Anne & Gabrielle in Bellevue, WA

Anne and Gabrielle had spoken for a while about having a ceremony but had always come upon too many unanswered questions. (Why did we want it? Was it just a heterosexual norm we were trying to conform to? Gabrielle says.) Much to their surprise, while attending Gabrielle’s brother's wedding one summer, the two found their answer. The Bride Gabrielle Gustaf, 40, IT consultant The Bride Anne Kirk, 42, IT consultant The Date August 4 That summer, Gabrielle's family began asking the two when they planned to marry. That had a huge impact on me, Gabrielle says. All of a sudden, my questions were answered. I wanted the recognition and affirmation by our circle of love. The two soon began planning their candlelit union ceremony with a magical Shakespearean Midsummer Night's Dream-themed wedding at a historic mansion for 35 of their closest friends and family. -- Anja Winikka