Getting Married on Friday

[Jamie McDaniel]

Chris and I are in Toronto. We're staying in a hotel across from City Hall. Tomorrow we pick up our tuxes. My parents, brother, and sister-in-law arrive on Thursday. If anyone is in the Toronto area, you're invited! I know the rest of you will attend "in spirit" and we are honored by your presence.

I'll keep you posted. We're having fun. :)

P.S. Wow, that year (http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?p=10031#post10031) went by quick.

[tdogg]

Jamie!!!! Hooray for you and Chris!!!

A zillion congratulations to you both. Have a GREAT time, post photos, tell us all about it. Wish we could all be there. I'm so happy and excited for you! This is just wonderful news.

Have a safe trip, a blessed wedding and again:

CONGRATULATIONS JAMIE & CHRIS

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love::l ove::love::love:

[Zerbie]

(Squeeeeeal!!) :D

Jamie, that is so exciting! Omigosh, married!! Congratulations!!!!! (I seem vaguely to recall squealing at the engagement some months ago as well. :lol:)

Congratulations Jamie and Chris!
What wonderful news! All the best to both of you. :love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[pnggrad79]

Many congratulations to you and Chris. My wife and I got married in Niagara Falls, Canada, just a few hundred miles from Toronto. I know it will be a beautiful ceremony and I am especially glad that your parents and family will be there to share in this joyous occasion. What about Chris's family? Will they be there, too? At any rate, I hope you and Chris have many, many more years to share together and love will continue to grow and blossom for both of you. I am happy, happy, happy for you. God Bless you both!!:applause::applause::applause:

[Daniel]

Jonathan and I were married at the same City Hall in Toronto, June 21, 2005. The officiant was wonderful...really wonderful. And everyone could not have been nicer from start to finish. Even the gal taking our information the day before (legal stuff) made us smile.

We went to lunch at the CN Tower afterwards. Had a great time high above the city.

We wish you much happiness, joy and peace on your blessed day. May be angels smile on you as they have already.

What time are you getting married on Friday?

Bells are Ringing!

[BrentRichards]

Fantastic! Congratulations and blessings!

[Jennifer5]

Ding... Dong.... Ding... Dong


Wish I could be there, I know that ceremony will be incredible!!!!!!!


CONGRATULATIONS!!!

:magic: between two people is like :dove: on :earth:

I wish you both the best!!

I still think the ring is beautiful!! I can't believe it's been almost a year, I find that incredibly creepy... :love:

[keltic63]

Jamie, that's wonderful!

Congratulations!


I wish I could be there. And I could have if the timing were better. It's not that far of a drive. Sorry to miss it, but so happy for you both!

[pnggrad79]

Daniel,
It was so surprising to me when we got to Niagara Falls, not 5 miles from New York State, how accommodating, nice, and gregarious they all were for us.
I asked her to marry me in front of a Barnes and Noble bookstore (I know, not the most romantic proposal place), but actually I had just read about getting married in Canada, and up until then I didn't know we could get married. Anyway, I accessed this website, got in touch with the hotel, the minister, and the government of Ontario. We went through a Canadian lawyer in Thunder Bay, because I had been married to a man before, so I had to get my divorce decree to them, and 3 days before the wedding, I faxed it to them, they did what they had to do in less than 24 hours, faxing the approval to the city hall in Niagara Falls, and it was there with our application, when we went the next day. EVERYONE was so nice, not freaking out, like me, and just as happy for us as anyone could be. We went into the city hall, and sheepishly asked for the application and on it, it said, Applicant 1 and Applicant 2. We had to swear on the Bible that we were who we said we were, and signed, dated it and we were ready to go. We got married in the Minolta Tower overlooking Niagara Falls on Sept. 11, 2004.

I went away from the whole experience feeling treated special like anyone getting married, and not like a circus freak, like they treat us here. Truly, the US needs to just get over themselves. Canada is really showing the US up. They said at the city hall that over 300 people from the US alone got married there, 250 of them gay or lesbian, that year. The day we got married, we counted at least 10 weddings (3 of them gay, us being one of them) all over the city, and there were probably more we didn't see. They didn't act like we were horning in on their territory. They weren't rude to us, or act like we were bothering them. For them to act like they did, and we weren't citizens of their country, and weren't going to move there and contribute to their economy, was simply astounding to me. I will forever hold a dear, dear place in my heart for the Canadians. They treated me better than my own country.

I am sorry to ramble on about it. But you won't ever hear me dissing Canada. They have their stuff on the ball there. And we're the superpower ? I think not!!!:rainbow::rainbow::rainbow::rainbow:

[Emproph]

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/caralyn1/congratulations.gif

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u276/umuemc/Congratulations.gif http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u284/SONPARI/Congratulations.gif http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u189/DivineMsO/congratulations-1.jpg http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u107/mccnjk/congratulations.gif

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u304/maggiemarichalar/congratulations.gif

And don't forget to get drunk for me too...

