FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Christina Andrews
NapaWeddingSource.com/SonomaWeddingSource.com
(707) 204-9565 (phone/fax)
chris@napaweddingsource.com
www.NapaWeddingSource.com
www.SonomaWeddingSource.com
A "Crush" of Same Sex Marriages Anticipated for Napa and Sonoma's Wine Country
May 23, 2008
Napa, CA
In response to California's Supreme Court ruling which declared that the state's current statutes restricting same gender marriages were unconstitutional, wedding venues and event professionals throughout Napa and Sonoma's popular "wine country" are gearing up for what may be their biggest year ever. While research shows the LGBT community representing only 4 to 10 percent of the overall population, the pent-up demand for marriages in the gay and lesbian community is huge. Not only will there be a demand for marriages among younger couples, but many couples who have been in committed relationships for years will now be able to enjoy an open celebration and the legal and financial advantages of marriage. To date, only California and Massachusetts recognize same sex marriages, another reason for anticipating an influx of gay couples to the region.
For over 20 years, the Napa Valley and Sonoma County have been popular areas for both local and "destination" weddings. Beautiful scenery as well as world-class wineries and resorts, combined with the region's proximity to San Francisco make it a welcoming location for the LGBT community. "These regions are the perfect place for celebrating a gay marriage. Napa and Sonoma County offer sophisticated wedding services, beautiful venues and scenery, great honeymoon options and northern California has traditionally been one of the most "gay-friendly" regions in the world. Couples wanting to get married and honeymoon in this region will find they are treated with dignity and can comfortably display their affection openly," says Christina Andrews of NapaWeddingSource.com and SonomaWeddingSource.com.
A pioneer of the "wine country" wedding scene, Reverend Blane Ellsworth of The Wedding Ministries and Enchanting Elopements (www.weddingministries.com and www.enchantingelopements.com) has performed thousands of marriages, as well as commitment ceremonies, in Napa and Sonoma County. Reverend Ellsworth says "How truly fair and right it is that love can now be openly and legally celebrated by all people. The State of California has bestowed an empowering gift to same sex couples… acceptance for who they are and the people that they can become."
"What a change this is from 20 years ago when ministers, such as myself, were terrified to perform a same sex union knowing what threatening repercussions it could have on our professional status," continues Reverend Ellsworth. "As a minister it was heartbreaking to me that a heterosexual couple that had only been together for a short period of time could get married in the fervor of a new relationship while a devoted homosexual couple that had been together for years was chastised for openly declaring their feelings for one another." "I'm exceedingly proud to be part of a community of wedding professionals that is embracing gay marriage." "This is a pride I have been unable to experience with the church," says Ellsworth.
The California Supreme Court's new ruling allows same gender couples the same rights afforded heterosexual couples that wish to get married in the state. Same sex couples from anywhere in the United States can now come to California to be legally married.
In a May 15, 2008 press release, John Tuteur, Napa's County Clerk said "Pursuant to the court's ruling I am waiting to receive direction from the California Office of Vital Records on implementing this decision." "As soon as these directives are received, we look forward to issuing marriage licenses to and performing ceremonies for same gender couples."
It is anticipated that the California Office of Vital Records will be issuing its directives within the month.
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