Part 2: Ryan and Kenny's Wedding

 On Sunday, May 30, we were excited to attend the wedding of my nephew Kenny to his husband Ryan at Gramercy mansion near Baltimore.  Today's blog is Part 2 of several with wedding pictures.

(Photo: L to R: Kenny, Ryan, Tom, Rob) 

For me, it was a big family reunion. I got to see Kenny's sister, my niece Kelli, her husband Derek and son Carter who drove in from the western U.S.  Kelli was the maid of honor.  Seeing them all brought tears to my eyes (I'm sentimental like that).

Kenny's brother, my nephew Matt also arrived from the western U.S. and was the best man. I remember when Matt was born and I told Ken and Jill (his parents) that Matt was the best birthday present that year. 

MY FUN  MEMORIES - Seeing Kenny, Matt and Kelli together brought back all the memories of birthday parties when they were all little, and so many other memories. My favorite memory with all three of them was when I would take them out for ice cream or something and we would all sing country songs by Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson and others. 

SPEECHES - Kenny's brother Matt noted how Kenny was responsible for forming the first gay alliance group on high school and bringing in the PFLAG (Parents and friends of lesbian and gay students). Kenny paved the way for acceptance of other LGBT kids - I'm very proud of him for that. Kenny's sister Kelli told some really funny stories (one about playing "Mermaid") and noted that it was a good thing the wedding was delayed a year due to COVID, because it gave Kenny enough time to get ready (Apparently he's usually late). 

Jill and Ken, Kenny's parents- told about Kenny's life growing up, his coming out, their immediate support, finding churches that were LGBT friendly, marching in Pride Parades, being interviewed on Inside Edition as the parents of 2 gay sons. 

I can't tell you how proud I am of Ken and Jill. They've made a world of difference for other LGBT youth everywhere.  

Ryan's mom gave a heartwarming note of love and support and Ryan's dad wished them the best of everything (he was a man of few words!). Ryan's brother and sister had some funny words, especially his sister- the love and support really showed.

We sat at the family table with Ken and Jill, Kelli and Derek, Matt, and our friends Sterling and Sean (they're also like uncles to the kids).   What an amazing wedding. 

We wish Kenny and Ryan a wonderful life together, and will be here for them as they go on their journey! As Tom and I say to each other- it's a learning experience!  

Kenny and Ryan's Wedding: Part 1

On Sunday, May 30, we were excited to attend the wedding of my nephew Kenny to his husband Ryan. It was a cold, overcast day with rain on and off, but by the time of the wedding the rain was over allowing for vows in a garden area outside an historic mansion!   This wedding was supposed to happen in May 2020, but the pandemic postponed it until all the attendees were vaccinated. It was worth the wait!  Today's blog is Part 1 of several with wedding pictures.

WHAT IS GRAMERCY MANSION? - Gramercy Mansion is a historic mansion in Stevenson, MD, U.S. It is located on Greenspring Valley Road near Stevenson University. It was built in 1902 by Alexander J. Cassatt, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad and brother of the American Impressionist painter, Mary Cassatt.

(Photo: Ryan (L) and Kenny (R) doing their wedding dance, Kenny wore a kilt). 

KENNY AND RYAN - They met in 2016 in passing, and met a second time that that was the right time. Everything clicked for them, and they complement each other so well. Kenny is a professional hairstylist with a studio in Baltimore, and Ryan is an event and wedding planner (it showed during the event). 

THE EVENT - The mansion was beautifully decorated. Many flowers, and one room for hor d'oeuvres, one for amazing desserts, and 2 bar areas. The tables had white linen tablecloths and gold ornamental plates (where the entrée was placed), and had a large flower arrangement, elevated so people around the table could see the Groom's table (pretty smart!)

VOWS OUTSIDE IN THE GARDEN - Behind the mansion is a winding stone pathway through gardens that comes out to large patio. A giant trellis (built by Kenny's dad) that supported a lot of beautiful flowers).  

(Photos: Rob and Tom in the garden- yes, all dressed up; 

The garden flower altar; Kenny's mom and dad: Jill and Ken). 

Ryan and Kenny exchanged their own vows, and Kenny's little nephew Carter (4 years old) walked up with a box holding their rings. It was adorable! 

   Right after they were pronounced husbands, it started to sprinkle outside (It's almost being showered with rice, but from a cloud)- I took that as a sign of a blessing from beyond! 

NEXT: People pictures inside!