A wedding or commitment ceremony is a special occasion for a loving couple. Making a donation in honor of their declaration of love is a great way to celebrate their special day, but also a great way to support HRC's work.

All of these couples are now happily married! If you would like to make a contribution on behalf of these new unions and marriage equality for all couples, please click here.

Each donation made in honor of a couple's wedding or commitment ceremony will be recognized as a symbol of their family and friends' love and celebration of their union, as well as, a recognition of your commitment to equality.

If you know the wedding date of the couple, please use the following shortcuts to navigate the wedding registry archives:
Spring 2011; Summer 2011; Fall 2011; Winter 2012

For questions or to add your ceremony to HRC's wedding registry, please send your name and ceremony date to Weddings@hrc.org.

Sarah and Mike
May 7, 2011

Sarah & Mike were brought together by mutual friends and a love of Neil Diamond. After six long years of dating, they've decided it's for keeps.

"We would love for our guests to donate to HRC instead of buying us a more traditional gift, because our generation's civil rights battle means so much more than a set of china. We both believe that all people have the right to love and marry the person of their choice. We are so proud that Massachusetts has legalized same-sex marriage, and we honestly wouldn't have considered getting married if they hadn't."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

LaVinia and Vicki
May 7, 2011

"A brilliant smile and heartwarming laugh; a day we will never forget! Ours is one of those love at first sight meetings. Yes, it does happen!"

LaVinia says, "Vicki is a person whose mission in life is to make people smile and laugh. She has the most positive energy and an infectious laugh. I was the person born to love her. I love her for the part of me she brings out. She loves me more than I ever imagined I could be loved."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Ramona and Brent
May 13, 2011

Brent is from South Africa and Ramona is from the United States. They were not looking for love but accidentally met online, and it was love at first words.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Dana and Sean
May 14, 2011

Dana and Sean have been together for over six years, they've stayed together through seven different apartments in New York and abroad, two different jobs each and a year of homeless wanderlust. Even with six years of love and commitment, actually saying "I do" will be a new level of love, honor and commitment.

"Our love for each other and commitment to our union has nothing to do with being a man and a woman. On our wedding day, our joy will only be diminished by knowing that so many of our friends, whose love and commitment is as strong as ours, are denied the equal right to marriage. Nothing would make us happier than knowing that our celebration and our guests will help us honor all love and commitment, and work toward a day when we can be proud to live in a world that extends equal rights to all.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Lauren and Chris
May 14, 2011

Lauren and Chris are a straight couple who are lucky enough to have the right to get married and have that marriage be legally and socially recognized. However, they also strongly believe that this is a right that should be granted to ALL couples, both straight AND gay.

"It is very important that we somehow recognize our strong belief that marriage should NOT just be limited to a man and a woman but that it should be legally and socially recognized regardless of sexual orientation and that anything less than equal marriage rights for everyone is discriminatory and deplorable."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Annie and Alyse
May 14, 2011

When Annie and Alyse met almost ten years ago, it was hard to imagine that they'd ever have the option to legally marry. "Today, we're very excited about the progress that has been made towards marriage equality; we're grateful for the hard work of the Human Rights Campaign, and we're looking forward to the day when the fight for marriage equality is a part of our history."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Thomas and Eric
May 15, 2011

Tom and Eric met in New York City at a bar in the East Village on March 3rd, 2007 and have been in love and together ever since. They will be having a ceremony in New York and are looking forward to sharing their love with their friends and families.

"We have asked our friends and families to donate to HRC on our behalf because it actively helps advance the cause of equal rights for everyone. In addition, we hope to one day be legally married in the State of New York and have that marriage recognized at the federal level so we won't have to feel like second class citizens."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Harun and Austin
May 17, 2011

Harun and Austin met in 2002 doing volunteer work in Sydney, Australia. They both loved one another's company at the beginning but were dating other people at the moment. They got to know each other and started to build a friendship that is still an important factor in their relationship. It took about a year until they both were single at the same time. Austin proposed to Harun in 2006 while they were at a beach in Fingal Bay, NSW, Sydney. At that time they said to each other that the rings exchanged were a symbol of commitment. They now live in New York City. They have never lived in a city that legally allowed same-sex marriage. Harun & Austin hope someday New York will and they wait for that day to finally tie the knot.

"We have been blessed in our lives and consider that we have all material things. We would like people to donate to HRC, which works very hard. Hopefully, one day we are allowed to marry each other in the city where we live."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Chris and Kelly
May 21, 2011

Chris and Kelly live in Richmond, Indiana. They'll be getting married in May 2011.

"We can't think of any material items that we need right now," say Chris and Kelly. "And yet we're both committed to the idea that same-sex couples deserve rights and recognition in their committed relationships equal to that which other couples receive. We're offering the option of donations to HRC as one alternative for our guests who feel compelled to give a gift."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Victoria and Benjamin
May 21, 2011

Victoria and Ben met in Texas during college and now both live in Manhattan. Ben is currently working to open a school in Newark, New Jersey, and Victoria works in Real Estate.

"We believe that all couples, regardless of sex or gender, should be allowed to make a statement of love and commitment to one another and have it be legally recognized. It is our sincere hope that our guests will make a contribution to HRC to aid them in their fight for all couples to have a basic civil right to marry."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Ana and Teresa
May 21, 2011

"Ana and I met while she was on a blind date with someone else, and I had rented a van for a friend's birthday to be the designated driver. People say love at first sight does not exist. Ana and I are proof that at first glance, you can see your lives in someone else's eyes. We've been inseparable for the past 2 yrs and will celebrate our love on the beaches of Key West on May 21st with friends and family."

"While we are blessed with the support of our friends and family, we understand those that are not. By creating equality for all individuals, gay, straight, transgender, etc., we can all be recognized for being people, and remove the barriers of loving the person we were meant to love."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Drew and Ezra
May 22, 2011

Drew is a hospice nurse. Ezra is a teacher and city councilman. They met outside Rita's Water Ice in Newark, Delaware in August 2008. One week and nine months after they started dating, they got engaged at Shenandoah National Park. They are getting married this May. Their marriage will be recognized by Reconstructionist Judaism and by Washington, DC, but not by the state of Delaware or the federal government.

"HRC is a leader in the fight for equality and the largest, national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. Your donation here will help the continued fight so that our marriage will be recognized by the state of Delaware."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Erin and Ben
May 28, 2011

Erin and Ben ask that you support the Human Rights Campaign's fight against discrimination. They believe that people should have the right to get married if they want to get married. They believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Americans should have the same rights as straight Americans. They believe that the work of HRC is vital to making access to inalienable human rights a reality.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Bronwyn and Jeff
May 28, 2011

Bronwyn says, "We met at Jeff's sister's wedding. She had been trying to set us up for years, and we hit it off better than anyone expected. We complement each other perfectly, and have similar values, visions for the future, and passions. Now, we've decided to spend the rest of our lives together, each supporting, encouraging, and watching out for the other."

Bronwyn and Jeff recognize that by virtue of happening to have opposite genders, they are privileged and want to help fight for couples who continue to be marginalized and oppressed. They look forward to the day where everyone can celebrate their partnership with support, love and recognition from their family, friends, and community.

Christina and Brent
May 29, 2011

Christina and Brent have been together since freshman year in college and are looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together.

"Marriage equality is very important to us. We hope that it won't be long before everyone has access to the rights and privileges marriage affords."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Rebecca and Jeff
May 29, 2011

Jeff and Becca met on Inauguration Night 2009 at a party hosted by the Young Lawyers for Obama. Jeff didn't have a ticket to the event and Becca isn't a lawyer, but somehow they both managed to get into the party... and they've been inseparable ever since.

"We are very excited to proclaim our love and commitment on our wedding day," say Rebecca and Jeff. "And we feel fortunate that we have the legal right to marry. Love is what makes us human, and it saddens us that not all couples have the same rights and freedom as we do. We look forward to the day when all couples can equally share their love, joy, and commitment through marriage."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Matthew and Deepa
June 4, 2011

Matthew and Deepa are both lawyers in DC. Deepa works for an environmental non-profit and Matt practices human rights litigation at a law firm. They met in February 2010 and were engaged to be married only a few months later.

"We encourage people to donate to HRC in order to recognize (and help correct) the fact that not all couples in this country are yet able to share the joy and recognition of marriage," say Mathew and Deepa.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

John and Ric
June 4, 2011

John and Ric met seven years ago - and they've been together ever since. They say, "When it's right, it's right." :-)

"Marriage equality for all Americans is important to both John and I. HRC is the premiere organization to get this done."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

David and Adam
June 4, 2011

After several chance meetings, Adam and David fully connected in late 2005 and have been together and in love ever since. They are very fortunate to be married this June in Massachusetts. The wedding location is very important to Adam and David, as it is where their commitment became clearer to each other one winter afternoon on New Year's Day.

"HRC has been one of the most influential drivers of making marriage in Massachusetts a reality for us. Our hope by the donation opportunity here will be that our family and friends will become aware of the important work of HRC and join us in helping them to continue their important work so others can share the same happiness we enjoy."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Mitch and Nina
June 5, 2011

Mitch and Nina say, "We're a South African couple currently living in the US. Through close friends, the issue of marriage equality has moved from political to personal, and as we celebrate our union through marriage, we hope that soon everybody who wants to will be able to do the same."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Julie and Jo
June 7, 2011

Julie and Jo say, "We met online basically via our respective professions. We have been together 17 years as of June 1, 2011, through sickness and health, richer and poorer, loss of family and friends, etc. Neither one of us would be where we are today without the other. We have made it through things that other couples would have divorced over."

"We have everything we need. What we need now is federal recognition and the rights, privileges, and protections that other couples get with a marriage license. We need for h8rs to understand the difference between that and holy matrimony and the separation of church and state. We need the federal government to stop taxing us and not allowing us access to the programs our taxes fund. HRC can help us all get those."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Aysen and Jessica
June 10, 2011

Aysen and Jess met while Jess was an Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at the college and Aysen was a graduate assistant at a small private college in Ohio.

It was love at first sight... literally!

They started as best friends and just realized that they never wanted to spend time apart. Aysen and Jess are now wedding planning and learning how to deal with little funds since they have to get married out of state and plan the reception in-state. Jess is the love of Aysen's life and she never wants to spend a moment without her. She makes Aysen realize how great life is and Aysen can't wait to marry her and have children and move forward with building their family!