[Vanessa White]

I also would love to be there, but definitely in spirit!! I am always up for a road trip, but timing just wouldn't work for this one. You will have to share all of the details with us here! Peace and love to you both on your new venture as a married couple!!! Vanessa :love::love::love::love::love::love:

[dsdrane]

Mazel tov, Bubbe!

I'm very, very happy for you both.

:applause::tup::cookie:

[u-dog]

WOOHOO !!!


;):rolleyes:(ever play Sims2 ? heh heh heh):rolleyes:;)

[d_pedr]

Enjoy the day, the celebrations will seem to have gone so fast.

Savour each moment of the day and enjoy each moment.

But the wedding's just the start.
Enjoy your lives together

love and hugs to you both

[Gregory_de_Bois]

YAY!!! IMMENSE CELEBRATION HERE IN BOISE!!!!

(hehehe...sims2)

[BrentRichards]

Okay, gaming illiterate here ... what's the Sims2 reference?

[antonyh]

Congratulations guys...I'm very happy for you :)

[Jamie McDaniel]

I'm down in the lobby for a few minutes of internet time. (Access in the room costs $14 a day.) Thanks everyone for the messages. I think it was the stories of Steven Webster, Daniel, pnggrad79, and liberal crozier that convinced us to go to Canada.

And Chris and I were just surprised with a box of rose pedals and some chocolates along with a card signed by Daniel & Jonathan, and our friends from the Soulforce forums. Wow. Thank you very much! :flower2::love:

What time are you getting married on Friday?
Bells are Ringing!

1:00PM EST on Friday. We got our marriage license today. In front of us, there was a heterosexual and a same-sex couple applying.

I'll be sure to post some pictures. Here are two. One of city hall and one of our rings. My brother is the manager of a jewelry store and so he was able to get them at cost + 10% which allowed us to get twice the ring we could budget. :cool:

[antonyh]

I'm looking forward to the pictures :)

[Zerbie]

.

And Chris and I were just surprised with a box of rose pedals and some chocolates along with a card signed by Daniel & Jonathan, and our friends from the Soulforce forums. Wow. Thank you very much! :flower2::love:



:cool:

Daniel and Jonathon sent you a wedding gift!!! What angels!! :love::'(:love::'(:love::'( :good::dove:

Oh my god that's so beautiful.

And Jamie, you deserve it. Blessings to you and Chris. Many loving years together!

:love::love::love::love::love:

Just saw the pictures. Oooooh what beautiful rings!!!!

[Jennifer5]

..Now I REALLY wish I could be there!!! Those pictures are great... definately looking forward to seeing more... :love:

[u-dog]

Okay, gaming illiterate here ... what's the Sims2 reference?

In Sims2 when characters have sex its called "Woohoo" Sometimes they do it chastely at home... other times....not.

[rainbow7]

Toronto is a great city! I hope your special day is everything you've hoped for, and that you'll look back on it with wonderful memories.
Polly

[andrewlittle]

May you both share in a wondrous life together. Sorry this is so late - although I did beat the buzzer.

Andy

[tdogg]

Jamie & Chris

RINGS ARE GORGEOUS!!!

[Sherrie Z]

Congratulations Jamie & Chris!

Wheeeeeeee!!! Hooray! Hugs all around! : )

[Daniel]

And Chris and I were just surprised with a box of rose pedals and some chocolates along with a card signed by Daniel & Jonathan, and our friends from the Soulforce forums. Wow. Thank you very much! :flower2::love:

Ohhh...I can't tell you how much fun that was to do. Having been there and your mentioning staying across the street from City Hall made it a piece of cake (wedding cake!) to find you.

We know where you are! :eek: :lol::lol::love::love:

1:00PM EST on Friday. We got our marriage license today. In front of us, there was a heterosexual and a same-sex couple applying.


Yea!!!!!!! We'll all be with you in spirit then.

I'll be sure to post some pictures. Here are two. One of city hall and one of our rings. My brother is the manager of a jewelry store and so he was able to get them at cost + 10% which allowed us to get twice the ring we could budget. :cool:

Diamonds! Very nice indeed!

Thought the petals will fade, may your live for each other stay bright and true.

[suzer1013]

Jamie and Chris -- Many, many congratulations, and may you have a joyful and long life together!

