Charlottesville's First-Ever Pride Festival

The Pride Festival will be held September 15th (next Saturday) from 2-6 pm at Lee Park in downtown Charlottesville. Lee Park is next to the Downtown Mall and the Central Library. Lee Park is on East Market Street. Parking on street and Market Street Garage. Notes from Amy Sarah Marshall, C'ville Pride President We're super-excited by the overwhelming response we've received from the community. I had originally wanted to have an event like this to draw people out of the woodwork - or closet - where many people in this area stay.  I'm delighted that my dream is actually coming true. So many folks have told me that they just keep to themselves and don't get involved in anything having to do with the LGBT community, but they are thrilled to have this opportunity to connect with others. Over 630 people on Facebook alone have said they are attending the festival. Area businesses will sponsor & attend as vendors I guess you just don't know until the question is asked whether a business or organization supports equality and LGBT rights or not. I think many of us - including myself - just don't ask the question. We "pass" as straight, stay under the radar, constantly questioning or wondering if we'd be accepted or rejected by others based on our sexual orientation. It's a pretty safe way to exist, but it's also a weighty burden to carry. Lisa, Amy Sarah, Buck & Julie Festival will provide fun lots of fun We will have poetry, drag performances, music, performance art in the main tent. Dave Norris, former Charlottesville mayor, will host. We'll also be joined by the lady arm wrestlers, the Derby Dames, face painters, jewelry crafters, nail and hair salon professionals, food vendors, and more. The kids' area will feature a bouncy castle and crafts and bubbles. The spiritual community will be represented by churches and Buddhist organizations. Non-profits representing healthcare, politics, and community activism will offer information on available resources. A special wedding vendor table will list LGBT-friendly services. But most of all ... The LGBTQ community will get the chance to find each other and get support for being themselves from straight allies and supporters. We as a whole community will get a chance to celebrate and stand up for equality for all of us.                                                                                                    Love ... Amy Sarah Marshall Comment from Reverend Elisheva Clegg, ordained Interfaith Minister This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone who receives this e-mail newsletter and lives in Virginia, Maryland and DC area to drive down to Charlottesville for a terrific day of sharing. We will have a table at the Festival with handouts to let the LGBT community know how we promote and support marriage in Washington, D.C. as the closest zone of equality for same-sex marriages. The Festival is perfectly located next to the Historic Mall with restaurants and shops for an extended evening of enjoyment after the events in Lee Park. Why not spend the weekend? For more information go to  www.cvillepride.org              Blessings ... Reverend Elisheva

