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It was February 2002 when we decided to make our commitment to each other public.

Although our friends, family and co-workers viewed us as a couple, we wanted to share the love we have for each other in a special way. After much conversation and soul searching we decided that as long as we were going to go through the effort and planning of a commitment ceremony, we would take our event 1800 miles north to Vermont. We wanted to take that extra step toward equality, to be included with the more than 2000 other couples that have also taken their quest to Vermont to be joined in Civil Union.

That’s what started the series of events that would bring us here.

We found ourselves no different than any other couple making wedding plans. We asked the questions; who would perform our ceremony? Who would take the trip with us? What would we wear and what type of ceremony did we want? Where exactly would we have our ceremony? When would we have our ceremony? 

Well, no different than any other couple is what I thought.

Some of the basics were easy. We were fortunate to find the beautiful Phineas Swann Inn in Montgomery Center to host our special event. Glen and Michael were kind and more than helpful. It was through them we met Heather McKeown, the Justice of The Peace who would ultimately perform our ceremony. With those taken care of, we shifted our focus to the finer details; invitations, cake and attire to name a few. Yes, we admit to being somewhat traditional. Tradition is a great thing, even better is the freedom to start our own traditions or to change and update old ones to serve our wants and needs.

However, therein I found where tradition was no longer on my side.

Everyone has received an invitation to a wedding or commitment ceremony at least once in his or her lives. But have you ever received one that depicted two women? Being the eternal optimist I continued my search. There were no thank you cards, ring pillows, toasting flutes to name a few. Granted, I did find a couple of miscellaneous items but they were rainbow colored and definitely not our taste. So, I began designing my own. Contacting companies and artists, using referrals and the internet to search for the kind of accessories that fit our taste.

My first stop was to find a graphic artist to design a logo for me. I was referred to Richard Lyons of

Rainbow Designs by Richard. He designed the image you will see on many of the items contained herein. With that done, I was off to find all those little things that would make our event memorable. Moreover, I wanted to have these items personalized with wording I thought represented us accurately.

October 6, 2002 arrived and it was a perfect day indeed. More than a couple of people commented that it was a perfect autumn day in Vermont and that it must have been intended just for us.  It was not cold, the sun was shining, and the leaves were in full color. Directly behind the Inn was a stream. This is where we chose to make our promise to each other, before our family and our friends old and new. We chose no music, only the sound of the running water at our feet. I don’t think there was a dry eye present. We had come so far, not just in distance but also in our lives to arrive at this moment. And then, Heather said those words we waited to hear: “By the power vested in me by this great state of Vermont you are here by joined in Civil Union”.   Right there, we made our own tradition and a little bit of history too.

After the ceremony we had a celebration that included cake and champagne. We had a wonderful photographer; Randi from Catamount Studios in Wolcott. She was so kind and took great care in creating memorable images that will allow us to relive that moment over and over again. While our guests were inside enjoying our little party we joined Randi out in front of the inn to take a few photos in front of the inn’s sign. As we posed, there were cars driving by and honking their horns and waving. For one brief moment I thought out loud “ I hope nobody throws eggs “.

Nobody threw eggs. In fact, the honking, waving and congratulations continued through the photo session. This experience left me with one overwhelming feeling: Hope.

A funny thing happened when we returned. People said “Congratulations” to us and gave us cards and gifts. We got hugs and kisses and words of support. Some came from those people who had not previously acknowledged our relationship. I realized something important in those days that followed our return; that our ceremony had given people permission to approach and acknowledge our commitment because they now had something to compare our ceremony to; their own weddings. I believe its human nature to look for common ground and shared experiences. Our civil union ceremony gave them just that.

There is much work to be done so that we may be respected and included. We need to be seen. My hope is that this website is one small way to accommodate that and show everyone else that our commitment ceremonies and civil unions are important and necessary. You will also find links to organizations that will assist us to that end. Visit their sites, call them, donate money when you can and participate in our community. This site is a work in progress. Check back often as the selection changes and improves. If you are looking for something you can’t find or you have a suggestion, please email or call me. If you have some goods or services to offer, again, please contact me. I want to give you options. Let you know that you’re not alone. Spread the word.  

And so, here we are. In the following pages you will find the accessories that helped to make our wedding the event we had dreamed of. We are making our own traditions and we want to help you make yours too.

Wishing you love and laughter,

Michelle & Xiomy