Susan :)

[kara speltz]

Jamie: What absolutely beautiful rings. I find myself tearing up as I think of the two of you getting married. What a beautiful love story. I can remember your first date with Chris. Thanks for keeping us posted. Much, much love, kara

[Vanessa White]

How loving and thoughtful of you and hubby, Daniel. Jamie and Chris, enjoy the moments to come in the next few hours, and days, and then years beyond that. Your family here is holding you up in love and spirit today and always. Like Zerbie, I am preparing myself for tears of joy for your happiness today and always. I am such an emotional sap!!!!! :love::love::'(:love::love::'(:love::love::love::l ove::'(

[Daniel]

Daniel,
It was so surprising to me when we got to Niagara Falls, not 5 miles from New York State, how accommodating, nice, and gregarious they all were for us.
I asked her to marry me in front of a Barnes and Noble bookstore (I know, not the most romantic proposal place), but actually I had just read about getting married in Canada, and up until then I didn't know we could get married. Anyway, I accessed this website, got in touch with the hotel, the minister, and the government of Ontario. We went through a Canadian lawyer in Thunder Bay, because I had been married to a man before, so I had to get my divorce decree to them, and 3 days before the wedding, I faxed it to them, they did what they had to do in less than 24 hours, faxing the approval to the city hall in Niagara Falls, and it was there with our application, when we went the next day. EVERYONE was so nice, not freaking out, like me, and just as happy for us as anyone could be. We went into the city hall, and sheepishly asked for the application and on it, it said, Applicant 1 and Applicant 2. We had to swear on the Bible that we were who we said we were, and signed, dated it and we were ready to go. We got married in the Minolta Tower overlooking Niagara Falls on Sept. 11, 2004.

I went away from the whole experience feeling treated special like anyone getting married, and not like a circus freak, like they treat us here. Truly, the US needs to just get over themselves. Canada is really showing the US up. They said at the city hall that over 300 people from the US alone got married there, 250 of them gay or lesbian, that year. The day we got married, we counted at least 10 weddings (3 of them gay, us being one of them) all over the city, and there were probably more we didn't see. They didn't act like we were horning in on their territory. They weren't rude to us, or act like we were bothering them. For them to act like they did, and we weren't citizens of their country, and weren't going to move there and contribute to their economy, was simply astounding to me. I will forever hold a dear, dear place in my heart for the Canadians. They treated me better than my own country.

I am sorry to ramble on about it. But you won't ever hear me dissing Canada. They have their stuff on the ball there. And we're the superpower ? I think not!!!:rainbow::rainbow::rainbow::rainbow:


What a wonderful story pnggrad!

I have a sweet spot in my heart for Canada, Toronto and Canadians. I've been there probably 5 or six times now- the last time to get married to my honey.

You are so right. We have much to learn from our neighbors up North, who are gracious and light-years ahead of us in many ways.

[keltic63]

Ohhh...I can't tell you how much fun that was to do. Having been there and your mentioning staying across the street from City Hall made it a piece of cake (wedding cake!) to find you.

We know where you are! :eek: :lol::lol::love::love:



Oh, if we could only have an old-fashioned shiveree (http://www.dooryard.ca/shiveree.html) for the newlyweds! :D:lol::D

[pnggrad79]

Jamie,
The rings are absolutely fabulous! I wish I was there with you to celebrate, but it sounds like you have your hands full with preparations and just living in the moment. My thoughts are with you and I hope that you and Chris enjoy so much love, life and good things for a very long time.

[Dash]

Well, well, well...guess we're gonna finally see an honest man made outta ya! 'Bout time! :p

This is very happy-making! Looks like a nice place for a weddin' too.

May your knot never be untied.

(I recommend soaking it in water and then shrinking it in the dryer)

[andrewlittle]

Well, well, well...guess we're gonna finally see an honest man made outta ya! 'Bout time! :p

This is very happy-making! Looks like a nice place for a weddin' too.

May your knot never be untied.

(I recommend soaking it in water and then shrinking it in the dryer)

I tried to find the sexual innuendo in this post because there should always be innuendo when discussing two loving people getting married.

But I FAILED, and failed miserably. I am such a loser.

So, innuendo aside, I just pray everything about today - and tonight - is the stuff of powerful and beautiful memory. Memories that you relive every day of your lives together. Your wedding day is one of those days where every part of your being unites with the one you love - spiritual, mental and physical. I pray that the earth shakes on all counts.

That being said, I really don't want a play by play description of everything afterward, okay? I so easily become envious of other people's joy.

[Zerbie]

I was singing a little while ago (some sexy love songs) and thought of you two having a wedding today.

When do we get to see the wedding pics? Come on back and post 'em, pronto! Impatient peanut gallery waits on tenter hooks.

:D

[BrentRichards]

tenter hooks

Well done. I love it when people use phrases correctly! You'll often see people use "tender hooks" ... NO! Tenter hooks ... used to stretch fabric or skins on a tenter (frame) for drying ... image is of stretching and tension.

Yay, language maveness Zerbie!

[BrentRichards]

Man, am I a geek.

[Jamie McDaniel]

Just getting back from Niagara Falls. The photographer left the pictures for us at our hotel. Here are some. It was a great day. I'll share more later.

[scott snedeker]

YIPPEE!!!!!