I'll Write ... You Read ... then it's meeting time

Some important thoughts for a Couple to place on their "To Do" List And with any luck the time will come when we can sit across a table, sipping coffee and savoring a bit of cheesecake. And we will exchange that most precious commodity: intimate conversation filled with high expectations, new friends discussing plans for their wedding. Talk of hopes and dreams and the excitement of the journey can turn an hour into two. Many couples simply need to get that sense of comfort with a minister. It's important to hear of concerns, especially to know if their selection of a minister is someone who can bring their ceremony to family and friends in a manner which reflects their wishes. It's important to learn of sensitivities within and between families. It's important to learn of rituals preferred, especially when it is an interfaith wedding. A personal meeting is that opportunity to become comfortable with the person who is performing the most important ceremony in the life of a couple. Captain Kirk reminded us of an important gift We were watching a documentary this past evening entitled "Captains." William Shatner, the actor of note from many roles, but especially Star Trek, allowed us to listen to an entertaining couple of hours sharing conversations with all of the Star Trek Captains over the years, and some of the notable cast members so many of us remember. Then at the very end, as the credits were scrolling by, the final thank you came up and stopped. Shatner wrote several comments, and then offered: "These friends allowed me such a marvelous gift ... their time." That is exactly what we hope to enjoy with each couple: their time ... as time is allowed. So many couples ask, "Can we meet?" Of course we can meet, and that should be a part of your planning. However, I live near Charlottesville, Virginia and a meeting generally entails a full day, at least for those who live in Virginia, Maryland and the DC area. Many couples who plan ahead will take a weekend day and drive to Charlottesville, often staying for one night, enjoying the delights of this historic town, and meeting with us for a discussion. If a couple needs directions or ideas for a hotel accessible for visiting Monticello, Carter Mountain, University of Virginia, etc, please ask. Not all couples can make that trip to Charlottesville Keep in mind that only about half of all couples actually are close enough for meeting with ease. Many couples have waited too late for planning a meeting. Many live in other states, and will fly into their ceremony location just before the ceremony. As much as we would like to have that face to face talk months in advance, and become familiar before a ceremony, sometimes it is just not possible. Then, a bit more time is spent with e-mail exchanges, and the importance of my questionnaire to learn of hopes and dreams and other matters of the heart become so very prominent in order to write for text and tone. Sometimes in the course of exchanges, a phone call might allow for a more open dialogue to settle a matter quickly. What happens when family members wish to attend that first meeting? There have been many meetings over the years when a mother, or both mothers have arrived with the couple. There have been occasions when a couple brought their separate children with them. The list of combinations can be interesting. The question is usually asked: Is it OK for them to come with us? And the answer is: Certainly! However, at some point after general introductions, I will ask the couple to join me for a private conversation at a separate table, and Rev. T. Wade will occupy the rest of the family with the most interesting conversation one can imagine. He can speak football fluently. There must be private time with the couple. I have noticed on occasion when mothers are in attendance, there is a tendency on their part to want to know exactly how I will be handling the ceremony. It is at that point, but usually before it is asked, that I offer something like, "Please understand that I do not write a wedding until I have received completed questionnaires from a couple. I then draft the ceremony for their review and their review only. The wedding is therefore always approved by a couple in advance based on their request. I do insist that no one, except the couple, is to hear the script before it is delivered in a wedding. I do this rather deliberately, since a personal wedding must be that of a couple, and exposing it to friends and family lead to exchanges which may put pressure on a couple to make changes. That must never happen, since the ceremony becomes the wishes of others. And I am here to fulfill the wishes of the couple."   Perhaps this might be considered a gentle reminder that YOUR WEDDING IS YOUR DREAM DAY. Just sharing.

Sharing Thoughts with the LGBT Community ... But Not That Often!

A Personal note to the LGBT community from Revs. T. Wade and Elisheva Clegg   We cannot be accused of overwhelming recipients with blog postings accessed from our website at http://www.blueridgerainbowceremonies.org .  The articles are initially sent to readers on our e-mail list, and immediately placed on the blog site. Therefore, the e-mail is more than just an announcement of the blog posting; it's an immediate read of the item and has a "forward e-mail." The hope is that these less than intrusive mailings will be well received, versus daily bombardment by political parties, and that you will send on to other friends. Speaking of less than intrusive The last previous three e-mails and blog entries were April 21, 2012 (before this e-mail), January 14, 2012, and October 24, 2011. That's about one e-mail every 2-3 months. The topics are easily reviewed as to diversity by clicking the blog site and scrolling back.   The October 2011 article emphasized an important link for LGBT Military Members. Like all articles in the LGBT blog, there is always something to share from each article with friends. The heterosexual community can be casual about their status as Americans, but not the LGBT community. Take a moment and learn. The January 2012 posting remained the only entry for three months. Blenheim Farm and Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia area, although a popular wine-tasting stop for years, had just decided to open the farm for weddings last season. It deserved attention as a possible location for review for same-sex couples to host a large family gathering following  a legal marriage in Washington, D.C.  Although we have never performed a wedding at the site, it is indeed a lovely location.  The April 2012 posting was strictly of interest for couples planning ahead. Details regarding wedding licenses, along with ideas of fees and other considerations, were the sole focus of that article.  The next planned logistical e-mail/blog concerns adequately hearing a ceremony "Sound" will be the next topic of conversation, unless another important item needs to be addressed more readily. Past experiences with medium to large weddings, which neglected to enhance hearing for the audiences, have proven so disappointing. Not for the minister, the couple and the people seated on the front row, but for everyone else!   Sound must not be left as optional for the most important ceremony in the life of a couple. We will offer ideas, and specific professionals scattered around Virginia and hopefully in DC. If you have experienced a Sound Professional/ DJ  from an event or a wedding, then please send us an e-mail with their contact information and a comment. We would love to provide that information in our next in depth posting.  The question we often ask ourselves: Are we writing a newsletter or a blog? Quite frankly, our postings are probably more newsletter oriented. We may give extended attention to one topic, or list several items of interest. A concerted effort is made to pick a topic and offer in depth information with links for a reader. At the core, a blog and a newsletter is simply a Web page. Each communication format can contain text, images, and formatting styles. It would be nice if readers would actively ask more questions about topics regarding weddings, so that a tailored answer could be addressed. After all, one objective is to offer pertinent information which can serve couples planning a wedding. But remember, we are Interfaith ministers, and weddings are only part of what we do. Some postings will reach beyond planning a wedding.  A Final Note  It is true that our focus as Interfaith Ministers is tailored to personalization of weddings, and we travel considerable distances when proper planning is allowed. One or both of us is approved in all states and the District of Columbia.  Couples are asked to read our website(s) and click on testimonials for a true sense of how we are received. In addition, for almost four years our dedication has been aimed at our totally independent, non-religious, all volunteer, 501(c)3 public charity, which is Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum, Inc.  From all wedding fees a portion is allowed for support of this charity for temporary assistance for the indigent population who comes from all over Virginia to be served by the UVA Medical Center. A couple can provide a direct donation for a tax deduction, or we as ministers will direct our income from fees as needed to sustain this worthy objective. In essence, our ministerial roles are an integral part for sustaining our charitable organization, so when you receive e-mails from both entities, please know that our hearts and minds are ONE. Your wedding, if a couple seeking a wedding minister, will make a difference in the lives of the least able among us as they struggle with the most tragic of circumstances.

