Ralph and Philip's wedding - Our latest journey

On Saturday evening, Nov. 1, 2008, Ralph and I were legally wed in a mixed civil-religious ceremony at Terra Gallery in San Francisco before about 70 dearly loved family members and friends.
Ralph and I had a commitment ceremony in October 1997, but when the California Supreme Court ruled that gays and lesbians could legally marry too, we jumped at the chance to renew our vows and solidify our relationship. Because the court's ruling made our marriage possible, we prominently displayed a copy of the court's opinion, personally signed by Chief Justice Ronald M. George, alongside a photo taken on our recent Caribbean cruise.
It was rainy outside on Nov. 1 so we delayed the start of the ceremony until 6:30 p.m. to allow more time for guests to arrive. Virtually everyone arrived by that time.
Then our joint "bestest man," James Goldsmith of Brussels, began seating our family members and honored guests, starting with Ralph's aunt Ruth Norman of Chicago; Mrs. Jonelle Williams of South Carolina, the best friend of Ralph's deceased mother; Ralph's sister Joyce Norman of Maryland; and Philip's sister Alma Carrizosa of Pacifica. Ralph's other sister, Madeline Lindsey-Forde of North Carolina, was seated by her husband, Garth Forde, and their children, Cameron and Anika.
Then Ralph and I processed in and stood on a circular platform before retired Court of Appeal Justice Joanne Parrilli, a good friend of Philip's. Justice Parrilli, who conducted the civil ceremony perfectly, opened with a warm welcome and convocation. Our chosen colors were gold and cream, which were reflected in the decorations, ranging from the curtains to the lighting.
Our good friend, Deacon Jerry DiNoto of Palm Springs conducted the religious portion, reading two prayers we chose.
Perhaps the most moving part of the ceremony was Ralph and Philip's personal vows to each other. Each of us wrote our vows, which recalled how we met in 1995, grew to love each other, cared for each other in times of sickness and loss and thanked God for giving us to each other. We then exchanged rings as Justice Parrilli read the official vows. Our rings are simple gold bands with a raised infinity symbol, signifying that we love each other forever and ever.
We then each took two thin candles and used them together to light a large center candle, symbolizing our union. As we did, our pianist, Kevin McHugh of Oakland, played the Bach-Gounod version of the "Ave Maria," a song that Philip's mother used to sing in our church choir.
Justice Parrilli led the guests in a community vow to support our marriage and reminding everyone that they are now part of our family.
Deacon DiNoto then led a blessing of our marriage, draping a white and gold stole around us as our guests extended their hands in blessing over us.
Justice Parrilli then declared us "spouse and spouse for life" and everyone cheered!
Thereafter, our guests were served tasty hors d'oeuvres and beverages while we all mingled and visited.
In a few minutes, the curtains were parted to expose the rest of the gallery where a beautiful wedding cake designed by Ralph sat on blocks of ice in the center of the room. The cake was a series of off-set squares and topped with our initials, "R" and "P," was repeated at the corners of the ice blocks. The white cake was separated by layers of chocolate and strawberries and coated with marzipan frosting.
To the left was a scrumptious buffet dinner of shrimp, chicken, fish, salad and roasted potatoes and encircling the wedding cake were circular tables for guests to enjoy their meal and each other's company. Many people had never met before or had not seen each other in a long time, but united by their community vow, they socialized very, very well.
Once people were finished, Ralph and I cut the cake and sparking wine and sparking apple cider was served.
While guests enjoyed dessert, Ralph and I returned to the wedding platform where our photographer, Jeff Petry of San Mateo, took some formal photos.
Our guests told us that they were deeply moved by our ceremony and truly enjoyed the meal and beverages as well as the location, which is atop Rincon Hill overlooking downtown San Francisco.
More photos will be posted as we get them from Jeff Petry and friends, so we will let you know when they are available for viewing.
We appreciate everyone's good wishes and welcome your comments.

Philip and Ralph