[pnggrad79]

Jamie and Chris,
Wonderful pictures and you both look so content and happy. Congratulations to both of you. I am so happy that your parents came. What a wonderful, supportive thing they did. Looking forward to more pictures from your wedding. Here's to many happy, wonderful years together and may all your dreams come true. :applause::applause::applause:

[u-dog]

Man, am I a geek.

YES. But having been one and raised three, I have a real fondness for Geeks.

[u-dog]

Just getting back from Niagara Falls. The photographer left the pictures for us at our hotel. Here are some. It was a great day. I'll share more later.


Jamie,

Chris is a real looker! Good thing you snapped him up when you had the chance! congratulations and every good wish and fervent prayer for your future happiness.

Marriage may be (IS!) for gay people but it ain't for sissies! Be prepared to work hard. every challenge faced and overcome is a door to the next deeper level of your love!

[Daniel]

Just getting back from Niagara Falls. The photographer left the pictures for us at our hotel. Here are some. It was a great day. I'll share more later.


The pictures are wonderful. And you two look handsome and radiant. And how great to have family there! That's really cool.

Much happiness and joy! :love::love::love:

[paulee]

I wish all the love in the world and on this day, may the feelings you have for each other stay within your heart and last throughout your life together and in hopes you will always remember the love................
paul













QUOTE=Jamie McDaniel;31915]Chris and I are in Toronto. We're staying in a hotel across from City Hall. Tomorrow we pick up our tuxes. My parents, brother, and sister-in-law arrive on Thursday. If anyone is in the Toronto area, you're invited! I know the rest of you will attend "in spirit" and we are honored by your presence.

I'll keep you posted. We're having fun. :)

P.S. Wow, that year (http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?p=10031#post10031) went by quick.[/QUOTE]

[paulee]

I wish all the love in the world and on this day, may the feelings you have for each other stay within your heart and last throughout your life together and in hopes you will always remember the love................
paul

[Steven E. Webster]

Jamie,

Congratulations!

Thanks for mentioning Jim and my wedding in Toronto (http://morevile.blogspot.com/2006/09/yes-we-got-married.html) at the end of last Summer. I see you went to Niagara Falls, too! Tell us about that! (I always think of Oscar Wilde's comment after visiting Niagara Falls, "Niagara Falls is every American bride's second disappointment.")

Jim and I leave for Toronto next week to visit our friends (and "best men") and to enjoy Toronto Pride. We're taking our first cruise--driving from Madison, Wisconsin to Milwaukee and taking a new high-speed ferry across Lake Michigan to Muskeegan, Michigan (totally avoiding the drive through Illinois, Chicago and Indiana!)--from there we drive directly east to Port Huron, the Canadian border and Toronto!

Steven Webster

[tdogg]

Jamie & Chris, congratulations! Thanks for sharing the pictures, you are both quite handsome and obviously full of joy. I wish you both all the love and happiness you could possibly hope for. :love:

[Dash]

Congratulations, dear Jamie!!! Seeing you guys gives me hope!

:love:

[nmwolfboy]

Congratulations to you both, Jamie & Chris! Many blessings upon your union & future together!!!! :weee::D

Pax,
scott

[Zerbie]

Beautiful.

Congratulations.

:love::love::love:

[Jennifer5]

Jamie,

Chris is a real looker! Good thing you snapped him up when you had the chance! congratulations and every good wish and fervent prayer for your future happiness.

Marriage may be (IS!) for gay people but it ain't for sissies! Be prepared to work hard. every challenge faced and overcome is a door to the next deeper level of your love!
U-dog, you're kidding right? Jamie is definately just as gorgeous as Chris.



Originally Posted by Jamie McDaniel
Just getting back from Niagara Falls. The photographer left the pictures for us at our hotel. Here are some. It was a great day. I'll share more later. Jamie, I'm so happy for you!! You two make a beautiful couple and you look so happy! I love the pictures, can't wait to see more! :love:

[u-dog]

U-dog, you're kidding right? Jamie is definately just as gorgeous as Chris.

Did I suggest for a MOMENT that Jamie is not a total hottie? I most certainly did not! :eek: I simply don't know Chris and so could not really tell him that Jamie is totally hot and he was smart to snap him up! OK youngster? Have I been sufficiently clear? I totally lust after Jamie. Ok? he is a MAJOR BABE... No question about it. In fact, He is a GOD! In FACT, I hate Chris... well... not so much :rolleyes:

[Jennifer5]

Did I suggest for a MOMENT that Jamie is not a total hottie? I most certainly did not! :eek: I simply don't know Chris and so could not really tell him that Jamie is totally hot and he was smart to snap him up! OK youngster? Have I been sufficiently clear? I totally lust after Jamie. Ok? he is a MAJOR BABE... No question about it. In fact, He is a GOD! In FACT, I hate Chris... well... not so much :rolleyes:
You most certainly did suggest it boy... but I'm glad to see that you've corrected that mistake..:lol:

..and thank you for the youngster comment, after all it's a compliment not an insult :love:

[sjbouza]

I am so happy for you two. It is a beautiful thing when two loving people commit themselves to one anther for a lifetime. You two look wonderful in the pics.