"We would love them to support the cause that HRC is doing where they can submit their information in a letter to the President to equalize marriage," say Aysen & Jessica. "We wish we could get married with our family here in Ohio, but in the future at least we want others to have that opportunity."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Benjamin and Bridget
June 11, 2011

Ben and Bridget are so excited you are visiting their HRC site! They met while in medical school in Baltimore and both of them quickly realized that they had the most fun when spending time together. From Ben and Bridget's early days of singing karaoke next door to Ben's old house, to seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, to both landing jobs as pediatricians-in-training at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, they have spent their most memorable times with each other. Ben and Bridget are so happy to have you celebrate with them as they take the next step in their lives as a couple.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Marie and Emilie
June 15, 2011

Marie and Emilie say the way they met is a funny story! They actually met on the internet through a site both subscribed to but each of them had discontinued their memberships. Some months later, they both received emails from the website stating that they were a "perfect" match for one another. Emilie is definitely a wonderful person but said that Marie was a "pest" and actually did not want to talk to Marie anymore. Eventually, when Marie and Emilie did start to really get to know each other, they found how much they really have in common, like a dark, sarcastic sense of humor! Marie says, "Emilie's my best friend and I wouldn't want to be with anyone else ever. I'm in love with my best friend!"

"If anyone believes that equality is important and believes that love is love regardless of gender, then we ask that you donate to HRC for just that reason."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

March and Shernaie
June 18, 2011

March and Shernaie met in a very strange way. March works in an addiction treatment center in Brooklyn and Shernaie hung out with some friends down the block. March would always see Shernaie and they would exchange glances. At the time, March wasn't looking for anything and she was involved with someone. One day they started saying little, smart flirty comments and Shernaie asked for March's number. Shernaie had the number for a week and still hadn't called. So when March saw her again she just kidnapped her and they went on their first date to a pizza shop. March doesn't eat pizza so she just sat and watched Shernaie eat while they conversed. From then on, they have never been apart and it's been 2 years, 2 months and some days.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Katherine and Tim
June 18, 2011

Katherine and Tim met how only the nerdiest of couples meet nowadays: college debate. They shared a meal of dinosaur-shaped french fries at Denny's at the Swarthmore tournament in 2001, but that was it. They had many mutual friends for many years and heard snippets of one another's lives second- and third-hand, but never saw each other until they reconnected at a friend's wedding in fall of '07. They bonded over their mutual love of Greek diners, mid-century modern architecture, and day-glo orange as well as their mutual frustration towards people who walk too slowly on the sidewalk. Everything else just fell into place.

"Every couple who chooses to declare their love and dedication by making a legal commitment to one another should have the right to do so, plain and simple. We hope our small gesture will help HRC to make the option to marry a reality for everyone.".

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jesselyn and Chase
June 18, 2011

Jesselyn and Chase say, "We're a loving and committed couple who want to show the world how much we love each other by getting married; however, not everyone gets this privilege. By choosing to donate to the Human Rights Campaign in honor of our wedding, you are standing with us in support of loving couples who want the same rights as everyone else - to commit themselves to each other in marriage, and to be afforded the rights granted therein."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Lucy and Scott
June 25, 2011

Lucy and Scott met at a BBQ in Prospect Park, Brooklyn in the summer of 2005. They ran into each other again a couple months later, and have been together ever since. They make their home in Brooklyn and both work in the arts.

"We are so happy to be able to celebrate our love and continue to build a life together by legally marrying in the company of our friends and family," say Lucy and Scott. "Marriage is a basic civil right that should be afforded to all and we encourage donations to HRC, an organization that works to ensure equal rights."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Heather and Mike
June 25, 2011

Heather and Mike met at Arizona State University during their sophomore year when they were neighbors in the dorm. Their relationship quickly went from neighbors to friends, from friends to dating, and by the end of the school year, Heather and Mike decided to move in together off campus. They've been committed to each other for more than eight years and have finally reached the point where they've completed important educational goals and have careers which will afford them the opportunity to have the wedding celebration that they want.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Reagan and Enrico
June 25, 2011

Reagan and Enrico say, "We met at a bar in Brooklyn. We saw each other several times before we spoke. Enrico asked Reagan to marry him the first night and look at us now!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jennifer and Lisa
June 25, 2011

Jenn and Lisa say, "Nine years ago we took the plunge and went on a date after meeting online. We chatted for about a month and we set up a date to meet. Barnes & Noble (how fitting) and dinner in Princeton." Jenn liked that Lisa was shy about the fact that she bought the Encyclopedia to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Lisa liked that Jenn didn't mind that she was addicted to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

"And here we are 9 years later...."

Marriage equality is very important to both Lisa and Jenn. They say that HRC is the organization that can help them achieve recognition of their marriage on a federal level.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Sara and Mark
June 26, 2011

Mark and Sara met working for a student organization. They formed a close friendship and after many long walks, rooftop sunsets and adventures they found their love for each other growing. Mark proposed at a butterfly garden in the Amazon jungle and Sara said YES!

"While anticipating our own wedding, we recognize that many people, including some of our close friends and loved ones, can't enjoy the same right to marry as we have. We feel strongly than our marriage is based on our love, not our opposite genders, and we'd love for our wedding gifts to contribute towards more Americans getting the right to marry for love."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jessie and Sergio
June 29, 2011

Jessie & Sergio are already married, but they plan to renew their vows in June of 2011. They met in high school (in gym class no less), and it all started with just a little crush. After a few months, Sergio finally asked Jessie out, and they have been together ever since. They were married on September 26, 2008.

"We think that what people who are against same-sex marriage don't realize, is that LGBT couples get married for love, just as straight couples. The way a straight person feels about their spouse is the same way an LGBT person feels. All of the straight people reading this...just imagine being told that it has become a law that you cannot get married to someone of the opposite sex. Being told you cannot get married to the one you love would hurt wouldn't it?" Jessie and Sergio say.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jeffrey and Todd
July 1, 2011

Jeffrey and Todd say, "We met in an online chat room, and through our profiles and conversation, we soon learned we had all the right things in common. Three years later, we got married in the lovely town of Burlington, Vermont."

"We believe that our friends and family should donate in honor of our wedding because we feel that HRC is doing great work to expand equal rights."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Rebecca and Tina
July 2, 2011

Rebecca and Tina met on Match.com. After getting past the online profile stage, the two of them really hit it off. They got engaged a short, three months later and are now planning a fantastic outdoor wedding bash in Wisconsin this summer.

"We both have plenty of 'things.' What we would really like is the opportunity to make our commitment to each other not only in front of our family and friends but also in the eyes of the law. We are also now the proud foster parents of a beautiful baby boy. While the state of Wisconsin allows and encourages us as equal co-foster parents, because we cannot legally marry, when it comes time to adopt our little bundle of joy, only one of us can be the legal adoptive parent. We applaud HRC's work in helping to change this type of legislation so that we can be recognized as a family just like anyone else. We appreciate and support the work that HRC does in helping to ensure equality for all."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Christy Savannah and Michael
July 2, 2011

"We're in love and we're getting married! We don't need things and we'd like to support something important. It's our way of making our wedding help other people who want to get married. It's only fair!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Ambler and Ben
July 3, 2011

Ambler and Ben went down to New Orleans in 2005 to teach. One hurricane, two schools, and five cities later, they are getting married!

"Recognizing our love and commitment through marriage is an amazing privilege that is still denied to many of our peers and fellow citizens. We would like to use our happy occasion to help others have this same opportunity."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Naomi and Casey
July 9, 2011

Naomi and Casey first met in junior high during those awkward teenage years. All through junior high and high school Casey attempted to talk to Naomi but she was too shy to say anything. After many years, careers, and life changing events, they have found each other again. However, this time Naomi was not shy. After a propitious visit to Santa Barbara while on a road trip with her best friend, Naomi knew something was there when she saw Casey for the first time in about 13 years. She did not want to leave."

Naomi was planning on going back to school and thought that UC Santa Barbara would be the perfect school to go to (for many reasons). Casey and Naomi have been the happiest they have ever been since they reconnected, and look forward to sharing the rest of their lives together.

"Casey and I are grateful that we have the legal right to marry, and we believe that everyone should have that right too. We have many gay and lesbian friends who are in love just as much as we are, and it frustrates and saddens us that their love is not accepted or recognized. Our reception is going to be at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, and one of the reasons why I chose to have it there is because they also believe in love and marriage equality, and continue to fight for it. In lieu of a traditional wedding gift, please consider donating to the Human Rights Campaign to help end discrimination and move towards marriage equality."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Amy and Nichol
July 9, 2011

Amy and Nichol have known each other for nearly 10 years. Amy says, “Over those years we came in and out of each other’s lives. At times we were close friends and at other times just casual acquaintances.” After a few years without contact, Amy and Nichol had an amazing reunion. They say, "We fought so hard to not like each other as intensely as we did. Eventually we talked it over and decided that if we were completely honest and gentle with each other, then we would give the relationship another shot."/span>

Amy and Nichol say, "We do not need much. We make do with what we have and we don't have a desire for much more than is within our means. However, we do want one thing that we cannot attain just by working harder, making more money or knowing the right people. That is to be legally married. It validates our union in the eyes of the law and employers. It also helps protect us and our future family. So many things are taken for granted by our hetero married family and friends. We are constantly reminded of the gulf of inequality that sits between what they have and where we have to stay. It is a very sad and frustrating place to be. However, we are fortunate to live in an age where people are fighting for our rights as a loving and committed couple. It’s beyond important to further that fight. And money does talk. So, we would like donations to this cause in lieu of gifts so that we can eventually get the gift that cannot be wrapped or purchased at Macy's: The safety and benefit of being legally married."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Dan and Rohaizad
July 13, 2011

Dan and Rohaizad met in Hawaii in 1995 when Dan was on vacation and Rohaizad was studying at the University of Hawaii.

Dan and Rohaizad say, “We lived together for 8 years in the USA until Rohaizad's student visa expired. Since then we have had to spend much of the past 16 years living apart - seeing each other only several months of the year."

"Even though this wedding won't allow us to stay together permanently, we are thrilled to share the joy of our commitment with our friends and family."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Katherine and Daryl
July 16, 2011

Katherine and Daryl met through a dating service in April of 2009. As they started spending more time together, they learned that they had much in common.

Kate is an attorney and IT consultant. She is currently trying to move into the non-profit arena in planned giving. Daryl is a research scientist at UMKC.

They started their home in January of 2010, and spent the spring creating their family of two humans and two cats. Katherine and Daryl traveled to California and Colorado.

On August 15th, they decided to get married and set the date.

"We both feel strongly in marriage equality." say Katherine and Daryl. "We have more things than we can possibly use, and if we can help others have the same rights as we enjoy, that is much more gratifying than a toaster."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Courtney and Alicia
July 16, 2011

It was the luckiest day of the year: March 17, 2009, Saint Patrick's Day in South Boston! Courtney and Alicia were introduced by mutual friends of family and such. From there it began blossoming like flowers in the spring. Love was in the air (and beer?). Well, not so fast, both Courtney and Alicia are shy so they never exchanged information; but as luck would have it, they would meet again shortly. Courtney had a party where she made a complete fool of herself, reciting rap songs and doing dances that no one had ever seen before, apparently this is what caught Alicia's eye.

