Mazel tov and infinite happiness and blessings to singer Melissa Etheridge and her longtime partner, actor Tammy Lee Michaels. Earlier this year, the couple announced their engagement, and unlike Bennifer, they actually made it down the aisle. On Sept. 20, Etheridge and Michaels tied the knot, exchanging vows in a California ceremony.
The official statement from the brand-new Mrs. and Mrs.:
"We are so grateful for the blessings from our friends and family as we commence our vows, and begin the rest of our lives together."Sounds like love and commitment to me. (Paying attention, Ben and Jen? How 'bout you, reality-show knot-tiers?)
A wee bit more on the star-studded nuptials from RainbowNetwork.com:
The ceremony attracted Hollywood`s A-list. Guests included Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Al and Tipper Gore, Jennifer Aniston (Brad was invited but is on location with Troy in Malta and couldn`t make it), Helen Hunt, Mike Myers, Sally Field, Ellen DeGeneres, Sheryl Crow, Christina Applegate and Kathy Najimy.Etheridge wore a "candlelight pantsuit of a linen jacket with beaded accent and crepe trousers," while Michaels was attired in a lace coat "crystal embellished scalloped trim over a white matte jersey gown."
The duo exchanged matching, custom-made platinum and diamond bands designed by jeweller to the stars Rafinity.
Because Etheridge and Michaels got married within the US, and despite the fact that California now has a domestic-partnership law in place (which still denies "marriage" to queerfolk), the union means nothing in the eyes of the federal government. Still, true romantics and decent humans have got to be happy for this terrific, loving pair, who indeed call themselves "married." After all, when two or more are gathered in God's name, there is love — whatever the 'phobes and supremacists have to say about it.
Still, I would love to see them make it legal. Perhaps their next stop will be Canada... But whether or not the Etheridge-Michaels family takes a trip to the Great White North, ultimately, one of our best defenses against opponents to marriage equality for all under secular law is to ignore 'em and, if we so choose, to get married and call ourselves what we are — married — anyway. Worked for Reichen and Chip.
Article comments
1 - Doc
Might want to be a bit more careful in the wording...the ceremony and marriage was perfectly "legal" but not "legally recognized".
Like numnuts in Alabama or Arakansas tried to do back in the anti-gay marriage hysteria a la Hawaii where they proposed fining any clergy member $100 for performing a same-sex marriage/committment ceremony.
2 - Natalie Davis
Good point, thanks.
As to the, um, "numnuts," a (decent) southern man don't need 'em around anyhow.
3 - Eric Olsen
Technically speaking, something can be "legal" - as in "not illegal" and still not be "legally recognized," ie binding from a legal standpoint.
But I agree that the best thing to do is just do it and demonstrate by example.
Thanks Nat!
4 - Brianna Masters
Gorgeous dress. Love the sentiment. Would loved to have been there. Where's the picture of the rings? Best wishes and blessings on you both.
5 - laura porteous
Best wishes to the both of them. A beautiful couple with beautiful children. God blesses you all. laura
6 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Good to see your smiling face at BC again, Natalie! It's been over a year! Welcome back!
All that really counts here is that the couple has legal rights under California law. Nobody can harass them. And, they're happy - which is the really important point.
7 - Christopher Rose
You might want to take a look at the publication date on this article, Ruvy... But, yeah, I miss her too.
8 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Yer right, Chris. Boy, do I need new glasses....