We eloped!

We are incredibly saddened by the results of the recent presidential election. While most citizens are focused on the concept of an economy, we have been focused on ensuring a safe and equitable society for all humans. You may disagree with the fact that this political election was or was not personal, but you cannot disagree with the fact that the new administration has used a ploy of misinformation and bigotry to win over the general public for (again) the concept of a better economy. It is evident from the number of interviews and public speeches that the LGBTQIA+ community (among many other minorities) is a target. Shocker, we are a part of that community, and if you loved us, you may understand why we are scared and frankly mad. As some are celebrating this win, we are currently writing a will, in the instance that our right's get stripped. Something as simple as our marriage license could be nulled from the federal (and state) government. This would first be an act from the Supreme Court, but as the new administration has shown, it supports actions for traditional families. We are not a traditional family, but we do have needs as such. For example, if our marriage is nulled, one of us would lose our insurance, we wouldn’t be next-of-kin during emergencies, etc. Anyone married or with a significant other should understand the ramifications. If you made it this far, just know that if you received an announcement - we love you. We hoped you loved us enough to agree that we have basic human right's. If you don't think we should, feel free to throw away the announcement and let us know so we can take you off the party guest list. If you think we are overreacting, Taylor is accepting $5 wagers that we are not. PS - It’s 2024, people, we shouldn’t have to worry about these things….

The plan was to throw a party in NC during the Spring of 2025. With the recent election, we have decided to focus our future plans on saving money in the case of any emergency. Whether that be moving, the loss of a job, the loss of insurance, etc.

Like every love story…this one began with a swipe. One swipe right and one SUPER like. Taylor had just flown back into North Carolina from North Dakota for a short break. Simone was in Chapel Hill following a semester abroad in Manchester. They swiped right and began chatting right away. Their first date was more spontaneous than this wedding, Taylor texted Simone that she was in Raleigh and would drive over to her apartment in Chapel Hill to watch movies and drink beer (Taylor’s parents thought she was staying at Savannah’s that night). Three days after their first date, Taylor hopped on a plane to San Francisco. While in California, Taylor told someone Simone was her girlfriend and Simone didn’t question it, until later when they were trying to determine their anniversary date. In December, they met up again, for their second date while Taylor was home for graduation. Then, she flew back to California with no idea of when she’d be back. Taylor lucked up with a job in DC and they did a closer-long distance relationship during the Covid-19 pandemic and ever since.

They didn’t really do this.

Taylor and Simone dreamed of a destination wedding with few people around. Right out of grad school, little money and lots of love, they decided to self-officiate their wedding while in Washington, DC for the National Book Festival.