After dating for a few months, it didn't take long until Courtney woke up one morning and slipped and said I Love You. They were both shocked and resisted that truth for about ten minutes and realized that it was actually happening. They were falling in love and didn't want to stop falling. Months later, Alicia moved in and since then Courtney and Alicia have never been apart. They've overcome some major hurdles as far as relationships and families go, but they have always come out on top. Luck is how they met; Love is what keeps them together.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Neil and Amanda
July 16, 2011

Neil and Amanda met in graduate school, where their offices were just feet apart. Over the past 5 years they have worked and lived together and have had lots of fun and some great adventures. Neil and Amanda feel very lucky to have found each other, fallen in love, and are very excited to be getting married!

Neil and Amanda say, "We feel very strongly that all couples should be able to make the same formal statement of love and commitment to each other that we are making regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. We hope that someday the basic civil right to marry whomever you choose is afforded to everyone. Your donation to HRC will help this happen!";

Tyler and Mita
July 16, 2011

Mita and Tyler are excited to be married this summer, and would like your help in extending this right to all Americans.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Lisa and Stephanie
July 16, 2011

Who says you can't meet anyone at a bar? Lisa and Stephanie met five years ago in West Hollywood. They were introduced by a blue eyed stranger from Arizona named Jeff. Little does he know he made a true love connection that day.

"We hope that our friends and family share our passion for marriage equality. We have so many wonderful things in our home, but what we don't have is the priceless treasure of equal rights in marriage. In lieu of gifts, our friends and family may make a donation to The Human Rights Campaign to help win the fight for equality for all."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Shelley and Liz
July 16, 2011

Shelley says, "Liz and I met in early 2002 even though we were living 300 miles apart. I was visiting near my hometown for different reasons and Liz had become friends with some of my former high school buddies.After several casual meetings at mutual friends' houses, something unexpected happened; we kissed! From then on it was a whirlwind and we both felt the connection immediately. We quickly became a couple and in July 2003 we had a commitment ceremony and began creating our life together. We later reaffirmed our love and devotion to one another through a ceremony in San Francisco in August 2008. Now that Illinois has given us the chance to have a civil union, we're ready again to say "I do". We're thrilled to have the opportunity to legally show our commitment to each other, 9 years after that first kiss."

They say, "We believe in the legal and social work the HRC provides to the lesbian and gay community. Plus, we don't need gifts; it is our 3rd wedding after all!"

Kristin and Sarah
July 23, 2011

Kristin and Sarah met at Indiana University in 2003. Kristin initially thought Sarah was kind of a jerk, and Sarah found Kristin rather loud and obnoxious, but they somehow turned out to be the perfect match. It must have been their mutual love of the Spice Girls. They got engaged in October 2008. They've seen many close friends married off recently and now it's their turn!

"The Human Rights Campaign is a great organization that can use your donations to fight for the GLBT community. Silverware and towels might be more useful, but equal rights are priceless."

Tara and Marcia
July 23, 2011

Tara and Marcia are both Physical Therapists and met in 1995 while working at the same facility in Sedona, Arizona. After a few moves and several happy years together they now live in Manhattan. They took the opportunity during the brief period of legal same-sex marriage in California and legally married on July 24th, 2008 in Oakland. Tara and Marcia are now having their wedding and reception in Columbus, Ohio with family and friends gathered. This is also a gleeful celebration of the newly acquired right to marry in the state of New York!

Stacey and Marie
July 24, 2011

Stacey and Marie met twenty years ago on a blind date and have been building their life together ever since. They ask their friends and family to donate in their honor to the HRC because they have a mutual commitment to equality.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Mark and Mat
July 30, 2011

Mark and Mat say, "We have been together for 30 years. Like every couple, we have had many wonderful times, sweet companionship, good dogs and good friends. And we've also had hard times. When we struggled with money and careers, times we failed each other, when too many people died. We knew what we had, but the outside world didn't always acknowledge us as a real family. Now, we are so grateful to be able to get married! It's something that we never thought we would see in our lifetimes!"

"If we were a young couple, starting to build a home together, a toaster oven and a set of dishes would be lovely. Fortunately, we already have a wonderful home and everything we need, including the ability to get married."

"We dream of the day when everyone will have that same opportunity. Please help the Human Rights Campaign make that a reality."

Jack and Justin
July 30, 2011

Jack and Justin met on MySpace and started out talking as friends. As time went on, they met up and decided to try to be together. Justin moved from his hometown a year later to be with Jack in his hometown. They have been together as a couple since October 31, 2007.

The Ceremony is being held with friends and family members on July 30, 2011 in Mansfield, Ohio.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Aya and Fletcher
July 30, 2011

Aya and Fletcher say, "We already have lots of stuff. Please donate to this cause!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Peg and Sandy
July 30, 2011

Peg says, "Sandy & I met on a blind date 18 years ago on July 30th. We had our first commitment ceremony on the same date in 1995. We have loved, comforted, and honored each other through better and worse, sickness and health, while richer and poorer, and have forsaken all others for 16 years."

They say, "We are thrilled that the State of Illinois is finally recognizing our union. However, we still need the work of HRC and similar groups to secure federal recognition, recognition in other states, and full marriage equality for all."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Namrata and Patrick
August 5, 2011

Patrick and Namrata are dedicated to marriage equality.

"We recognize and are saddened by the inherent discrimination encoded in the laws of many states as well as countries around the world," say Namrata and Patrick. "The joy, legal and social recognition, as well as the trials and tribulations of civil marriage should apply to every consenting adult, no matter who one loves. If you are moved to make a donation to the Human Rights Campaign we encourage you to do so."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Ashley and Jonathan
August 5, 2011

Ashley and Jonathan met at Reed College. Since they met, they've lived in 3 states and one federal district, completed a couple of degrees between them, and decided to get hitched.

They say, "We agree with the words the MA Supreme Court used in its decision legalizing same sex marriage in that state:

"Civil marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family... Without the right to marry or more properly, the right to choose to marry one is excluded from the full range of human experience and denied full protection of the laws for one's "avowed commitment to an intimate and lasting human relationship..."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Elizabeth and Michael
August 6, 2011

Elizabeth and Michael met in college in Rhode Island and have since followed each other to San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle. Together, they make experimental films, talk about environmental law, and bake spanakopita.

"We're really excited to be getting married," say Elizabeth & Michael, "and we want everyone to be able to have that right."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Kate and Caitlin
August 6, 2011

When Kate first moved to DC in May of 2006, she joined a rugby team in order to make friends. In addition, she found Caitlin. They got to know each other on a car ride to a game in Raleigh, and found that they were so engrossed with the conversation that they drove halfway to Tennessee before realizing the mistake. Two years later they had moved in together. In May of 2010, on a hiking trip among waterfalls in Massachusetts, Kate proposed. The couple plan to marry in MA next summer and to celebrate with an outdoor bash at a family home in NY.

Although Kate and Caitlin will be legally married in Massachusetts, when they return home to Virginia, their marriage will not be recognized. They hope donations to the HRC will help promote same-sex marriage equality in all 50 states, so they can live wherever Kate gets a job after her PhD graduation!

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Ra'Shawn and Kelvin
August 6, 2011

Pastor Ra'Shawn & Kelvin met at the Vision Church of Atlanta. It was not love at first sight with them. But they grew to love each other like never before. God has really blessed the two of them. While so many did not want them together, it became fuel to mold them together! Pastor Ra'Shawn & Kelvin have so many plans to expand the Kingdom of God together!

"Living in South Carolina where same sex couples can not marry legally, equal rights have become an even more important issue to us, as we have many friends affected and touched by the issue," say Pastor Ra'Shawn & Kelvin. "After getting engaged last year, it was important to us to find a way for our wedding to make a difference and for us to continue to advocate for marriage equality. We would love for our friends and family to consider making a donation so that all couples in loving relationships can have the same rights and the same opportunity to experience this level of commitment."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Kirsten and Courtney
August 7, 2011

Kirsten and Courtney were friends long before they fell in love. After five years together, getting married was suddenly something that was very important to them. Kirsten and Courtney waited through the brief stint of legal marriages because they wanted to do it on their terms, on their timeline. When Kirsten and Courtney get married after six years together, it is their greatest hope that their state and country will soon recognize them as legally married, with all the rights and understandings that go along with that.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Maria and Mona
August 8, 2011

Maria says, "Mona and I met on August 8, 1998 through a mutual friend. Mona was ready to leave Chicago to go to Europe and follow her dreams of attending a culinary school. She left a month or so after we met and I met up with her in Amsterdam for a pre-honeymoon in Spain. She left Amsterdam in October of 1998 and we have been together since. We have a beautiful home with two cats, two dogs and a parrot. Both of our families accept and love us as a couple and as individuals.

Maria proposed to Mona on May 20, 2011 in the HRC store on Castro Street in San Francisco. She thought it was fitting given that the storefront and building is hallowed ground. Harvey Milk would be proud that Illinois has come this far! We can only strive for more!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Julie and Elizabeth
August 12, 2011

Julie and Beth met as Outdoor Education Instructors in 2004. After falling in love in Alaska, they chased each other around the country (California, Utah, Michigan, and New Hampshire). They have had great adventures together like teaching on a sailboat, hiking for six weeks on the Appalachian Trail, gaining a few more Bachelor's degrees, kayaking, camping, climbing, and lots of great road trips.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Seth and Nicole
August 12, 2011

Seth and Nicole say, "Hello friends and family! Please help us celebrate our marriage by supporting basic human rights!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Patti and Barbara
August 12, 2011

Patti and Barbara met through mutual friends while they were planning a week in Fire Island. They got to know each other at the beach and fell in love. They say, "we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary in August in the same Fire Island house we consummated our relationship way back then." When asked why they would like their friends and family to donate to the HRC in their honor, they said, "to help pass a federal law allowing lgbtq people the right to marry."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Matthew and Alexis
August 13, 2011

Matt & Alexis met eleven years ago at Jacksonville University. Alexis had just transferred and Matt was the first person she met on campus when he offered directions because she appeared lost searching for her class. They were close friends for years, often attending school functions together and keeping in touch with long phone conversations after graduation. They seriously reconnected 5 years ago and dated long distance. Unfortunately, it didn't last, and they went their separate ways but always remained in touch. After Alexis finished graduate school, they began to talk again frequently. As if they didn't learn their lesson the first time, they then started dating long distance again briefly, but quickly moved in together. They have been together since and cannot imagine life apart again.

Matt enjoys fishing, skiing, soccer, running, reading, and politics while Alexis enjoys shopping, yoga, reading, and spending time with her family. They both enjoy traveling on vacation, especially together. The week before they got engaged, on their most recent adventure to Panama, Alexis caught a 350 pound blue marlin, her first. They are getting married at the end of the summer on top of a mountain in Telluride, CO.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Shannon and Sebastian
August 13, 2011

After graduating from college in 2005, Shannon and Sebastian both decided to attend law school, where they were in the same section the first year. Shannon had a stead-fast rule that she would not date anyone in her section, but after sharing a romantic dinner in the law school cafeteria with the best conversation of their lives, Shannon and Sebastian knew that rule was going out the window. They've been having the time of our lives together ever since.

