“Love is love is love.” It makes me so happy to see folks show their support during Pride month by offering this phrase. When I notice friends who are allies post “love is love is love” on their social media feed, I know they’re going out of their way to share that they view all love stories as equal and worthy of celebration. As a queer woman, I truly do believe that love is love is love. And, at the same time, I know there are specific questions and considerations members of the LGBTQIA+ community must consider when planning a wedding. I am thrilled to be a part of ElopeRVA, an organization that is here to consider all of these questions with couples and help them plan a wedding that perfectly reflects who they are, both as individuals and together.
For most of recorded history, marriage was a ritual only available to straight couples, and often our language at weddings reflects this. There are assumptions that there will be a “bride” and a “groom” and most traditional wedding ceremonies use phrases such as “man and wife.” At ElopeRVA, we are committed to being creative and to crafting custom ceremonies that reflect the beauty, boldness, and bravery of ALL partnerships. When you choose us to officiate your wedding we will meet with you, get a true sense of who you are, and write a wedding ceremony from scratch that authentically celebrates you and your partner. Whether you are “partners,” “spouses,” “husbands,” “wives” or “husband and wife,” we are here for it and we are here for you!
ElopeRVA was created because we saw a need for officiants who truly understand how to celebrate ALL couples and craft ceremonies that reflect the diverse beauty of ALL marriages. This Pride month as we celebrate marriage equality, we also want to take a moment and celebrate the distinctive beauty and creativity central to LGBTQIA+ marriages. Love is love is love and LGBTQIA+ love is unique and sacred and we are here to celebrate it with you.
Jamie Lynn is a chaplain for spiritual but not religious students at a local college. She loves trying new recipes, good music, whisky, hiking and relaxed nights in her backyard with friends. A member of the queer community, she believes that love is love is love and is ready to celebrate you and your partner.
She is ordained in a progressive Christian tradition and has officiated countless weddings over the past ten years. She also offers premarital counseling and is ready to work with you to plan a perfect, custom ceremony.