex law against same sex couples was unconstitutional on March 21, 2014

I will be forever grateful to my friend Kevin Sharp and his husband Rusty Branch for giving me the opportunity to attend this historic wedding. Unfortunately Rusty was not able to attend which made it possible for me to do so as Kevin's guest. 


There were approximately three hundred guests. 

After the ceremony pictures were taken with several groups that were instrumental to the case. 

The invitations were beautiful. 

The one of a kind cake created for this occasion was amazing. 



Many thanks to this beautiful lady. Mary Bonauto was the attorney who represented the plaintiffs in front of the Supreme Court Of The United States. 

Famed attorney Gloria Allred came from California for the momentous ceremony. 

Larry Kestenbaum was the first Washtenaw County Clerk to start issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples and then the other clerks followed his lead. Thank you Larry!

Yousef Rabhi is Washtenaw County Commissioner who is in full support of equality. Thank you for the dance Yousef!


The evening consisted of a beautiful dinner followed by dancing and picture taking. 

Kevin and I really enjoyed ourselfs. I got the opportunity to make new friends like Linda Lombardini and her wife Sandi Smith. 

One thing I really noticed was the event included many people from the community wether older and distinguished as well as younger couples with their entire life ahead of them. 

When I woke up on Sunday morning and turned the news on the event was all over the media. 



Yes, this will be a night I will never forget. 

Thank Kevin and Rusty for giving me another unforgettable memory. 

Your dream of one day being equal finally came true honey. RIP My sweet Bill April 5, 2005

















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