Love and blessing to the both of you. I will leave you with just one piece of advice. Communication is the key to a long and loving relationship. Never...I mean NEVER let the lines of communication break down between you two. No matter how hard it is approach every situation with love and understanding. Never be afraid to tell the other anything. It is the essential foundation of any relationship. Without communication, love isnt enough.

Once again, congrats to the two of you.

Love and blessings,
Scott

[Zerbie]

I am so happy for you two. It is a beautiful thing when two loving people commit themselves to one anther for a lifetime. You two look wonderful in the pics.

Love and blessing to the both of you. I will leave you with just one piece of advice. Communication is the key to a long and loving relationship. Never...I mean NEVER let the lines of communication break down between you two. No matter how hard it is approach every situation with love and understanding. Never be afraid to tell the other anything. It is the essential foundation of any relationship. Without communication, love isnt enough.

Once again, congrats to the two of you.

Love and blessings,
Scott

Such sage words, Scott!! Very true. Can't say how many times hubby & I averted problems before they began, or resolved them while they were still very minor, because we talk so openly about them, ourselves, how our relationship works, and so on. Open communication really is the magic key to keeping the magic alive. That's why after 4 years and 3 weeks, we're still on the honeymoon. :) Only, it gets better all the time.

Jamie and Chris, I wish the same to you both! :love:

[dsdrane]

What a handsome couple you guys make!

To paraphrase my own personal wordsmith and love of my life, may your journey together be blessed and long. :pray::love::cookie:

L'Amour, l'amour...toujours l'amour!

[antonyh]

You guys make such a cute couple. Thank you for the pictures. Congratulations. I wish you all peace, joy and love life can bring.

[BrentRichards]

Just getting back from Niagara Falls. The photographer left the pictures for us at our hotel. Here are some. It was a great day. I'll share more later.

Congratulations! Great pictures ... a lifetime of happiness to you!

[Jamie McDaniel]

Chris is a real looker! Good thing you snapped him up when you had the chance!

Marriage... ain't for sissies! Be prepared to work hard.

I told Chris what you said about snapping him up and he beamed. :D

Thanks for the advice as well. And also the hilarious other comment, the one I felt too modest to quote. :laughing:

Jim and I leave for Toronto next week to visit our friends (and "best men") and to enjoy Toronto Pride.

It would have been great to see you and Jim. Everyone was saying we should have stayed for Toronto's pride week. But after 10+ hours of flying, we are a long way from there now. Can anyone guess where the honeymoon is from the pictures from our hotel balcony?

[BrentRichards]

I told Chris what you said about snapping him up and he beamed. :D

Thanks for the advice as well. And also the hilarious other comment, the one I felt too modest to quote. :laughing:



It would have been great to see you and Jim. Everyone was saying we should have stayed for Toronto's pride week. But after 10+ hours of flying, we are a long way from there now. Can anyone guess where the honeymoon is from the pictures from our hotel balcony?

Do I see Diamondhead in those pictures? I'm jealous! Spent 10 weeks in Honolulu one summer on "business" ... love the north shore ... and, ashamed to admit it, that tourist trap Hawaiian Market downtown. Have some kahlbi mahi for me!

[BrentRichards]

And since everyone else is giving advice, I feel I must. Not that I have any basis for doing so, but I always have an opinion:

Never go to sleep mad. Stay up and stew.

You probably should pay more attention to the others' advice.

[Jennifer5]

It would have been great to see you and Jim. Everyone was saying we should have stayed for Toronto's pride week. But after 10+ hours of flying, we are a long way from there now. Can anyone guess where the honeymoon is from the pictures from our hotel balcony?

Hawaii!!! I love Hawaii... lucky boys! :love:

[Daniel]

Can anyone guess where the honeymoon is from the pictures from our hotel balcony?

Hawaii-five-OOOOO!?

Don't forget to visit here:

http://www.hawaiiactive.com/activities/oahu-nature-tours1.html?Ix=6

[Vanessa White]

Jamie and Chris: The photos from your wedding day, and your honeymoon destination, are just beautiful. I wish you both joy, love, peace, and never ending commitment to one another. I agree with communication- it is what enabled my honey and I to come back around and make it stronger than ever. Here is to forever love and union!!!!! Love to you both, Vanessa :love::love::love::love::love:

[keltic63]

And since everyone else is giving advice, I feel I must. Not that I have any basis for doing so, but I always have an opinion:

Never go to sleep mad. Stay up and stew.

You probably should pay more attention to the others' advice.


My story about sleep, and staying up to stew (http://keltic.wordpress.com/2007/04/26/the-way-he-sleeps/)


Jamie,
Really, I can't imagine how it feels to have this many people so happy for you in your marriage, living your happy event through this virtual environment. It's great. perhaps I can do the same very soon ;)

[BrentRichards]

My story about sleep, and staying up to stew (http://keltic.wordpress.com/2007/04/26/the-way-he-sleeps/)


HAHA! Very good. I have to admit, I'm a sleep machine, too.

