On October 21st of 2013, the State of New Jersey made legal the right of same-sex couples to wed. It is in light of this change of legislation that I was honored to bare witness to the union of a couple, seasoned in twenty-two years of dedication to one another, under a chuppah in northern New Jersey this weekend. I showed up with my assistant to their home as a surprise gift, a live event painter, from a family member and was instantly welcomed into one of the most lovingly – kept gardens I’ve known. Together, the pair worked to arrange their own tent space and chuppah in a perfect D.I.Y. partnership, with illuminated flowers and orbs of color hanging beneath. At one point a neighbor passed by and announced, “congratulations,” to which they playfully replied, “yes, we’re celebrating twenty-two years together with marriage… I hope we’re not making a mistake.” I’m an emotional gal, I’m a mother and an artist – need I say more – but I generally am too engrossed in documenting the magical moments that I paint to become verklempt. This time, as the rabbi and the encircling family spoke and sang around this pair, composure was a challenge. I was moved, I was surrounded by flowers, I was painting like a dervish. Here are the newly betrothed with my work.
This incredibly gracious couple welcomed me as a surprise live event painting guest to document their intimate garden wedding
