Under a New Moon
At midnight on June 1, 2011, Catalyst Ranch (in association with Anita Vaughan of Anita Weds, certified Life-Cycle Celebrant) celebrated the first day of legal civil unions for same sex couples in Chicago by uniting the very first six Illinois couples. The lucky couples won a free mini-wedding by entering the Under A New Moon contest. The Mini-Wedding package included pampering before the big moment, a group civil union ceremony (with personalized, individual vows), followed by a reception for close family and friends. To be considered, couples were asked to submit their love story by expressing why their relationship is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime connection. Just as the new moon is a symbol of new beginnings and good fortune, the couples told us how their union would mark a new phase in their lives together.
Each couple received a complete wedding experience: Overnight stay at Chicago Metro Crowne Plaza Pampering before the big moment - hair & make-up services by Nika Vaughan
Flowers for brides and grooms by Pollen Floral
A group civil union ceremony- with personalized, individual vows performed by celebrant Anita Vaughan.
Catalyst Ranch reception for close family and friends  The reception included:
Appetizers by Entertaining Company
Sweet table by Luscious Layers
Wedding cake by The Bleeding Heart Bakery
Wedding Favors by Katherine Anne Confections
Wine by Mad Housewife Wine
Music and dancing - courtesy of Toast and Jam DJ
Photography by Jeremy Lawson Photography
Video by I Do Films
Photo booth courtesy of 312photobooth
Programs by Paper Stories
Wedding day coordination by SQN Events and Greatest Expectations |