"We would like people to donate because everyone who is in a loving relationship should have the right to experience the same joy we are experiencing," say Shannon and Sebastian. "Everyone should have the right to stand in front of their friends and family to express their love and have that love formally recognized and accepted. When everyone has these rights, it will make us happier than any gift we could ever get."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Mark and Sarah
August 13, 2011

Sarah and Mark met on a blind date. For their first date, Sarah suggested meeting in Mark's neighborhood because she didn't know any good places in hers. Mark told Sarah that was unacceptable, so they met up at a dive bar in her neighborhood and have been together ever since.

Sarah and Mark believe that, "Everyone who loves each other as we do should be able to get married. We would be honored if our friends and family marked this occasion by supporting HRC's work on behalf of marriage equality and other civil rights issues."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Emily and Aaron
August 13, 2011

Aaron and Emily met in 2005 while she was taking his water aerobics class to rehab from a running injury. After numerous awkward conversations, Aaron finally mustered the courage to ask her out. Ever since then they have been inseparable (except for when Emily goes to Africa). They have grown as people and challenged each other to be the best they can possibly be. From trips to Kenya, to building houses in New Orleans, to supporting each other's goals of becoming a nurse and a teacher, Emily and Aaron have shared six amazing years together. Please join them in celebrating their love by helping to bring about equality for all those who also love each other.

Emily and Aaron say, "Nothing would make us happier than knowing that our wedding has helped us move toward a day when we can proudly live in a world that extends equal rights to all."c

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

William and Michael
August 13, 2011

William and Michael say, "Almost thirteen years ago, our eyes met across a smoky room at a biker bar in Austin, Texas. Was it love at first sight? Not exactly. But, now we know we're meant to be together for life. Eight months later we moved to San Francisco for ten years and now we've spent three years in South Florida."

"Life together has been an adventure. Marriage is the next level of that adventure. We share our life with Molly (shitzu), Pooh (maltese) and our two cats- Hildy and Henry."

"After thirteen years together we have acquired everything we need and lots of what we want. We agree that more than a new blender we would like people to honor our union by assisting HRC in their goals."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Amy and Lis
August 13, 2011

Amy and Lis say, "We met 16 years ago as college students. This year we are celebrating our 10-year anniversary of our Vermont civil union by renewing our vows and getting a New York marriage license! WOOHOO! We've been together a long time, and don't really need any of those traditional wedding gifts. We're an old married couple at this point, and just happy to be able to celebrate our union with such supportive friends and family. And, there's still more work to be done to legalize same sex marriage across the country, and hopefully, eventually at the federal level."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Justine and Steven
August 13, 2011

Justine and Steven have been together for 7 years and they say, "we are happy to be getting married and celebrate with our friends and family present."

"We look forward to the rights and privileges that come with marriage. Unfortunately, not all our friends are able to legally marry the ones they love and we would like to see our state recognize their relationships as well."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Laura and Cody
August 19, 2011

Laura and Cody met at work and were friends for a year or so before one fateful margarita night when they realized their feelings for one another. They moved in together the next day and have been living and loving happily for over a year, joyously planning a wedding in between full time jobs and school and looking forward to their future together.

"We want to acknowledge how fortunate we are to be able to legally marry each other in front of our friends and family," say Laura and Cody. "We believe that our wedding should be a total celebration of love, regardless of orientation, so we have created a registry with the Human Rights Campaign where our guests can donate to the cause of marriage equality for all."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Ryan and Chrissy
August 20, 2011

Chrissy is a student getting her MBA so she can run her small business. Ryan works for the local Parks and Rec Department. They met in middle school and somehow found their way back to each other 10 years later. They share a house with their two dogs who they both agree provide most of the household entertainment.

Both Chrissy and Ryan look forward to being able to share this special day with their friends and families. They wish that many of the couples that they look up to would be given not only a special day but the same rights that come with it.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Melissa and Matt
August 20, 2011

Melissa and Matt met on stage at a show called "Puppet Playlist."
She: a puppeteer. He: a musician.

They came together over winter beaches, Buckingham Nicks, bikes and beer.

Melissa and Matt say, "We believe strongly that marriage is a civil right that should be equally available to all couples."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Nicole and Shauna
August 20, 2011

Shauna and Nicole met in 2003 when they were both working at the hospital in Powell, Wyoming. Shauna was dared to see if she could pick Nicole out of a crowd, and never being one to back down from a challenge, Shauna pinpointed Nicole and lo and behold, they went out on their first date within the week. Almost eight years later, the rest is history!

They say that "HRC is an organization that's near and dear to both of our hearts" and would like their friends and family to join them in honoring their commitment to each other.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Cory and Adrian
August 26, 2011

Cory & Adrian met Junior Year of High School in 2006. After spending an amazing summer together they concluded the summer with a romantic night on the beach and started their relationship on August 26, 2006. They have been together for 4 years and are now getting married on their 5th anniversary. As a gay couple, they have faced challenges and have only grown closer and stronger.

"All relationships have hard times," say Cory & Adrian. "Though same-sex relationships might have a few more obstacles, we encourage you to remain strong and rely on each other for support and you can make it though anything as a couple. We want HRC to have the necessary resources to keep giving hope to the young and old couples out there. We know that HRC is always fighting for our rights and offering comfort to the LGBT community."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

William and Clinton
August 27, 2011

Clinton and William say, "We are so excited to be sharing this special day with so many of our friends, family and co-workers. For us, this event is about joining our lives and our families, despite the fact that it will not be legally honored as a marriage by the state or federal government.

We have both donated to support the efforts of the Human Rights Campaign to secure equal marriage rights throughout the country. If you agree, we'd be happy to have you honor our wedding by making a donation to the HRC in lieu of a gift."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Amanda and Mark
August 27, 2011

Amanda and Mark say, "We met in grad school, but did not start dating until well after graduation, as a result of a random run-in at a bar. One of our first dates was watching 'Star Trek II: Wrath of Kahn'.

We have spent as much time traveling as we can (which is not nearly enough), and Amanda loves being involved in Mark's kids' lives."

Amanda says, "We wholeheartedly believe that love and family should not be restricted. Love is love is love is love. It's utterly ridiculous that heterosexual couples can get married at anytime, but homosexual couples do not enjoy the same privilege. Mark's ex-wife (mother of his son), is gay and would love to be able to marry a partner some day. She deserves to be able to form her family in the way that is best for herself and her son."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Dave and Kirk
August 27, 2011

Dave and Kirk say, "We met online through a dating website in the summer of 2009. We traded emails and chatted for a few weeks before meeting in person. Our first date was magical and we both knew we had found something special. We have been inseparable from that moment on."

Kirk says, "Dave is always full of surprises. About a year into our relationship, he took me out for a romantic dinner. Over dessert he confessed to me how much our relationship meant to him and how deeply he had fallen in love with me. I told him it was reassuring to know that he felt the same way about me that I felt about him. Much to my surprise, he presented me with a small blue box containing a beautiful white gold ring and asked me if I would marry him. Of course I said yes! After he placed the engagement ring on my finger, he took a matching ring from his pocket and explained that we would both wear these rings as a symbol of our commitment until the day when we could have a ceremony and exchange wedding bands."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Douglas and Thomas
August 27, 2011

"We met in a church in northern New Jersey where Doug was Associate Minister and Thom was a parishioner. We were involved in the church's drama ministry when our friendship began to bloom into something more", say Douglas and Thomas. "We wouldn't know what that something more really meant for several more years. But one day while traveling New Jersey's Garden State Parkway together the moment just seemed right for us to express our feelings for each other. We shared those vows of love and commitment almost 43 years ago as we were still discovering what this love meant to us."

"Many people give wedding gifts on these occasions, but since we've been together for so many years and since our living space is so limited, we ask our friends and family to please refrain. But, if they wish to give a gift we would like it to be a donation to the Human Rights Campaign, a group who has been largely responsible for the progress of our civil rights in the United States and in particular in the State of New York."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Mark and Jonathan
August 27, 2011

Jon and Mark met over 11 years ago and have been inseparable since their first date on Halloween in 2000. They live with their plant in a great 1901 building in the Uptown neighborhood of Denver, CO.

There is nothing that would mean more to us than to be legally married in Colorado. The ultimate gift is to have our friends and family support our relationship by donating to HRC.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Maggie and Andrea
August 28, 2011

Andrea and Maggie began working together at the same company back in 2005. They have weathered a lot of changes in their lives since that time - - one of which being that they both left the company in 2008. One constant has been being a part of each another's lives, sharing laughs, and making memories on "adventures".

"Andrea and I are grateful that we reside in Massachusetts, where same-sex marriages have been legal since 2004. However, there is still work to be done. Same sex marriages are illegal in most states and thousands of loving, same-sex couples cannot get married," states Maggie.

"Additionally, unless the current law changes, the federal benefits of marriage will not apply to us following our August 28, 2011 ceremony. A donation to HRC will help to do the work that still lies ahead in many states and on the federal level."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Andrea and Julie
August 28, 2011

Andrea says, "Julie and I have been together 15 years and we met through a mutual friend in a bar and have been together ever since! We have three beautiful children and want them to see their moms get married."

They say they would like their family and friends to help celebrate with them through the HRC because "We have an established life and do not need more material things. Julie and I want to acknowledge the organizations that worked hard to bring Civil Unions to Illinois."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Lucy and Seth
September 3, 2011

Lucy is an entertainment lawyer, representing actors, writers and directors in film, TV and theater at Peikoff Law Office. Seth is a healthcare investor at SAC Capital. They live and work in New York City. They met in September 2008 and will be married in La Jolla, CA, three years later!

"At this time of joy for us, we are even more aware that many of our gay and lesbian friends are still not accorded the basic civil right of marriage," say Lucy & Seth. "We welcome donations to Human Rights Campaign, an organization that strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Kristina and Mo
September 3, 2011

Kristina and Mo met in college over 7 years ago, and have stayed together through countless moves, time zones, and over 5 years of long-distance. They are so excited to finally be establishing their lives together in the same place!

Kristina and Mo say, "We are so grateful for the opportunity to formally and legally stand before each other, God, and our friends and families and voice our lifelong commitment to one another. Recognizing our love and commitment through marriage is an amazing privilege that is still denied to many of our friends and fellow citizens."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Sean and Delcia
September 3, 2011

Sean says, "Delcia and I met right out of college as AmeriCorps volunteers. We found that our personal beliefs and other interests melded perfectly."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Haley and Catie
September 4, 2011

Haley and Catie met online, both looking for nerdy friends in the LGBT community. It is hard to find someone whose idea of a perfect date is a trip to a comic book store. And harder still to find someone who thinks a romantic way to spend a one year anniversary is taking a road trip to Iowa to see a Buffy the Vampire Slayer tribute band and sing-a-long.

