This is a story of love. Two people in love. Two women in love. Two women who one day wish to legally marry each other.
I have known Mandee since I photographed her dad’s wedding in 2008. I also photographed her mom’s wedding in 2012 (where these images were taken). Mandee and Paige have been a couple for over two years, and have talked about marriage. But sadly, they aren’t able to legally marry in the state of MN. and this November we are faced with an amendment vote that would change our State Constitution to define marriage as “one man and one woman”. This is so incredibly wrong on so many levels. We live in the land of the free, land of equality. By putting this into our constitution we would be limited freedoms to a large population. We would be moving backwards instead of forwards. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you have GOT to believe in “freedom for all”………
Back in 2008, I knew there was something about Mandee that made me think our paths would cross again. In June of 2009 I hired her as an office assistant and she worked for me for two and a half years. During that time, she met Paige. I had the pleasure of watching her fall head over heels in love with Paige. They truly have one of the most solid and loving relationships I have seen. They have had their ups and downs as all couples do, but they are willing to do whatever it takes to resolve their problems. When she met Paige, I just knew she was “the one” for Mandee. They have this easy style between them (and can share each others clothes!). I can only hope to find a man to complete me the way these two complete each other!!
When one is sick, the other makes soup. When one is feeling down, the other lifts them up. When one has a success, the other cheers in joy. They are the epitomy of ”for better or worse”. They love each other unconditionally. They want to marry each other one day (legally). They want to have the same rights and resources and “straight people”. They deserve every bit of equality that I am allowed. PLEASE, I beg you, VOTE NO on Nov. 6th. It’s the right thing to do!
ARE YOU SMOKING WEED TO WRITE THIS? They can hook up all they please, but our authority, the BIBLE is very clear about marriage. They do not qualify to earn the rights of a man and woman legally married. Read the Bible!
You clearly haven’t read the bible either, Jane.
Jane,
We do you feel the need to be so disrespectful? To ask someone if they ‘are smoking weed?’ That is neither mature nor reasonable. You are certainly entitled to your opinion and our country is based on freedom of speech and religion. However, for anyone to take you seriously, perhaps you should behave more like an adult and less like a petulant child. And by the way, the Bible isn’t OUR authority, it’s YOURS – by choice. Our country has laws that have nothing to do with your Bible. They are put in place by the majority of the people, that is called a democracy. I feel sorry for you Jane. You were programmed not to think for yourself and have compassion for people. What a sad way to go through life.
Oh Jane. Naive and stupid Jane…. who declared the Bible to be my authority? You? So in other words, no one. I am not governed by a stupid book of fictional poetry. I am governed by me and who I choose to love and who I choose to be. Your imaginary god does not get to decide who I am with. BUT – if you want to throw around the “rules” from your silly book, then accept ALL of those rules:
[1 Corinthians 14:34-36] – Your book says it’s disgraceful for a woman to speak out in church and that if she has questions, she will wait until she returns home to ask her husband.
[Exodus 35:1-3] – This is where your book says that the penalty for going to work on a Sunday is death.
[Deuteronomy 22:28-29] – Oh, and THIS doozy! A man who rapes a virgin will buy her from her father, and then marry her.
Get a fucking clue. Oh, and piss off.
VOTE NO.
So if I don’t believe in the Bible, does that not make me an American citizen?!? just sayin. People’s rights go WAY beyond the bible.
Dearest Jane,
I am a man. Who reads this Blog. How are you even able to preach in your “bible.”
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:12)
“Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22)
PS I dont really do any hard work around the house. I have all of my slaves do work for me.
“Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and equitable but also to those who are perverse.” (1 Peter 2:18)
We as a society have evolved in every way. Our constitution was specifically wrote to keep religion out of the government. How can you hide behind your Bible to suppress people. Where in the separation of church and state? If you want to get back to the old ways of the bible. Fine! You sit there and think about First Timothy, you bigot!
