Some of you may have seen the sneak peeks I’ve posted on instagram and facebook from this wedding. If you have, you know that what’s to come is like no other wedding. Lots of craziness, lots of fun. When I look back on Allison and Debbie’s wedding from this weekend, I think of how much of a blast it was and how high the energy was from the first minute to the last. But that’s not all that comes to mind. Love, support, community. Those all come to mind too. Allison and Debbie have been together for twenty-five years and have the most amazingly loving and supporting group of friends and family I’ve ever seen. Even the officiant cried during their ceremony. It was such an amazing honor to be a part of their big day, and it was extra special for me being there as I’ve known them for close to ten years. I loved being there with their friends and family who I’ve known for years, and even those I was meeting for the first time were incredible. It was such a beautiful day… and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Without further ado, the photos!
We started off at Allison and Debbie’s home in Manchester to get some photos of them and their friends in front of the limo before heading to Martin’s Westminster for the festivities.
Allison wrote a very sweet letter to Debbie and read it to the camera for the videographer to capture.
Then we headed to the bridal suite where the ring bearers were getting ready. You may recognize the little pouty face on the left… that’s Ethan, my “nephew” and one of my best friends, his momma, Jamie! Ethan is Allison’s nephew, minus the quotation marks :)
They had the cutest kids in their wedding! Ilan and Kloe are so precious!
After Ethan came up the aisle he ran right to his very proud momma. This may have made me cry. So cute.
Both Debbie and Allison were escorted down the aisle by their proud daddies!
A candle was lit in honor of Allison’s mother who passed away a few years ago.
There was lots of laughter, and tears of happiness.
And finally… after a quarter of a century, they can finally call each other “wife”.
After the ceremony we got a few bridal party and family portraits out in the lobby before heading to the party.
This photo has actually already been posted on Gay Weddings USA on Facebook and has received over 1,500 likes! I love all the support for these two!
The reception was all Ravens themed, with purple and black EVERYTHING.
Their cake was so perfect for them. They collect bobble heads so of course their cake topper was a custom bobble head that looks JUST like them, with purple and black details and mini-Boston Terriers everywhere! I mentioned back on the post for their engagement session that they were obsessed with all of these things. Of course when I saw the cake I couldn’t help but giggle to myself. It’s perfect.
The couple entered the reception to the Rocky theme with boxing gloves on– a Runkles family tradition! Josh and Jamie did the same for their wedding several years ago.
There was a tear jerker of a speech from Allison’s father, Bud.
And a hilarious one from her brother Josh… that ended on a very touching note: that he’s raising his son in a world where his Aunt Debbie and Aunt Allison can be married. Not once did Ethan ever question their marriage — they know they’re raising him right.
After dinner there were tons of awesome surprises! Starting with a few more traditional moments: the brides shared a first dance…
… and danced with their fathers.
I love that the backlight in this shot is from a guest’s flash. Happy accident ;)
And then this happened… meet Cher, the drag queen.
Following Cher’s performance Poe, the Ravens’ mascot, entered to Hot in Herre… and he stuck around for the rest of the reception, dancing with everyone!
Next on the agenda was Deb’s solo dance… I had heard that she had some serious moves but this was incredible!
There was a bouquet and football toss…
…but instead of catching it meaning you were the next to get married… they got awesome prizes!
Rod from Absolute Entertainment kept the dance floor going the rest of the day!
There was a second drag performance, this time featuring Reba! I was SHOCKED at how accurately he captured her mannerisms. Dead. On.
Allison + Debbie, you had the party of a lifetime and I don’t think you’ll ever be able to top this one ;) though I hear people were saying that about your birthday party from a few years ago and you managed to top it with this… so maybe you’re up for the challenge. I love you both and am so happy that I could be a part of your day!
xoxo,
Brea
Vendors
Photography: Photography by Brea
Videography: Maverick Productions
DJ: Absolute Entertainment, Roderick Horried
Officiant: Jean DeVito
Caterer/Venue: Martin’s Westminster
Transportation: Lasting Impressions
Florist: Flowers by Evelyn
Bakery: Michael Gotti
Oh my goodness this wedding looks like so much fun! Ravens, cher, purple, Reba, ha ha!
This wedding looks like a BLAST! So many fun and personal touches. I think the teeny Boston terriers on the cake are my favorite. Or the boxing gloves. Or Cher.. I can’t decide! Amazing that these two lovely ladies, who’ve shared so many years of love, could finally have their awesome wedding!
These are fantastic!! Brought a tear to my eyes!!
Can I like Lindsey’s comment?!! I think Reba needs a shout out too though!! So happy for Deb and Allison!! So many wonderful images of their special wedding day!! Those pictures of Deb dancing… who knew?!! Love!! And again Ethan in a tux!! <3 And Ethan dancing with Deb!!
These pics are fantastic.. it’s like the celebration was brought to life again!!!!
What a fun wedding! It looks like it was a blast! I love the idea of prizes for a bouquet toss! So happy to see that after so long they are official!
This may one of the most epic weddings of all time! I loved Poe making an appearance! AMAZING!
I cannot believe how fun that reception looks!!! I mean Cher in drag and Poe? Could we have bought tickets to this awesome event??
I cannot imagine only being able to marry my love after twenty-five year. You captured their celebration beautifully!
oh SO FUN!!!! I loved their entrance & of course that amazing cake topper!! Congratulations to them!!
So many things about this wedding are AMAZING. They’ve been together longer than I’ve been ALIVE! So so happy they are now MARRIED! :D And I got the craziest chills when I read about Josh’s speech! Love the love in this Brea!!!
What a great wedding, so much love & it’s looks like a blast! Congrats to the happy couple!!
Ladies you brought a whole new meaning to true Love. Enjoy your lives together. Loved your pictures
I love everything about this wedding… the bobble heads, the boxing gloves, the couple! So happy these two were finally able to tie the knot!!