[Jennifer5]

My story about sleep, and staying up to stew (http://keltic.wordpress.com/2007/04/26/the-way-he-sleeps/)
I loved reading that because although you really do sound irritated, it's still very clear that you're completely crazy about him. :love:


Now, back to Jamie... How long are you in Hawaii? Will there be more pictures? (please say yes):love:

[Jamie McDaniel]

Here are a few more pictures. We start our flight back on Monday at 10:30pm which is 4:30am EST. We did the hike like you suggested Daniel. That was quite a climb.

Captions:


A very interesting tree with a huge canopy near Waikiki
Me in a tree
The lighthouse on the beach taken from the top of Diamond Head crater
The view of Waikiki taken from the top of Diamond Head
The final spiral stairway leading to the top of Diamond Head

[Jamie McDaniel]

Captions


A view of the island of Oahu from atop Diamond Head crater
Diamond Head taken from wading out in the water with the camera
Out in the ocean at Waikiki Beach
Gay me (I mean Jamie) at the water park
Chris goes next off the big pink slide

[Jennifer5]

Here are a few more pictures. We start our flight back on Monday at 10:30pm which is 4:30am EST. We did the hike like you suggested Daniel. That was quite a climb.

Captions:


A very interesting tree with a huge canopy near Waikiki
Me in a tree
The lighthouse on the beach taken from the top of Diamond Head crater
The view of Waikiki taken from the top of Diamond Head
The final spiral stairway leading to the top of Diamond Head


Great pictures! Looks like you had a lot of fun!! :weee:

[andrewlittle]

Cool pictures, Jamie. How's it feel to come back an old, married man (okay, not so old)? I pray you both are as contented for the rest of your lives as you were in the most joyful moment on your honeymoon.

Mazel Tof, my friend.

[Jennifer5]

Err... I respond and look at the thread again to see that Jamie submitted another thread of pictures and that Andy responded... :lol:

I like the second set of pictures even better Jamie... looks like even more fun... that waterslide looks like a blast!!:aparty:

[Jamie McDaniel]

Yeah, I'm aware that anyone can go through a ceremony and take a fun trip somewhere afterwards. The real adventure follows all that. We are made for relationships, yet relationships seem to be tough, be it friendship, family, coworkers, or lovers. Making a marriage work though good times and bad, sickness and in health... that's the real challenge, eh? For gays too.

Soulforce's Jake Reitan was writing a paper for school (he's getting his M. Div at Harvard) and he was asking folks the question "Why is marriage important to you." I agreed to participate, thinking I would be able to type something up quickly. However like most things that are important to me, I found it difficult to nail down. I would start and then delete, write a few sentences and then worry that what I wrote sounded a big arrogant given that the number of days I had lived in a marriage with another person totaled zero. After a few hours reflecting on such a deep question, "Why is marriage important to you," I eventually sent in the following:

"Don't you want to get married?" they would often ask me, trying to figure out why a young man such as myself never had someone to introduce, a photo to show, or even a name to drop as a romantic interest.

When I reached that place in my early twenties of wanting not to lie yet not strong enough to declare my truth, I would respond with, "Yes. I very much want to get married someday. I just haven't found the right person yet."

That day has finally come and his name is Chris.

Chris and I both use several words in our attempts to define marriage. Love. Commitment. Permanent. Sexual. Trust. Binding. Promises. Nurturing. Monogamous. Safe. Intimacy. Companionship. Sharing.

Another very important word when talking about marriage is the word "recognized." Two people who commit their lives to one another have a strong desire to see their union recognized and to have others – friends, family, faith communities – invested in their relationship.

This June, Chris and I will travel to Toronto Canada to be legally married. Our undertaking will be to make our relationship all those words we used to describe marriage. All those words save one. You are charged with recognizing our marriage. America, will you do that?

Well, America may not be able to answer in the affirmative yet. But our LGBTA friends, family, and the nation of Canada have! And we feel blessed for it. Thanks everyone!

[Jennifer5]

Very nice Jamie... I love just how simple and complex it is at the same time. :love: I'm so glad that you two got to go and do that, I'm sure it will be one thing that you will never forget as long as you live:pray:


Tell Jake that he should really stop working and come play over here on the forums some time... I mean come on, it's got to be more interesting here then it is in seminary.. or at least I would think.


Now back to you... any chance want to keep posting pictures :D? or just send them all to me if it take to long to post them on here... (or not... don't feel any pressure.. you just looks so happy together.. it's nice

[Jamie McDaniel]

Here are a few more photos from Canada.

