We went to a wedding this weekend for one of D’s friends that she’s known since college. Different than most weddings I’ve been to, it was two women and it was on a boat. I was delighted to see a commitment ceremony for two women - although we know other partnered women, I haven’t had the opportunity to see how they decide to do a wedding. We, of course, eloped (here and here) and had a beautiful, private ceremony on the beach. Frankly, I don’t think anyone should have to go through the stress of planning a wedding for a hundred guests unless you’re going to get the benefits and marriage license to go along with. They are braver than I am though, so off we went to the boat.
The ceremony took place just before we set off, the ship idling under the setting sun, glass walls and ceiling filled with a backdrop of cherry blossoms. The brides looked happy and after a short exchange of vows, we all moved to tables for supper while the boat began to move. Though I’ve been on dinner cruises before, it has always been in foreign countries; odd little clipper ships with a plate of rice and chicken on your lap as the boat rocked in the blue green water, a linen/fine china/full silver place setting on a deserted desert island in the indian ocean while a sailboat tugged on its anchor nearby, barbecues on motorboats cutting up alligator infested rivers, alcohol soaked sunsetter cruises on big open air flat bottomed ships. This was sophisticated and truly Washington, braised short ribs and lobster bisque, as the monuments - Capitol Hill, Washington, Lincoln - slipped past.
D looked phenomenal. She picked a gorgeous light silk suit, pin-striped, tan and bone, with a contrasting striped white crisp shirt underneath. I must not have been the only one to think she looked nice - a complete stranger motioned to me across the room, wondering where she got her suit. I was flattered that he knew I was with this perfectly dressed human. I do wonder if he knew she was a woman or if he was simply hoping to get a similar suit for his wife. Admittedly, we look awfully straight together, she has a hybrid carriage and attitude that confuses people who expect to see a man and a woman. I think it’s too easy sometimes, for people to assume you are just like them rather than to stretch their minds a bit. In the end, for being a wedding between two women, it was an awfully straight seeming crowd.
While I dreaded being trapped on the boat, I had a lovely time. It’s always fun to dress up and get compliments, she two lovely women get married and do something new. Spring in Washington really is beautiful.
Posted in DC, joy, other folks, queerlife