Aside from being incredible nerds, Haley and Catie aren't very different from most other couples in America. They bought a house together in 2009 and have worked hard to make it into a home. They share it with their cat, Sassy, and their three rats, Whiskey, Echo and Sierra.

"Although legal recognition won't make our marriage any more or less real to us when we say our vows on September 4th, 2011, it would grant us 1138 rights and benefits that straight couples receive from the federal government when they say, "' do,'" say Haley and Catie. "And that is something we could use far more than dinnerware or linens. Hopefully one day all couples will have equal rights in this country, and your donation to the HRC can help to achieve this goal."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Shana and Darren
September 4, 2011

Darren and Shana were lucky enough to find each other and have the legal right to marry. "Please help us in gaining that right for everyone."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Melissa and Miriam
September 4, 2011

Melissa and Miriam first met in 2005, through the Society for Creative Anachronism, a historical re-enactment group. They became better acquainted a year later, when mutual friends invited Melissa to help Miriam celebrate her birthday and then afterwards when Melissa was struggling with coming out to her mom. They started officially dating June 20, 2007 and Melissa moved to Tulsa a year later to live with Miriam and her two sons. By the time they were engaged in November 2008, they had become a solid family unit, with Melissa claiming Miriam's children as her own.

"One of the reasons we chose to set up this registry is that every dollar donated brings us one step closer to legal recognition and equal rights for our family and other families that look like ours."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jonathan and Shira
September 4, 2011

Jonathan and Shira say, "Marrying the person we love is the happiest and most important event of our lives. We deeply regret that many people are barred from doing so. We hope that the law will soon catch up with what's right."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Kathryn and Corey
September 4, 2011

Kathryn says, "Corey and I met through work and went quickly from being friends to being in love! We have found such joy, love and comfort in being together and feel so blessed to be getting married. We look forward to the day when any couple can celebrate their commitment in front of friends and family with a wedding!"

They say, "We have so many 'things' and would be honored if, instead of giving a physical gift, you join our fight for basic human rights."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Cara and Andrew
September 10, 2011

Cara and Andrew met in 2006 through friends in their hometown of Duluth, Minnesota. They now live in the Bay Area in California where Andrew works as a summer camp program director and Cara works in education research.

"Living in a place that granted same sex couples the right to marry and then took it away, equal rights have become an even more important issue to us," say Cara and Andrew. "As we have many friends affected and touched by the issue. After getting engaged in 2010, it was important to us to find a way for our wedding to make a difference and for us to continue to advocate for marriage equality. We would love for our friends and family to consider making a donation so that all couples in loving relationships can have the same rights that we do and the same opportunity to experience this level of commitment."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

David and Kenneth
September 10, 2011

Kenneth and David met online 11 years ago and lived together for one year before having a commitment ceremony while living in Denver, CO. Then they moved to New York and have been there for the past 9 years!

They say they want their friends and family to donate in their honor because they want, "To let the world know that gay marriage is acceptable and needed."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Sara and Josh
September 10, 2011

Sara and Josh say, "We look forward to the day that everyone everywhere has the right to legally marry. We hope that contributions made through our wedding registry will help accomplish this goal."

Joanne and Dianne
September 10, 2011

Joanne says, "Dianne and I have been together for 11 years. In September 2001, we had planned to have a commitment ceremony, presided over by one of our pastors. It was scheduled for 9/15/2001, four days after 9/11. We weren't sure if we should go through with it or not, given what our state and nation had just experienced. Our pastors and our friends encouraged us to go ahead with the ceremony because we all needed something positive to focus our attention on for a little while.

"Since we were in our 40's, we decided to have a party every 5 years because if we were still living at our 50th anniversary, we would probably not be in very good shape to plan a party! This year, 2011, is our tenth anniversary of that ceremony as well as the year that New York State has legalized marriage for us! As a result, this will be a big year - renewing our commitment and becoming legally wed!"

They say, "We have what we need in our home and are very comfortable. We would prefer that our friends and relatives donate to HRC to promote the national recognition of marriage equality."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Rosemary and Mariana
September 15, 2011

Rosemary and Mariana say, "We met in New Paltz as students and have been together ever since - 37 years! We were married in New Paltz during the huge uproar including the arrest of the mayor. Our marriage was declared non-valid. We will go back to New Paltz to make it official - FINALLY!"

They say, "We need nothing other than for folks to realize that we have been discriminated against our entire adult lives and have overcome. Others should not have to suffer the wrath of family, 'friends' and employers because of who they love."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Danielle and Adam
September 17, 2011

Danielle and Adam actually met while interning at the Human Rights Campaign in January 2007. Danielle has since moved on to another nonprofit, Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure, while Adam continues to work at HRC. Equal rights for all mean a lot to Danielle and Adam and they are happy to work on a regular basis as an employee, donor and advocates to help progress this civil rights movement.

"We were so happy to get engaged and begin the planning of our wedding and our future," say Danielle and Adam. "However, we were saddened by the fact that many couples all over the world do not have this same freedom. Some are even forced to hide their love from their friends, families and coworkers. We didn't feel it was fair that just because we fell in love with someone of the opposite gender, the government decided we should be allowed to celebrate our love and be permitted civil rights that others are not allowed. It is our hope that through this charity registry we will be able to use our wedding and celebration to help everyone experience the same joy one day."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Liz and Ben
September 17, 2011

Liz and Ben say, "We believe strongly that marriage is a civil right
that should be equally available to all couples."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Alex and Angela
September 17, 2011

For their first date, Alex took Angela out for Mexican food and a demolition derby. When she didn't run in terror, he knew it was meant to be.

Three years, one rickety house, and two crazy dogs later, Alex and Angela got engaged. They can't wait to spend the rest of their lives together.

Alex and Angela say, "We're thrilled to celebrate our love for and commitment to each other, and we believe that all couples should have equal rights under the law to do so."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Dan and Liz
September 18, 2011

Dan and Liz met in May 2006 at a swing-dance event in the Washington, D.C., area. Liz moved to California for law school three months later, but their relationship thrived despite the distance. A year after Liz finished law school and moved back, Dan proposed at a romantic B&B in Northern Virginia.

"We are committed to marriage equality, which influenced our decision to get married in Massachusetts," say Dan and Liz. "We look forward to the day when our LGBT friends and family have equal protection and respect for their love and commitment, whatever way they choose to express it."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Susan and Emily
September 18, 2011

Susan and Emily met almost two decades ago while working on a show together in New York. Susan is now the company manager for WICKED on Broadway and Emily is a music copyist who works on many Broadway shows. Since they did not want to be itinerant brides, they waited for New York State to adopt marriage equality so they could celebrate in their hometown with family and friends.

Susan and Emily said, "We truly have everything we need, except full equality as married people under federal law. Your donation to HRC would help advance the work to gain marriage equality federally, whereby all married people would have the same civil rights."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Sara and Hart
September 23, 2011

In early-2009, close mutual friends asked Sara and Hart if they were open to a set-up. While descriptors like "super nice" and "whip smart" were provided, both wondered if a blind date was a good idea.

As it turns out, they met. And they fell in love. And they've concluded that spending a lifetime together sounds like a very good idea.

Sara and Hart go on to say, "At this time of joy for us, we are even more aware that many of our gay and lesbian friends are still not accorded the basic civil right of marriage. We welcome donations to the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and create a nation that provides fundamental fairness and equality for all."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Chuck and Rick
September 24, 2011

Chuck says, "Rick and I met at a political rally in the city of Long Beach, CA after a very homophobic city councilman made very public anti-gay remarks. We became part of the committee that organized a march on City Hall in protest. A number of months later we celebrated together as the city council approved domestic partners rights. We have been together now for 15 years and are so excited to be living in a state where same-sex marriage is now legal. We are now planning our big day where family, friends and of course our two puppies will witness the legalization of our long-term relationship."

They say, "We don't need material gifts. We need your support in the fight for marriage equality nation-wide and the elimination of DOMA at the federal level. Please help us, through HRC, gain an equal playing field with all married couples."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Marshall and Eddie
September 24, 2011

Marshall and Eddie say, "We both came from long term relationships and met at a car enthusiasts club. He drove an old Rolls and I drove an old Porsche." We will make it official on our 5th anniversary. Both of us enjoy traveling and do so extensively."

"We have been together long enough that we have pretty much everything we need except the recognition that marriage will bring to us."

Charles and J. Hyde
September 24, 2011

Charles and J. Hyde say, "We've been together for over 27 years and used to live in NYC. Since New York has passed the gay marriage bill, we came back to get married. For us it's a chance to make a statement about our love for each other. Since we are now residents of Florida, which doesn't recognize our union, this has no financial advantage for either of us.";

"At this point in our lives we really don't need any more "things" and giving to HRC will help promote the equality we all deserve."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Bonnie and Chelo
September 24, 2011

Bonnie and Chelo met when Bonnie was studying abroad in Bolivia. Chelo was her homestay "brother" (cliché, we know). Their relationship was long-distance for two and a half years before Chelo finally moved to the states this Summer!

Bonnie and Chelo say, "We don't take our right to get married for granted and strongly believe that everyone should have the same right to marry the person they love. We hope that through donations to HRC our wedding can in some small way help to make marriage equality a reality in the future."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Michael and Greg
September 24, 2011

Michael and Greg say, "After nearly 11 years together we are grateful to be able to do this in our home State of Illinois."

"We are asking for donations to a great cause, the Human Rights Campaign, in lieu of gifts."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Lauren and Joshua
September 25, 2011

Josh and Lauren met at a party and instantly bonded over travel. The next day they met for pizza and drinks (at a very sketchy bar!) and talked for hours. The day after that Josh left for India.

Now, more than four years later, Lauren and Josh are very excited to publicly declare their love and commitment for each other before all of their friends and family. They ask that you please donate to HRC so that other couples can do the same and be recognized.

"We are lucky in a lot of ways, and the fact that our marriage has the blessing of the U.S. government is just one of those. We'd like to take this opportunity to raise awareness of (and hopefully donations for) the HRC on behalf of the many, many couples that are not as lucky as us."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Leanne and Anne
September 25, 2011

Anne and Leanne are so grateful to have the love and support of their families and friends as they make a commitment to each other! They say, "Your support of us is one step that you are taking towards the fight for equality. We encourage you to take the next step and support the Human Rights Campaign!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Amanda and Mike
October 1, 2011

Amanda and Mike met through mutual friends during one of their favorite shared hobbies: playing World of Warcraft! WoW was a great way to meet. Chatting in the midst of gnome and druid battles, they knew they were meant to be together!

"We feel deeply passionate about everyone having the same rights as we do," say Amanda and Mike. "So many of our friends are in committed relationships and they deserve all of the rights that any other couple is granted. We have already combined two households and decided this is a great alternative and a fantastic way to support something we believe in."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Kit and Michael
October 1, 2011

Kit and Michael met as counselors at an Arts Summer Camp in Maine. Mike was teaching photography, and Kit was teaching metalworking, ceramics and improvisational theatre.