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:12
Jane,
It is silly how Christians pick and choose their fights. You are all up in arms about gay marriages, but what about all those Christian divorces? What about all those people of the church and their acts of adultry? You and your Bible are far from perfect.
Also, what ever happened to the seperation of church and state? We don’t govern by the Bible for a reason.
And I will end my argument with this note. If you are so against gay marriage, tell all your straight friends to stop making gay babies.
Good afternoon Jane,
You denounce gay marriage because it is stated so in the Holy Bible – an “authority” to which you abide to and no other. So does this means that you do not abide by nonsensical laws or codes such as stopping at red lights or picking up your dog’s poop at the dog park? I’m curious, too, why all vote yes’ers always seem to reference the Holy Bible in their argument. The Quran also states gay marriage is a sin, but since the Christian belief is the only tool that validates what the Bible says then by default, those who abide by the Quran have should have no say on gay marriages. I have yet to engage in a dialogue where a vote yes’er DOESN’T reference the Bible or Christianity. Perhaps you could provide some? Even one would suffice.
I grew up Catholic. I knelt beside my mother praying the rosary when I was a kid. Yep, good ol’ Catholic boy. But even as a kid, my mother (who is a God-fearing lot, mind you) told me years ago, “Everyone is going to believe what they want. What matters most is that you just be good and be good to others. And if they are good to you, accept them into your heart. That’s all God wants.” I don’t follow any belief to this day my mom’s words still follow me to just be good. As a fellow Christian, do you believe my mom’s words insignificant?
The proposed amendment is an issue of rights, not beliefs. In the mid 20th century, there were people in this country who were afraid to allow non-whites equal rights. It’s nearly 2013 and there are people, such as you, who are still afraid… afraid of changing a social injustice. Please, don’t be afraid. Take my mom’s advice and just be good. Do what’s right. I’m pretty sure God will still love you even if you vote ‘yes’.
Sorry, I meant vote ‘NO’ at the end of my reply. Silly me. :p
What a beautiful story and such gorgeous pictures. Why on earth would anybody not want these two lovely ladies to not be happy together?
Goodness me, why can’t people just live and let live. Why are people quoting the Bible as an excuse in this argument, when we live in a multicultural society with freedom of worship and speech?!
I wish Mandee & Paige much love & happiness together – it’s time to do the right thing & let them get married!
They’re such a gorgeous couple & you can tell from the photos how in love they are…it breaks my heart that Mandee & Paige don’t get the same rights others do. Totally unfair and not awesome. Thanks for standing up and saying so, Amy.
I wish them and anyone else who wants to be free to love and marry whomever they wish the right to do so.
whoa.. I guess it IS heating up.. well i think they are a beautiful couple.. tell them to come on over to Massachusetts where many beautiful weddings are taking place. Great piece, Amy.
Love to you,
Lisa
I see Jane has sparked a little bit of controversy. Cheers to you for the courage to leave her comment up – I would have taken it down long ago because I don’t believe people who are so offensive should be given a platform for their offensiveness. I am a Catholic and I’m tired of people who throw the bible in your face to promote their view. Kudos to the young couple for following their hearts. Love is the only thing that’s real.
I love that you have been brave enough to tackle this subject on your blog. This is such a heated topic.
For me the bottom-line is ‘love’. It all comes down to love.
Yes, Amy — rights go beyond the Bible. In fact, Jane and other commenters, in this country we have the right NOT to believe in the Bible. (Oh, right, it’s that pesky little thing called the Constitution of the United States.)
But really, for me, it all boils down to this: WHO CARES if two women or two men want to marry? Are they hurting anyone by loving each other?
They’re not. So why should anyone else stand in the way?
Great post Amy!
I think it’s sad whenever someone wants to limit someone else’s personal freedom and self-expression.
If you feel strongly about something – don’t do it. But don’t force your views onto me or anyone else for that matter.
Tell Mandee and Paige to come to MA. if things don’t work out.
Thanks for taking a stand for this Amy!