Written in the Stars

by hollyboo2001

*Please visit my profile page regarding story updates* Third story in the series following "Some Nights" and "Moon River". The countdown is on for a wedding that will make Bayport history. The Hardy and Cohen families are growing, but difficult times still lie ahead for Frank, Joe and their loved ones.

12. Prelude

Chapter 12: Prelude

Dear Readers,

I want to address a few things before we arrive at the wedding of our dear Frank and Phil.

I have attended the weddings of my Protestant (Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian) Christian family members and friends since I was say… five years old, to just a few months ago (and I'm in my early forties).

I've seen many weddings styles; from highly indoctrinated ceremonies with a pastor's homily, organs, harps, violins and soloists, to your bare bones civil ceremonies.

Though I've been to many weddings, I have no experience with anything beyond my religion or culture, and I certainly have not had the honor of attending a modern, same-sex wedding or commitment ceremony.

So now it's my intention to portray a same-sex interfaith (Christian and Jewish) marriage of two men. Wow, am I a fish out of water or what?

I have been doing research for months for this moment, and from what I've gathered from the internet, this type of wedding is sort of an "anything goes" type of affair, since the "official" stance from almost all religions is that gay marriage is taboo and from many perspectives, a sin. Therefore, the couples pretty much do what they want. Only the states where it is now legal is same-sex marriage recognized, therefore couples are hard pressed to find officiants, rabbis, pastors or clergy willing to perform their ceremonies.

Thankfully, the ones who are willing to perform these ceremonies have been kind enough to have blogs or websites to promote their services. It is from these websites that I've gathered the majority of the material I have for the wedding.

Therefore, I will say that as you are joining Frank and Phil to witness their union, I do not wish to offend anyone's religious convictions or culture or call me out and say "That's not the way we do it!" because of my lack of experience or knowledge. We're all treading in new waters here.

Have a great time at the wedding and even though there are no bouquets or garters to catch, just take it easy at the open bar.

Love and hugs,

Hollyboo2001

Love Wins.