The number one question I got asked when I told people I was getting married was, “So what are you wearing to the buy wedding dress?” I’m typically not a dress wearing, high heel walking kind of a gal but the idea of shopping for a gown and walking down the aisle in one was exciting to me. I just couldn’t imagine myself in a suit or tux. Years ago when I came out at 18 I attended a formal lesbian fundraiser in Boston. Trying to play the part (or what I thought was the part) I rented a tux and black Paten leather shoes. Off I went with my short, short hair, nose ring and black tux. Not for a moment did I feel comfortable in my own skin. After going through many transformations as a lesbian I now know there is only one way I need to be and that’s my self. And boy did I have fun with my feminine side on our wedding day!

The hardest part was not deciding what to wear but finding a dress to wear! For months I tried on dresses decorated with lace, pearl beading, and flower embroidery and weighing way too much for a night of dancing. Finally I found a dress at Gilda’s Bridal Shop in Fall River, that fit my body perfectly but the hideous flowers had to go. So we removed the flowers and replaced them with beadwork in the folds of the dress and added beadwork to the chest. I loved the dress and more importantly how I felt in it. Feminine but with an edge! Taking a stroll after the ceremony