Kit now has her master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy and is a practicing family therapist. She works doing home visit therapy with low-income families in crisis in the South Bronx, New York. Meanwhile, Mike is the first assistant to a Tribeca-based photographer and spends half his time traveling around the globe to photograph famous and/or fascinating people (not necessarily mutually exclusive).

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Lori and Jay
October 1, 2011

From opposite corners of the country, Lori and Jay met while students at Goucher College in Maryland in 2001. A lot has changed since: they've lived with friends and family in Baltimore, Boston and Philadelphia. They've become aunts and uncles, celebrated friends' weddings, held good jobs, held bad jobs, and been inspired and challenged by the world in which they live. Throughout, Lori and Jay have enjoyed each others company in life. They are each others friend and love.

"The Human Rights Campaign works for marriage equality. We would like people to donate to the Human Rights Campaign in lieu of a traditional wedding gift because as we excitedly prepare to celebrate our own marriage, we recognize that many people are denied this right. Our friends, family, teachers, neighbors, colleagues and bosses deserve to have the right to marry. Thank you for your generosity, your gift means so much to us."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jim and Jocelyn
October 1, 2011

Jim and Jocelyn met in April of 2008, on OKCupid.com. On their first date, they bonded over their mutual admiration for music, stories, and whisky, and agreed to be just friends. On their "second first date" a few months later, after two epic Scrabble matches, they reconsidered the "just friends" thing and quickly fell in love.

Since then, Jim and Jocelyn have formed a band, Dream Team Laser Beam, and Jim has collaborated with Jocelyn's band, Pearl and the Beard. They live together in Brooklyn with Jocelyn's goldfish, Jeff Goldblum.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Cory and Joseph
October 1, 2011

Cory and Joseph say, "In many ways, we like to say that divine intervention brought us together. Others may say the Internet did.

Regardless, over the past ten and a half years, we have grown deeper in love with each step along our journey as a couple. From our home life to our travels to our faith community, we take comfort in walking beside each other and in celebrating our own uniqueness.

We have been so fortunate to be supported by loving family and friends. And so, we look forward to our wedding being a way to celebrate with them and to say thank you for their commitment to our relationship, just as we solidify our commitment to one another."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Rachel and Jacob
October 1, 2011

Rachel and Jacob are thrilled to be able to marry in a state where everyone has the right to do so. They say, "Only 44 more to go!"

They want to tell their family and friends, "thank you for your generosity."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Elizabeth and Brian
October 1, 2011

Liz and Brian have been together since 2006 and have decided to get married!

Together they say, "As a fundamental matter of fairness and equality, we believe that all couples should be able to declare their love and commitment to one another through marriage, and enjoy the thousands of civil rights and responsibilities that are afforded by marriage."

"We salute our home state of New York for embracing marriage equality. Please join us in supporting the HRC in their efforts to make marriage equality a reality for all."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Rene and Heather
October 1, 2011

Rene and Heather's story begins over 20 years ago. Rene says, "I was in 8th grade and smitten with this girl. We volunteered at the zoo together for about 4 years. Fast forward years later, I found her on Facebook and we started chatting. At this point she was living 4 hours away, and we were both dating other people. As time passed those relationships fell apart and we gave our relationship a try. Two years after later, we are still going strong."

They say, "We came out to our friends and family (most already knew), but in your thirties it's a whole other ballgame. We were done saying that we were roommates we were ready to get married!"

Rene and Heather would like their friends and family to donate to the HRC in their honor because they say, "How many blenders do two people need?"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jennifer and Renee
October 1, 2011

Girl met girl...a modern fairy tale. Jennifer and Renee say, "We are very excited to be celebrating with our family and friends, and your presence is the best gift of all. We sincerely request no presents. If you feel strongly that you would like to give something, we would be thankful for a donation to the Human Rights Campaign, which works to achieve equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Elizabeth and Chrissy
October 1, 2011

Falling in love was easy. The passion and attraction was instant for Chrissy and Elizabeth. After being together for over 3 years they are very excited to be getting LEGALLY married in New Hampshire.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Cara and Johnny
October 2, 2011

Cara and Johnny met at a Halloween party in 2007. Cara was dressed as a zombie stewardess; Johnny was wearing backwards pants. The two quickly bonded over their mutual love of board games, especially Boggle. The first few days were exciting: the Rockies were in the World Series and Johnny promised he'd propose on the spot if they won. (They lost).

Just before Christmas in 2010, Johnny surprised Cara with a romantic proposal at their house. The event was witnessed by Scrappy, their neighborhood cat. Cara and Johnny say, "We believe everyone should have the right to get married."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Nancy and Jack
October 2, 2011

Nancy and Jack have been a couple for 25 years. Over the intervening years, each of them has come to be a member of the other's family and they have decided to make it official.

Nancy and Jack have family members who have not been able to freely make decisions about a partnership as they have, and they see it as a gift to to support and promote freedom of choice in marriage.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Brandy and Jenna
October 8, 2011

Brandy and Jenna met in 2005 at a dance recital in their hometown of Englewood, FL. Brandy was attending college for video and lived in Tampa, FL two hours away while Jenna was in Englewood dancing and teaching. When Brandy came home to watch her younger sister's dance recital she saw the most beautiful woman on stage who just happened to be her sister's dance instructor. Brandy knew when she saw Jenna dance for the first time they would be together forever.

It didn't take long before the two formally met on Englewood Beach and sparks flew. Five years later Brandy proposed to Jenna on Englewood Beach after that year's dance recital.

Jenna and Brandy are currently living in Winter Park, FL with their three cats and pot bellied pig and preparing for their wedding elopement in Connecticut on October 10th, 2010. There will be a larger scale ceremony in their hometown October 8th, 2011 for friends and family.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Samantha and Benjamin
October 8, 2011

Samantha and Benjamin say, "We met in 1999 in college while playing ultimate frisbee together. We attended separate colleges and met during the summer. After finishing our degrees in engineering, we moved to Philadelphia and shortly thereafter started getting involved in local politics and other organizations to make the region better. We made our commitment to the city a while ago, and now we are excited to make our commitment to each other to grow in our love for each other and the diverse community that surrounds us."

"We're not the kind of people who like to acquire "stuff," and we feel very strongly that ALL loving couples, regardless of sexual orientation, should have the opportunity to achieve wedded bliss!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Tayler and Ruben
October 8, 2011

Ruben and Tayler first met about 2 1/2 years ago. Tayler liked how laid back Ruben was about everything, and Ruben liked how feisty Tayler was in always seeking out a challenge.

When Ruben and Tayler met, they had an instant connection. Tayler had found her best friend and the person with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life. They both knew that they loved each other, that they wanted to be married, and that after their wedding on October 8th, that the state of Tennessee would recognize their decision to be married. Tayler and Ruben say, "To deny a couple the legal rights of marriage is to tell them that their love is not equal to mine and Ruben's. No court can or should decide that. We believe in marriage equality, and we hope that our family and friends will support our beliefs by donating to the Human Rights Campaign."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Don and Anson
October 9, 2011

Don and Anson both come from different places - both in geography and relationships. Don is from New Orleans originally having only been in one long term relationship and dating many people. Anson on the other hand was from the Houston area and had been in a 13 year committed relationship. Most of their friends might tell you that they are complete opposites, but they actually share a lot in common. Personality-wise, they balance each other.

Don only wishes they had some spectacular story about how they met, but unfortunately it's boring and simple. They met at work. They work together in the operating room at a hospital. They started making small talk on facebook. When Anson started having difficulties in his relationship, Don offered to be a friend. After his break up, they started spending all of their time together. Don and Anson grew closer and eventually moved in together.

"If anyone had ever asked either of us if we believed in same-sex marriage, we both would have said no," say Don and Anson. "But for us, it seemed like the next logical step in our commitment to each other."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Eric and Ryan
October 9, 2011

Eric says, "During our 15 years together as committed partners Ryan and I have enjoyed countless enriching experiences together including travel, family, friends, and food. Some of our adventures include trips to Tahiti, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Bali, England, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Mexico, and Costa Rica. We have worked successfully as a team to deal with the stresses of life such as family illness, work obligations, and home ownership. Along the way we have been incredibly fortunate to meet many wonderful friends. Given the depth of our experiences as a couple we have considered ourselves married for many years. Thanks to the work of the HRC, and to our open-minded friends and family, legal marriage between same gender couples is a reality in the state of Massachusetts. We are excited and proud to celebrate our commitment to each other with our friends in a ceremony of marriage."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Nathan and Caroline
October 15, 2011

Nathan and Caroline met while both were at the University of Cincinnati. Nathan was a charming computer nerd, while Caroline was an ambitious and hip political affairs aficionado. Through their shared love of karaoke, grunge rock, and each other, they were quickly inseparable.

Today, Nathan is a business analyst for a large technology company, and Caroline is working on a dual degree program, pursuing a Masters degree in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and a Juris Doctorate in Law. They live in Cincinnati with their two fuzzy cats.

Caroline and Nathan took their time deciding to get married, but eventually decided it was the way they wanted to symbolize their commitment to each other. Their marriage will be a symbol of love for themselves, and for the world to see. Nathan and Caroline both believe that anyone in love, regardless of their gender, sexuality, gender identity, or preference, should have the right and ability to proudly and joyfully be joined to their partner through marriage.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Megan and Dan
October 15, 2011

Megan and Dan moved to Portland from different parts of the country within about a month of each other in 2005. They met soon after while working at a restaurant, a job they both despised. Although Megan and Dan both quickly moved on to different jobs, they kept in touch and remained buddies, and about a year later, started dating. They've been together over four years and are very excited to make it official!

"We are very excited to get married, but at the same time think it's unfortunate that we have that right when many other couples, whose relationships are just as if not more worthy than ours, aren't allowed to have their unions recognized by law. We think that marriage is a basic right that should be available to all, and we are honored to be part of making that change happen."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jill and Paul
October 15, 2011

Jill and Paul say, "We are thrilled about our engagement, but simultaneously outraged that gay and lesbian couples cannot share in this process with us. As such, we are registering with the HRC Wedding Registry as an alternative to a 'traditional' wedding gift."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Melanie and Jacob
October 15, 2011

Melanie and Jacob say, "We met each other in college and joke that we started dating out of convenience. Our roommates were dating each other so we thought it would be fun to double date. It turned out to be more than convenient. It turned into love. Even though, at times, it was inconvenient (two bouts of long distance), we are still in love over eight years later."

"When we decided to marry, it was important to us that we draw attention to the inequality in this country and do everything in our part to change that. We planned our wedding in a state that had marriage equality and are only using vendors that support marriage equality."