Blessings ... US ... Revs. Elisheva and T. Wade Clegg

A Vital Document for a Legal LGBT Wedding

Some Helpful Tips for Couples as they decide where to obtain a marriage license Presently, the most opportune location for me to perform a same-sex marriage is Washington, D.C. I know there is considerable anticipation that Maryland will open the door for legal ceremonies, but that has not taken place to date.  There are states where you can travel,  but  the District of Columbia is the only feasible distance for me to respond to a wedding minister request.  I live in the Charlottesville, Virginia area and make many trips to Northern Virginia and the District for same-sex and opposite-sex weddings. Some General Advice Always call the Washington, D.C. Clerk of the Superior Court Marriage Bureau and get details, if it's not already on their website. If you are traveling from a considerable distance, double check what documents you need and have them secured for the trip.  My last same-sex wedding in Washington, D.C.  was January 7, 2012 and the couple indicated that the fee was $45.00. Do you know how long the license is valid from date of purchase? In the District once a couple applies at the Clerk's Office for a license, processing time is generally three (3) days. Therefore, if one is being married by someone who is registered to marry you who is not an officer of the court, but a registered minister such as myself, then you will be able to pick up the license after the three days and be married anywhere in the City at any location of your choice.  However, since many couples will be coming to the District FIRST for making application, and then returning home, the question is:  How long is the license valid once it is ready for pickup.  That is the really good part for consideration. The license has no deadline for use. You can plan to return anytime and retrieve the license in conjunction with a date in the future for a wedding plan. Of course planning must include your return to pick up the license on a week day during operating hours. Most weddings are planned on weekends for convenience of guests, so it behooves a couple to arrive a day or two before a weekend to make sure they obtain the license, which must be provided to the minister before the ceremony.  I invite you to view our blog which is accessed  from the home page of the website at http://www.blueridgerainbowceremonies.org. Here is a link to an older post from March 20, 2010 for some other notes regarding same-sex weddings. That blog entry was entered when same-sex weddings were just approved, and may have some notes for your consideration. Know exactly where you must be married with the license you have purchased This is really important!  You must be married within the District.  Therefore, it makes perfect sense to scout the area for a location while visiting the District during the application phase of your exploration. My last same-sex marriage was performed before a rather large guest list who traveled mostly from Atlanta, Georgia. The location was the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20034. It is a large lovely hotel with many restaurants and large rooms for all size ceremonies.  My next same-sex wedding in June is a smaller outdoor event at the Intown Uptown Inn, 4907 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20011. During 2010  same-sex weddings were performed on riverboats, boarding from both the Alexandria, Virginia side of the Potomac River and the DC side of the river.  The Potomac Riverboat Company is located at 205 The Strand, Alexandria, VA 23139, Phone (703) 684-0580. What's interesting about the Alexandria departure is that you are considered in the District as soon as the riverboat leaves the dock, which places a same-sex couple inside the city limits for the marriage. On the District side of the river is Entertainment Cruises, Gangplank Marina, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC  20024, Phone (866) 404-8439. What are the responsibilities of a minister performing a legal marriage? A couple must present their license to the minister for review prior to the ceremony.  The license requires only one signature:  the minister.  The license has three copies.  The minister signs the license, providing a copy for the couple to retain,  keeps one copy, and mails a copy to the Clerk of the Court within a week of the ceremony.  The signing of the license following a ceremony makes for a very personal photograph with the minister and couple. Are ministers  performing legal marriages required to register in the District of Columbia? It is acceptable to ask a minister regarding proper registration for performing a wedding in the District of Columbia. Reverend Elisheva Clegg is registered with the Clerk in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, 500 Indiana Avenue N. W., Washington, D.C. 20001. Their phone is (202) 879-4865. A properly registered minister will be on file with the Office of the Clerk. Final Comments This information is tailored for same-sex couples who are seeking assistance for a private personalized wedding at a location selected by a couple by an approved wedding minister who is properly registered in the District of Columbia. If a couple is seeking a civil ceremony performed by an officer of the court, then contact the Clerk for details for length of time for processing a license, and how to arrange for a civil ceremony inside the Courthouse.  Many same-sex couples will obtain a civil ceremony, and at some time in the very near future arrange for a  ceremony away from DC to celebrate their legal wedding before a large gathering of family and friends.  Therefore,  my  website blog may feature vineyards or manor houses, etc., perhaps in Virginia and Maryland , for these extended events to take place.  I am always prepared to assist with the follow-up ceremony, but only after a legal ceremony in DC.  I tell couples that the day of the commitment ceremony is over. When there is an opportunity for a legal wedding, even in isolated pockets of equality in the United States, the time to take advantage must be seized. Blessings ... Reverend Elisheva

