I debated naming this blog The Circle of Life. Although that song does depict beautiful creatures from all walks of life gathering together at Pride Rock, it doesn’t feel exactly right to describe one of my favorite gay weddings. Indeed, the grooms who were the reason for this celebration are quite fierce. (I mean, check out the “lips photo” and you’ll see!) The inspiration for today’s title came from their love story, which we shared throughout this event. It’s a very full circle one, especially given the circumstances of how they met, and these gentlemen wear it with pride. Despite being self-described “very design-inept lawyers,” these two have a sense of humor as big as their hearts. After sharing heartfelt vows, they recessed to a song made popular by the Netflix remake of Queer Eye. This was just one of the many ways that their personalities shined through on their wedding day.

After our initial meeting, Peter and Tom borrowed my own words to hire me by stating “Let’s Have a Wedding Kiki.” Not only did this flatter me, but I knew this was going to be a fun one to plan. After searching for venues to fit the list of requirements, we landed at doing a full take-over of the restaurant Lafayette. We loved the existing design aesthetic, the two story versatility and the divine food by Noho Hospitality Group.

On this picturesque Labor Day Eve, guests were greeted with champagne before heading downstairs to the Cave Du Vin. The space, already filled with wine bottles and barrels, was enhanced by our collaboration with Mimosa Floral Design. Talented friends performed the music for the entrance of the grooms. The ceremony was officiated by the Honorable Deborah Batts, our nation's first openly LGBT, African-American federal judge. During Peter & Tom’s vows, guests learned that the exchange of love letters was an integral part of their courtship.

Cocktail hour offerings included the grooms’ bespoke beverage choice of a Paper Plane, as well as passed canapés and a raw bar. Joelle Lurie and the Pinehurst Trio performed a combination of jazz standards and jazzy cover versions of modern songs. Guests learned where they would sit for dinner by finding their name on an envelope. Inside was a blank card addressed to Peter & Tom. In lieu of a guest book, everyone could write their own love letter to the grooms.

Throughout the family-style meal, guests were also asked to visit the “Lips” table, which offered an array of lipstick shades. Guests would select one and then put their pucker on an individual sheet of paper. After the event, this would be made into a custom piece of art by Jeff Rudell.

After the final toast and first dance of La Vie En Rose, everyone was invited to head back to a transformed downstairs. Trays of Planters Punch were offered as an homage to tea dances in Fire Island and Ptown, while DJ Louis XIV cranked out the hits. Instead of a cake, the grooms opted for a Croquembouche, which Lafayette delivered as a towering statement piece. Upon exiting the event, guests could help themselves to boxes of in-house macarons or an assortment of from Peter & Tom’s favorite source for late night munchies: Taco Bell.

To me the combination of the French confection delicacy and their favorite fast food was signature Peter & Tom. The yin and yang not only exists in their taste, but also in the story of how they met and what their marriage represents. Not every gay romance begins with two lawyers meeting on a case dealing with conversion therapy, especially when one had been put through it when he was younger. It was full circle indeed. I think Betty Who captures best what Peter & Tom share together and celebrate with all.

“You came into my life

And the world never looked so bright

It's true, you bring the best in me

When you are around

Oh yeah

Things keep getting better”

View the full gallery here

Venue: Lafayette

Photographer: Photo Pink

Florist: Mimosa

Live Music: Joelle Lurie and the Pinehurst Trio

DJ: Louis XIV