Melanie and Jacob would be honored if their guests would also like to support marriage equality in honor of their union.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Amiee and Andrea
October 16, 2011

Amiee and Andrea met on MySpace. Well, kind of. They had seen each other in passing and ran in the same circles so when Andrea messaged Amiee, she was thrilled. They dated long distance for about six months and then actually broke up and were apart for nine. Amiee and Andrea reunited on Andrea's birthday, November 30, 2009 and got engaged on February 1, 2010.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Amy and Niki
October 22, 2011

Amy says, "Niki and I met in 2001 while playing basketball for opposing teams in an Indianapolis women’s basketball league. After not being able to ever beat my team, Niki asked me to join her team for the next league! It didn't take long before a strong friendship was formed, and well, here we are now! We have two sons who keep us very busy. Matthias is now 6 years old, and his little brother Jakoby just joined our family on June 2nd of this year! Niki and I are very fortunate to have two wonderful children to share our lives with!"

"We would like our friends and family to donate to HRC in lieu of buying us traditional wedding gifts" say Amy & Niki. "We make this request in the hopes that one day HRC will help all loving, committed couples experience the same blessings and protections of marriage, regardless of their sexual orientation. We believe that any two adults devoted to sharing their lives together, and dedicated to all of the responsibilities that go along with their promise, should be afforded the same rights and privileges as the married couple next door."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Lauren and Cait
October 22, 2011

"We are both writers, and we met when the leader of a local writing group persisted in getting us introduced. Life together has felt rather like one big sleep-over. We are best friends; we make each other laugh, share core values and principles, and definitely bring out the best in one another."

"The only thing we don't have, but need, is the right to marry. Our faith community recognizes our union as marriage, and our ceremony will be held at our synagogue. But the right for LGBT couples to marry needs to be recognized and extended nationally. There is no 'separate but equal.' HRC is leading the fight and we support the cause, and ask that in lieu of a traditional wedding gift, our friends and loved ones consider supporting this cause."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Damon and Jessica
October 22, 2011

Damon and Jessica are both from Tucson, but did not meet until law school at the University of Arizona. Now they live in Washington, DC and are looking forward to both their wedding and marriage.

They say, "What makes us special? If we can get married, then everyone should be allowed to!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Abbie and Mike
October 22, 2011

Abbie and Mike believe that all committed couples should have the right to marry. As a way of sharing in their happiness, in lieu of a gift, they say, "please consider making a charitable contribution to an organization that advocates for marriage equality."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Katie and Nick
October 22, 2011

Katie and Nick have been told many times that their story is like something out of a movie. Way back in 2001, Nick and Katie were living on opposite sides of the country- Katie in Portland, Oregon, and Nick at Cornell in Ithaca, New York. They each discovered Fark.com, a 'weird news' aggregate website whose members, like Katie and Nick, all seem to have a dry, sarcastic, and often nerdy sense of humor.

At the time it was a very small online community, so Katie and Nick, through their mutual interest in various topics on the forum, took notice of each other and began an online friendship. Members of the site regularly put together real-life regional social events, so Katie hopped on a plane to join the Ithaca Fark party in the fall of 2001 to meet Nick and a few other east coast online friends in person.

They say, "There is nothing that we want more than for everyone to have the chance to marry the person they love and benefit from all of the rights that come along with it."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Miki and Jacob
October 29, 2011

Miki and Jacob say, "We recognize that not all couples who are in love in this country have the right to get married like we do, and we hope that this changes soon. We'd be thrilled if you would donate to the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that fights for marriage equality."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Rebecca and Elizabeth
October 30, 2011

Rebecca and Elizabeth met in college and have been together for 24 years. They say, "We are being married on our 24th anniversary of our original exchange of vows."

We would like for our friends and family to help us overturn the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to ensure full equality for all.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Vanessa and Karen
November 5, 2011

Vanessa and Karen say, "After 11 years together, we are excited to marry in our home state of New York."

"We look forward to the day that everyone everywhere has the right to legally marry, including at the federal level. We hope that contributions made through our wedding registry will help accomplish this goal."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Crystal and Jennifer
November 11, 2011

Crystal says, "Jenn and I met through Craig's List. She posted an ad in the "strictly platonic" section. I answered, and we have been inseparable ever since!"

Jennifer and Crystal say, "People should donate because we don't really NEED for anything. I would much rather see funds go to good use than to just pad our bank account."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Kamrin and Manuel
November 11, 2011

Kamrin and Manuel say, "Rue Paul was our own personal little cupid! 7 years ago at the Salt Lake City Pride festival she performed and we danced together all night." Kamrin continues, "It was my first Pride event and the first time I'd been 'out' in public. That night with him I KNEW I had found my eternal companion. We have spent these adventurous years building our family through the adoption of 2 kids, home, and career. It's been quite a struggle here in Utah, but we've never let that stop us. We won a Commitment Ceremony through the Q Salt Lake magazine in March and as soon as we saw that NYC made it legal for actual marriage we booked a flight and called our friends. 11/11/11 @ 11:11am we will make it 'official', and at least in some places on this planet, we will be equal citizens of our world in the eyes of the law. It is a real THRILL!!!"

They say, "When we had our Commitment Ceremony we were SHOWERED in gifts and love. It is now time for us to give to the organization that made this day possible for us. Without HRC, we’re confident we'd have remained at 'status quo'."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Joel and Milt
November 11, 2011

Joel and Milt say, "We strongly believe that marriage is a civil right and should be available to all couples, not only in New York but in the entire country."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

David and Richard
November 11, 2011

David and Richard say, "We met on 09/24/94, introduced by a mutual friend, and the rest was history! As soon as our eyes met, the connection was made. As our favorite song goes "Some Enchanted Evening" sung by Babs..."you will see him laughing from across a crowded room." After 17 years together, working separate careers, and embarking on a major restoration project in upstate NY in 2005, we are still together through thick and thin. Two touchstones that complement each other no matter what they do. It's truly been the easiest relationship for both of us, and our extended family in the community has just made us keep going over the years. Richard is now retired from the airlines and running our new venture, a 9-room inn for the past two years, along with a small 50-seat theater, and several other businesses in our building that have created a center of culture in our community. The arts are thriving on the banks of the Mohawk River in Little Falls."

"We want to give back to the community that supports us and give them all a chance to relax and just celebrate the day with us. As we truly don't want to leave anyone out. This victory for NY State was the hard work of HRC and all its volunteers, and what better way than to have people just contribute to HRC."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

David and Lawrence
November 12, 2011

David says, "Leigh and I met at a party during President Obama's inauguration in Washington, DC. We hit it off. At the time, Leigh lived in DC and I lived in San Francisco. Leigh travels for work a lot, so over time I was able to see more of him. Eventually Leigh landed a job in San Francisco where I live. Leigh was a real trooper. For the first six months we lived together in a roof-top Airstream in the Tenderloin section of San Francisco with our dog Zila. It's not the best part of town, but it is only four blocks from his work. Now we live downstairs in one of the condos that was recently completed."

"I never dreamed that we would see gay marriage in my lifetime. It is amazing to have the option to get married, no more second class citizen. We attended an HRC Annual Dinner in DC where President Obama spoke (followed by Lady Gaga). HRC has worked very hard on many fronts to help gay people achieve equality. However, we realize we still have more work to do. Leigh and I lost the option to get married in California where we live. Luckily the capital of our country (and several other states) do have the option - so we are happy to come back to Washington, DC to celebrate our wedding."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

John and Franck
November 12, 2011

John and Franck say, "18 years ago when we first met in Copenhagen, the idea that marriage was even a possibility in our future did not exist. Now at this point in our relationship we are surprised at the powerful emotional impact on us of this decision to get married."

"In place of traditional wedding gifts, we ask instead for a donation to be made to the Human Rights Campaign. Hopefully with your support, LGBT couples will no longer have to leave their state to legally marry and our marriages will be fully and equally recognized everywhere."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Michelle and Lauren
November 19, 2011

Michelle and Lauren are getting married at the nation's Capitol on November 19, 2011. After the turmoil associated with California's Prop 8, they decided to get married in Washington, D.C. as a political statement and to solidify their commitment to one another. "We would appreciate our guests donating to HRC to further the efforts of equality in our nation and legalize gay marriage once and for all."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Amy and Joshua
November 20, 2011

Amy and Josh met on a blind date. After having learned more about each other, they decided to give dating a whirl... What happens when you combine two independent, freethinking, photography-obsessed, adventure travellers with so many similarities it would make your head spin? A marriage proposal across from the Opera House in Sydney, Australia, at sunset!

They say, "We make each other shine."

"Espresso makers and wine glasses are fabulous "things" on a registry, but a donation to an important cause is so much better! We strongly and wholeheartedly support the HRC and have always believed in full equal rights for the LGBT community. We're so grateful to the HRC for a registry that will raise awareness and help make a difference!"

Amy proudly advocates for equality through her business, Amy Greenberg Photography. Both Amy and Josh are beyond thrilled about New York's big step forward by legalizing same sex marriage! Love is love.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Claire and Kelly
December 10, 2011

Claire says, "Kelly and I met as new hires at the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. Now we have new jobs, are in a new city, and are preparing to start a new phase of our life together."

She continues, "While Kelly and I certainly appreciate the well-wishes of friends and family, what we need more than sheets or a new crock pot is a marriage that is recognized by our great state and that affords us equal rights and benefits under the law."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Sarah and Mark
December 11, 2011

Sarah and Mark met in New York City in February 2008. It was a set-up.

One of Sarah's best friends, Mai, was studying at the Woodrow Wilson School for Public Policy at Princeton University with Mark. She subtly suggested that Mark might enjoy making the acquaintance of her friend Sarah. At Mai's birthday party in New York that year, Mark introduced himself to Sarah. They enjoyed pleasant conversation and a few turns on the dance floor. During their first date a few weeks later, at a rustic Italian eatery downtown, both felt the beginning of something special.

Despite the twists and turns of Sarah's professional commitments - her boss ascending to the rank of governor between their first and second dates, for instance - their love quickly became the foundation for a lifetime partnership. With every trip aboard the New Jersey Transit to visit each other in Princeton and in Brooklyn, their future together became more certain.

Both quite adventurous, Mark and Sarah frequently travel together. While in Budapest this past Valentine's Day, Mark proposed marriage at the approach of midnight on the Chain Bridge, spanning the Danube River.

They now make their home in four cozy rooms atop a brownstone in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Mark enjoys cooking, Sarah enjoys baking, and they both enjoy their tiny deck, where Mark grows herbs and Sarah does her best to tend to the flowers. Please come by the next time you are in town!

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Sara and Melissa
December 27, 2011

Sara and Melissa met in Augusta, Georgia in 1996. Melissa was a fourth year medical student and Sara was an NICU Transport/ECMO clinician. They met at the bedside of a one pound extremely premature infant. ("I'll never forget that baby boy! He witnessed the best night of my life which was when I met the love of my life," says Sara.)