Captions:


A rainbow at Niagara Falls
Journey behind the Falls is worth the $12
The wedding cake my parents got us
A flag on Church Street


We had the cake at the KOA campground at Niagara. My family drove up in my parents motorhome along with their four dogs. We had grilled cheese, smores, and wedding cake from Dairy Queen. What more can you ask?

Also, a little humor. My family said Chris and I didn't have to drive back to Toronto, we could stay with them. And I replied, "Oh no. Staying in the RV with everyone on our wedding night? We're not going to one-up Tim and Kim."

The joke, besides the obvious, is that when my brother and sister-in-law got married, her Mom missed the plane back to Texas and ended up staying the night with them in the small townhouse they were living in at the time. :lol:

[Jennifer5]

Here are a few more photos from Canada.

Captions:


A rainbow at Niagara Falls
Journey behind the Falls is worth the $12
The wedding cake my parents got us
A flag on Church Street


We had the cake at the KOA campground at Niagara. My family drove up in my parents motorhome along with their four dogs. We had grilled cheese, smores, and wedding cake from Dairy Queen. What more can you ask?

Also, a little humor. My family said Chris and I didn't have to drive back to Toronto, we could stay with them. And I replied, "Oh no. Staying in the RV with everyone on our wedding night? We're not going to one-up Tim and Kim."

The joke, besides the obvious, is that when my brother and sister-in-law got married, her Mom missed the plane back to Texas and ended up staying the night with them in the small townhouse they were living in at the time. :lol:

These pictures make me so happy (sorry to be so selfish here), when I look at these I get that feeling that all it right in the world... the whole so long as you're happy the world will go round and there will be hope... :love:

I think of that set I'm stuck between 'rainbow at Niagara Falls' and 'Journey behind the falls'... you're both adorable in the posed one... but the other one seems so real (if that makes any sense)...:love:

[BrentRichards]

A very interesting tree with a huge canopy near Waikiki


I've had lunch under that tree! (Numerous times, actually) Ah, memories...

[Tinkerbell047]

CONGRATULATIONS JAMIE!

Oh, you are so lucky to have family who is behind you in this. ^_^ Congratulations, and I wish you the best!

-Tink

[Daniel]

Here are a few more pictures. We start our flight back on Monday at 10:30pm which is 4:30am EST. We did the hike like you suggested Daniel. That was quite a climb.


I hope you had fun! Maybe the climb is like a metaphor for living with one's partner. It's a big hike, but the view from the top is fabulous.

There are higher and higher peaks awaiting you both. :D

[progressive4christ]

I love the little yellow ponchos. Only gay men can make them look so good.
:D


You guys are so lucky to have gone to such a beautiful place for your honeymoon. I pray that your years to come are more beautiful and for- filling, So when are you going to have kids; is adoption on the table?

[Jennifer5]

You guys are so lucky to have gone to such a beautiful place for your honeymoon. I pray that your years to come are more beautiful and for- filling, So when are you going to have kids; is adoption on the table?

Yeah actually... Jamie are kids something that is being considered? or not for you? :reading:

[keltic63]

the men aren't home from their honeymoon, and you people want to know about kids??? who are you? the pushy in-law types?

[pnggrad79]

keltic, I agree with you! Gee Whiz! Their marriage will be strong and loving and committed with or without children. May God bless them either way!

Jamie, pictures are simply breathtaking. I have been to Hawaii 5 times, the last one with my wife, as sort of a honeymoon a year later than we got married. There are two places that if you can be in love with a place, that I am truly enamored with and those are New Mexico (specifically Northern New Mexico) and Hawaii. I have been all over the United States and seen a little of Canada and Mexico, and without a doubt, New Mexico with its blue snow capped mountains and rich adobe landscape, not to mention the beautiful Native American heritage woven into it and Hawaii with everything beautiful God created, can't I be in love with a place? Anyway, Hawaii is just gorgeous and I am so happy that you got to enjoy getting married in Canada and honeymooning in Hawaii, great start to a magnificent life together.

Much love and peace to you both:pray:

[u-dog]

the men aren't home from their honeymoon, and you people want to know about kids??? who are you? the pushy in-law types?


Enquiring minds want to know! Yes, we ARE pushy in-law types! So how about it you guys? You gonna be dads or what? I personally recommend the experience UNLESS you like having money. In which case... forget it.

[Jennifer5]

the men aren't home from their honeymoon, and you people want to know about kids??? who are you? the pushy in-law types?
Uncle Stevie, that's not fair.... I'm just curious, because after all I think that if anyone could be an incredible father it would be Jamie (I don't know Chris, but I'm sure he would too).. so I was just wondering if that was something they were CONSIDERING...:love:

[keltic63]

Uncle Stevie, that's not fair.... I'm just curious, because after all I think that if anyone could be an incredible father it would be Jamie (I don't know Chris, but I'm sure he would too).. so I was just wondering if that was something they were CONSIDERING...:love:

innocent question from you, yes. everyone else: pushy in-laws!!!!

and stop calling me shirley.........(or Stevie)

[Jennifer5]

innocent question from you, yes. everyone else: pushy in-laws!!!!

and stop calling me shirley.........(or Stevie)

Agreed.