Blenheim Farm & Vineyards - A Spendid Place to have a Wedding!

Splendid Opportunity for a Wedding! This past Monday, January 9th, we were invited to visit a truly marvelous vineyard in Albemarle County along Carter Mountain Road. It was rainy and cold, probably the least likely time of the year for a wedding. However, once on the farm and inside several of the farm's 1800's style buildings, one could immediately sense all the possibilities for small-medium size weddings inside those cozy buildings. And it is easy to visualize the outside lawn area in spring, summer and fall with views over the vineyard. When reviewing all of the marvelous locations for a wedding, couples now have another stunning setting near Charlottesville, Virginia from which to choose.  The Blenheim Farm has several buildings for selection to accommodate various audience sizes for a wedding. There is the Main House, the Library and the Chapel can host 20 - 25 guests Historic Chapel. Outside on the lawn are a number of possible wedding sites near large trees.  Of course there is also the opportunity to rent the entire farm for events up to 200 people. The Blenheim Farm and Vineyards  is located at 31 Blenheim Road. The first objective driving from Charlottesville is to head out toward Monticello on Highway 53. Keep driving past Monticello to the Thomas Jefferson Vineyards.  Just past their entrance on Highway 53 is James Monroe Parkway.  Go south 4.8 miles down the James Monroe Parkway after leaving Highway 53. You will pass Ashlawn Highland (home of President James Monroe) on the right.  James Monroe Parkway becomes Carter Mountain Road at about 2.6 miles.  Turn onto Blenheim Road at the new Trump Vineyard Tasting Room sign. Drive 0.6 miles to the Blenheim entrance on the left side of the road.   Historic Library Just reading the directions should give a rather good impression of the magnificent area which is wine-growing country unequalled in Virginia. Who says you can't dine outdoors? Many of you reading this description and the Blenheim Farm website will be interested to know of the possibilities for business and family gatherings, in addition to weddings. Call or e-mail Kathy Del Rosso, Director of Sales and Marketing, a marvelous tour guide for planning an event. Her e-mail is kathy@blenheimvineyards.com  or call her cell phone at (434) 962-4241.