Fourteen years later Melissa and Sara now own Hampton Village Pediatrics, LLC in St. Louis, Mo. They share the most wonderful daughter in the world! She is 61/2 years old and her name is Ava Claire. Melissa and Sara are both legally recognized as Ava's parents, which only happened in Dec 2009 - thanks to a wonderful attorney and a fair judge in the city of St. Louis. Melissa and Sara are so blessed to have wonderful family and friends spread out all over the world! They would love to share their special day with them all.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Rachel and Matt
December 28, 2011

After years of mutually lukewarm-to-non-existent acquaintance from college, Matt and Rachel were reunited at a small gathering of college friends in New York in October 2008. Even then there were no sparks, but a newfound appreciation for each other was born, as each was much nicer than the other remembered and they both really liked The Sopranos. Matt also liked that Rachel ate two ice cream cones at once, and Rachel appreciated how sweetly Matt talked about the latest girl he had met on the subway that he was "really into".

Rachel and Matt say, "As adults living together in New York City, we have no real need, or space, for more things. That being said, we realize that friends and family may want to support our union in some way. And, we want them to! By contributing to HRC in honor of our wedding, our friends and family are able to stand together as a community in support of the basic human rights that we, as a heterosexual couple, are able to take for granted."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Mark and Peter
December 29, 2011

Mark and Peter met in church 19 years ago. They would like their friends and family to donate in their honor because the HRC is an organization that helped make their wedding possible.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Sarah and Celia
December 31, 2011

They met in 2004 as students at Agnes Scott College, when Sarah was assigned as Celia's "Big Sister" to guide her through her Freshman year. Sarah and Celia say, "From day one, we pretty much knew we would be together even though we came from such different places." Celia is from a small town in Georgia, and Sarah is a girl from the suburbs, who can't imagine living outside of the city. Celia is a star athlete, and Sarah is a bit of a bookworm. They say, "But through the years, as we have grown together, we have come to realize that we have so much more in common than we thought. We both love movies and travel and new experiences. Our families are incredibly important to us. And nothing is better than amazing food and conversation enjoyed in each other's company."

"Finally, after 7 years of dating, we are tying the knot in DC and then throwing a blowout bash on New Year's Eve for our families and friends. It will be the first step in a lifetime full of friendship, love, and happiness."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Patrick and James
December 31, 2011

Patrick says, "James and I met in college. I was a freshman and he was a junior. We went out a couple of times and after he completely ignored me for a month, he decided that he wanted to go steady. We have been together for three and a half years, and we have been through some things such as issues in me coming out to my family and other things. He has supported me in all of my life choices and we love each other very much."

"We would like people to donate to the Human Rights Campaign instead of buying gifts because we feel that this is a great organization and we love what it stands for."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Kathleen and Bradley
January 21, 2012

Kathleen and Bradley say, "After over eight years of bliss - including roughly 8 jobs, 3 cars, 1 Masters Degree and a loving dog - we are thrilled to be getting married on December 16, 2011. We are fortunate to live in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a state that allows all of our neighbors to marry who they love," say Kathleen and Bradley.

"We would like to encourage our friends and family to support HRC and the work that they do to ensure equality of all relationships across the country. There has been incredible progress toward marriage equality in the eight years that we have shared together but the work is far from done. We would like for you to stand with us and HRC to make sure everyone has the same right to happiness that we enjoy in Massachusetts. Please allow HRC to keep up their good work to spread the love!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Brian and Christopher
January 21, 2012

Brian and Christopher say, "After 22 years together, we were thrilled to be married on November 26, 2011, surrounded by our closest family in New York City. We have shared life in four states and seven homes over the years and have enjoyed the loving support of our families. Upon learning of the legalization of gay marriage in New York, we were excited to return to our home state to be married."

"We would like to encourage our friends and family to support HRC and the work that they do to ensure equality of all relationships across the country, in lieu of gifts." They say, "please allow HRC to keep up their good work to spread the love!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Christine says, "Jess and I were deployed to Iraq when we found each other. It's hard to think of finding the person you love in a war zone. Once we came back to the states, we did long distance until I made the decision to get out of Active duty Air Force so we could be together. Even with the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" gay couples are not allowed any benefits, like being stationed together, forcing committed couples to choose between serving and being with their partner. I chose Jess.

Christine and Jessica say, "Since both of us have served our country (Christine for ten years and Jess for four) we feel the need to help the gay rights movement. Everyone deserves to have the simple freedom of marrying the person you love."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jennifer and Katherine
March 3, 2012

Jennifer and Katie met on a dating website called plenty of fish.com. They talked a few times through the site and then went to text messages and than to phone calls. Jennifer and Katie met on May 1, 2010. It was one of the best days of their lives. They talked for hours and Jennifer had never connected with someone like Katie before. Katie came over that night to Jennifer's apartment and they have been living with each other ever since that night. Jennifer and Katie moved fast, but they know this is good for the both of them.

"We want people to donate to the Human Rights Campaign in lieu of traditional gifts so that more states will finally give the lesbian community more rights."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Colleen and Jacob
March 3, 2012

Colleen and Jacob met online using the Chicago Reader's personals site. They love exploring Chicago and other cities together.

They say, "We are excited to celebrate our love and partnership with our family and friends, and we look forward to the day when this right will be available to all people. We firmly believe in marriage equality, and we encourage you to donate to the Human Rights Campaign if you are moved to do so."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Emily and Cassie
March 5, 2012

Emily started attending beauty school in Mesquite, Texas. Shortly thereafter, Cassie started attending the very same beauty school. It took a while to finally get together, but its been heaven ever since for Emily and Cassie. They were engaged in Summer of 2011 and plan to be married by 2012.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Hester and Jennifer
March 9, 2012

Hester and Jennifer have been together 11 years and they say, "after waiting for what seemed decades to have a civil union, we are very happy and will be forever. We've been on the Raise Up panel and pray every day for Indiana to recognize us the same rights as other states do with a true marriage."

They say they would like their friends and family to donate in their honor because, "It will help us get the rights we deserve as citizens of the United States. Only God can judge and we believe, and pray every day, as any other person does, so why should the people not recognize what is meant to be. We don't judge so why should anyone be turned away. Some people think they do what God says but we ask them to read John 3:16 and tell us. We ask you to help us and please donate to the HRC."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jesse and Derek
March 17, 2012

Jesse and Derek say, "The calendar tells us we've been together for 6 years, but we couldn't imagine our lives without each other. Visit our website at derekandjesse.com for more about our story.”

"We are so happy to have such loving family and supportive friends and we appreciate that you'd like to share that gift with the world through a donation to one of our favorite charities. A donation to the HRC helps us all inch toward a more perfect union -- and more perfect unions."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Sara and Toby
March 24, 2012

Sara and Toby say, "When we get married, our commitment to each other will be recognized by our families, our communities, and our government. We feel so fortunate to be able to marry each other, and we believe that everyone has the right to marry the person who they love. We look forward to the day when all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, will share the right to publicly declare their commitment to each other and have that promise fully acknowledged by their society. With that in mind, we are asking that our friends and family who feel moved to give us a gift in celebration of our marriage does so in the form of a donation to the Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights organization that works for marriage equality."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Jenna and Lindsey
March 24, 2012

Jenna and Lindsey met in 2009 at a popular lesbian spot in Houston, TX. Lindsey's a punk-rock-y, animal loving, semi-vegetarian artist who works in the corporate world by day, and Jenna's a craft-y, scrapbook-y, soap opera watching girly, girl who works in the non-profit sector. They both felt an instant connection with each other and couldn't be happier about what a perfect pair they make. Jenna and Lindsey moved in together later that year and although it has taken Jenna some time to get used to Lindsey's love of animals and the menagerie of pets living with them, they can't get enough of their happy family life at home. Jenna & Lindsey got engaged on Christmas Day 2010 and are now enjoying all of the excitement of planning their (lightly) Alice in Wonderland themed commitment ceremony. Jenna and Lindsey have wonderfully supportive friends who they look forward to celebrating with on their big day and are thrilled about sharing both the joys and the... not so joyous moments... of married life together.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Pooja and Chuck
March 31, 2012

Pooja and Chuck love each other very much and are looking forward to celebrating their wedding. Thank you for your gift! They would like you to donate in their honor because they are fully committed to marriage equality.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Anthony and Tony
April 1, 2012

Anthony and Tony say, "We have been together for 5 years, met in a train station in NYC, saw each other and knew it was love."

They would like their friends and family to donate on their behalf so that they can also support the community.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Stefannie and Sharla
April 2, 2012

Shar and Stefannie met through mutual friends and everyone could tell they had an instant connection. It's not too often you see a couple who has almost everything in common, but with this too it's very different. From their love of music and family to their unfailing faith, they are truly a match made in heaven.

Another amazing thing about them is the way they care for each other. Stefannie is an amputee after a car accident when she was 17, and some days has so much pain that she cannot move. But Shar is there to help her, bring her meals, and just hold her through the pain when needed. Over the past few years Shar had developed a seizure disorder, as well. Stefannie has learned to care for her, schedules appointments, and work with her daily on speech, memory, and social skills.

They say, "We would like to donate to the HRC because we would love one day for others to legally marry and enjoy the same rights and freedoms as every other couple."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Gen and Crystal
April 4, 2012

Gen's perfect woman is intense, mysterious, and deeply emotional. She has a poker face, argues her point and won't back down when challenged. Her perfect woman is confident, stylish, listens and is truly interested. She is a wonderful mother, committed to her relationship and perseveres. Not to mention, she is super sexy.

Gen's perfect woman is her fiancée, Crystal.

Gen and Crystal fell deeply in love and to this day are inseparable. After many years together and raising a wonderful (and at times challenging) 5 year old son, the sparks have remained. They have dedicated time and love and truly feel they share a deeply rooted soul connection. Gen and Crystal have been through both amazing and trying times, but through it all they have remained best friends and dedicated partners.

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Lisa and Faye
April 14, 2012

Lisa and Faye say, "We're excited about our commitment and hope that someday ours, along with millions of others, is recognized as a legal marriage in every state and by the federal government!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Susie and David
April 21, 2012

Susie and David say, "We have mutual friends and for a number of years we would see each other at events, parties, etc. We were both at a place in our lives where we didn't think we were looking for relationships when our friends set us up. As we spent time really getting to know each other, we realized that we shared many hopes and dreams and we fell in love. Working for a better tomorrow has been a big part of both of our lives, and now it is a labor of love we will share as a family."

"To be able to stand with each other in front of our family and friends and say "yes" with the support of that community --- that is a joy we want available to all loving couples. When we decided to marry, we did so with renewed dedication to working for the day when all our friends have the same opportunity. Everyone who joins this work makes that day closer to reality!"

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.

Leah and Erin
April 28, 2012

Erin and Leah met while working at the Container Store in San Diego. Leah was taking over Erin's position so they spent every day together getting to know each other and falling in love. Four years later, Erin proposed and they plan to say their vows on the beach with their feet in the sand.

They say, "HRC not only fights for every individual to have the right to marry whomever they love, but they work tirelessly for all LGBT issues. We would be honored if our friends and family donated to this amazing organization, not just for us but for all lesbian and gay couples."

To read more or make a donation on their behalf, please click here.