...and sweet sweet boy I'd stop calling you Uncle Stevie, but it's hard for me to believe that you really hate it that much.... :confused: come on... it's a cute nick-name

[keltic63]

Agreed.

...and sweet sweet boy I'd stop calling you Uncle Stevie, but it's hard for me to believe that you really hate it that much.... :confused: come on... it's a cute nick-name

no. I really hate it. I've actually stopped talking to people over it.

[Jennifer5]

no. I really hate it. I've actually stopped talking to people over it.

:( I'm sorry.. I'll stop then. Is Uncle Steve allowed?

[BrentRichards]

:( I'm sorry.. I'll stop then. Is Uncle Steve allowed?

Try Pop-Pop ... I hear he loves that.

[Jennifer5]

Try Pop-Pop ... I hear he loves that.

You're mean :lol:

[keltic63]

Try Pop-Pop ... I hear he loves that.


I still have access to the ban button :mad:

[Jennifer5]

I still have access to the ban button :mad:

I didn't do it.

(and have you for given me for the uncle stevie thing?)

[BrentRichards]

I still have access to the ban button :mad:

C'mon, bang your shoe on the table and yell "We will bury you!"

[keltic63]

C'mon, bang your shoe on the table and yell "We will bury you!"

you've taken this thread way off topic, mister! I'm going for a walk on the beach.....

[Steven E. Webster]

Yeah, I'm aware that anyone can go through a ceremony and take a fun trip somewhere afterwards. The real adventure follows all that. We are made for relationships, yet relationships seem to be tough, be it friendship, family, coworkers, or lovers. Making a marriage work though good times and bad, sickness and in health... that's the real challenge, eh? For gays too.

Soulforce's Jake Reitan was writing a paper for school (he's getting his M. Div at Harvard) and he was asking folks the question "Why is marriage important to you." I agreed to participate, thinking I would be able to type something up quickly. However like most things that are important to me, I found it difficult to nail down. I would start and then delete, write a few sentences and then worry that what I wrote sounded a big arrogant given that the number of days I had lived in a marriage with another person totaled zero. After a few hours reflecting on such a deep question, "Why is marriage important to you," I eventually sent in the following:



Well, America may not be able to answer in the affirmative yet. But our LGBTA friends, family, and the nation of Canada have! And we feel blessed for it. Thanks everyone!

Jamie,
This was beautiful! I just want to say for myself, having been married ten months ago in Toronto to the man I've been partnered with for 25+ years, that we were really married a long time before the legal ceremony. I've learned recently that Canadian law even recognizes that! Canadian law recognizes "common law marriage" (not recognized in many of the U.S. states). "Common law marriage" is when the law recognizes that two people are already married by virtue of the fact that they are already living together and making a life together.

We are visiting our Toronto friends right now (we're on vacation). Ironically they have not had the legal ceremony--but the fact is that their employers have already informed them that they are considered married for purposes of their pension plans. These friends emigrated to Canada from the U.S. because one is a citizen of a North African country and U.S. immigration laws was going to break them up and send one of them back to North Africa. Canada was their only option to stay together. Canada recognized them as a "married" couple from the beginning--even while they were still in the U.S.

Think of it, all you U.S. couples! You may already be married in Canada!

Steven Webster

[Jamie McDaniel]

I just wanted to post this from the July 1, 2007 edition of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Chris' co-workers pinned it up on the hospital's bulletin board.

[Jennifer5]

I just wanted to post this from the July 1, 2007 edition of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Chris' co-workers pinned it up on the hospital's bulletin board.

That's great Jamie!

"Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering" wow... had no idea



:love:

[andrewlittle]

Oh - I mean - absolutely too cool that your announcement was in the paper. I have known couples who were not allowed to run their's. And the bio part reads just like everyone else's, I would imagine.

I hope the reception to your announcement has been loving and embracing.

Damn - an engineer. Hmmm.

[Daniel]

I just wanted to post this from the July 1, 2007 edition of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Chris' co-workers pinned it up on the hospital's bulletin board.

This is just so great! And you two look scrumptious! What a great photo!

[tdogg]

Awesome Jamie! Thanks for posting the notice. We got to learn just a bit more info on our moderator and his husband. Striking couple you two are!!

[u-dog]

This is just so great! And you two look scrumptious! What a great photo!


Scrumptious? :rolleyes: Honestly, Daniel, you as SO GAY!!

[BrentRichards]

Truly scrumptious
You two are truly scrumptious
And I shan't forget this lovely day
My heart beats so unruly
I also love you truly
Honest truly, I do


Sorry, Disney moment. Couldn't help myself.

I'm so happy for you two ... hope I get to have one of those clippings some day.