Gifts Not Required
A Guided Explanation from Emily
When Mike and I met each other, we were both fairly established in our own homes. This means we are also already fairly established in kitchen and other home supplies. So, instead of needing to have a registry, this provides us with the beautiful opportunity to make our wedding more of a big thank you party to all the special people in our lives who have helped us grow as a couple over the last 5 years. Plus, many of you are already contributing in BIG ways to make our special day happen. Some of you have volunteered to pay for food and booze, provided us with space, have planned to help us with photography or wrangling reception chairs…we cannot express our gratitude for your love and assistance. At the very least, we want you to have a great time at the wedding, and this means not having to stress about purchasing a present :) Thank you for taking the time and energy to participate in our big day. You are awesome.
For those of you who are big into tradition and feel more comfortable offering a wedding gift than not, please consider donating to one of our preferred charities. Below is a description of each charity and an explanation as to why they hold a special place in the bride and groom’s heart.
http://www.lambdalegal.org/about-us
Lambda Legal is a non for profit dedicated to fighting for full recognition of the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Their legal team has been instrumental in the recent same sex marriage victories, but there is still much more work to do. While Mike and I are ecstatic that the marriage issue has been resolved (for now), we also recognize the urgent need for full civil rights protections under the law for LGBT communities (with extra emphasis on the T) #morethanmarriage. *
*We both recognize that some of you may have more conservative attitudes when it comes to issues of sexuality and gender. We respect this, but please understand that our wedding will not be an appropriate venue to debate these issues. There are plenty of reasons for this request, but for sake of brevity, just understand this: The bride is bisexual. (Oh snap!) I have had two significant romantic relationships in my life, and the first one just so happened to be with someone who identified as a woman. That relationship has obviously since ended, and I have since fallen head over heels for Mike, who happens to identify as a man. It is not actually that interesting or controversial. The point is, this is still an important aspect of my identity, it is still a community with which I identify, and many of my loved ones also identify with this community. No one will be made to justify why they believe in equal rights for LGBT folks at our wedding…so if you have questionable comments to make on these issues, keep them to yourself. Once you are in the comfort of your own home, feel free to say whatever you like…because luckily, that’s none of my god damn business. But bring it up at my wedding and I will go all Bridezilla/Bridethulu on you…no matter how much I love you ;)
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http://www.cancer.org/aboutus/index
The American Cancer Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting back against cancer by raising money for cancer research and providing vital health-related information to patients and caregivers alike. I have volunteered for the American Cancer Society in the past and have always respected their mission, but their services became more personal for me this last December when my father was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. I was able to call their 24 hour cancer hotline and speak with professionals about his diagnosis. They were incredibly kind and patient…while still being painfully honest and informative. The hotline became an important part of my ability to cope with the situation. I am forever grateful to these professionals and this organization. All ACS donations can be made in loving memory of Jack Good. Thinking of you from afar, Dad!
Mike & Emily’s Honeymoon Fund
honeymoon@emilylovesmike.com
https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online
This option is not a charity…and definitely not as important as the two causes above! A few of you have asked about an option like this though, so here it is by popular demand J Mike and I aren’t completely sure what we are going to do for our honeymoon yet, but the Sunday following the wedding we will be heading off for a few days to stay at The Story Inn, in Story, Indiana. This bed & breakfast is located near Brown County and is rumored to be haunted by the “Blue Lady.” We’ll be sure to let you know if we see anything…
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