Before the Supreme Court ruling, at the Ice House, we have always been supporters of LGBT Fairness and Marriage Equality- After all, Love is Love. We are a founding member of FEVA – Louisville’s Fair Event Vendors Alliance.The Ice House was not the only vendor in the Wedding Industry that was thrilled to hear the Supreme Court’s Judgment on June 26th. Businesses, Individuals and Organizations of all kinds flocked to Social Media to post their praise. Our Facebook “share” of the ruling happened to be one of our Facebook’s Page most-liked posts of all-time.
Shortly after the announcement, I received a text from our Captain Server, Brad who has worked for us at the Ice House for numerous years. His Partner, Erik and he decided they wanted to make it official and needed a place to do so. Coincidentally, Wednesday July 1st just so happened to be their 16 year (Yes, 16 YEARS) Anniversary. So Brad and Erik tied the knot here at the Ice House, with very few close friends and family – marking our first same-sex gay marriage within our walls.
I had an opportunity to talk to Brad and Erik and ask them a few questions….
Erica: First things first- how did you meet?
Brad: I always said that we should’ve known each other long before we did (we met online). We went to the same high school, lived in the same neighborhood, and even lived just a few blocks apart once we moved out of our parents’ houses. We finally met at Applebee’s.
Erik: When we were going back to our cars, I asked if I could kiss him. It worked.
Erica: What was your first reaction when you heard about the Supreme Court Ruling? (Warning: Language)
Brad: I was working and my brother texted me saying “Congrats on the victory”. I thought he texted the wrong number, so I texted back “What? For painting my bathroom?” He screenshot CNN’s headline and sent it to me.
Erik: I texted Brad shortly after “Supreme Court says F*** You to Marriage Bans”
Erica: What is the relevance to the Ultimate Hitchikers Guide?
Erik: It was actually not our first choice. Our first choice was Edgar Allen Poe’s complete collection. Then Brad found Hitchikers, and we both knew.
Brad: It is the funniest and most sarcastic, serious story about life that you can ever read. If you notice, we have hand towels in our belt loops. It’s a reference from Hitchikers that you should never be without your towel.
Erica: What was the most memorable moment of the ceremony for each of you?
Brad: I have to say right after the announcement. I made a mention that blood might make a relative, but family could be anyone and we have the most amazing family made of friends.
Erik: I got confused at one point about who was supposed to hold the ring. I had to ask what I was supposed to do, then turned to the crowd and said, “It’s my first time”. They laughed.
Erica: How did you celebrate after the Ceremony?
Brad: We went to dinner with our small group. We had the best time drinking and sharing food and just talking. No better way than a small group of family.
Erik: Just the realization that after 16 years together as a couple legally considered single, we can now say we are a legal family. Finally, Love Wins! What a reason to celebrate!
Fun Fact – Brad & Erik were the FIRST same-sex marriage license in Bullitt County! We were so excited to have an impact on Brad & Erik’s special day. We hope that we have many more LGBT unions like theirs.
Erik said it best – Finally, Love. Wins.
It is so ordered.
All photos taken by Embrace the World Photography
