Real Gay Weddings: Larry and Steve 

Larry and Steve in Lookout Mountain, GA | April 22, 2012
A real-life fairytale takes place on top of a breathtaking mountaintop, overlooking the world below.

By Brittny Drye / Photography by Soli Photography

After dating for six years, Larry caught Steve off guard when he popped the question. “It was a huge surprise! Steve was always sure about what he wanted. I was the scared and overly cautious one in our relationship,” exclaims Larry. “He dropped hints about proposing to me starting our third year together and I would always change the subject. I proposed to him over dinner at the Pink House in Savannah, Ga., in May 2010.”

Hugging the Alabama-Tennessee-Georgia lines lays Lookout Mountain, a prominent peak of the southernmost section of the Smoky Mountains. Amidst the souvenir shops and tourist attractions that are sprinkled throughout the coves and greenery is The Fairyland Club, an enchanting stone venue that takes advantage of the breathtaking landscape. “I attended a friend’s wedding there a few years back and fell in love with the location,” explains Larry of their locale pick.

The morning of the ceremony, Larry received a love letter from his soul mate, a fairytale that Steve had written and, in a true, Old World romantic gesture, had hand-delivered. “It made me cry,” says Larry. “Steve’s a very kind and caring man. I wouldn’t describe him as a ‘romantic.’ He’s always been more of a ‘strong, silent type.’”

As Steve waited for his love at the altar, Larry walked down the aisle with his father. “My heart was racing,” exclaims Larry.

Larry looked sharp in a gray sateen sport coat, white shirt, black tie and skinny tuxedo slacks, a stylish look he pulled together from Belk and Macy’s. Steve was handsome in a classic black tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse.

Under a rustic wooden altar, embellished with yellow and gray tulle poms and overlooking the land below, Larry and Steve exchanged vows in a faith-based ceremony. “We’re both members of Pilgrim Congregational Church—The United Church of Christ,” says Larry. “It was a very simple ceremony. We recited modest vows before the pastor of our church, close friends and family.” As the grooms exchanged bands, the pastor asked the guests if they supported their bond. “It felt wonderful to hear our guests verbally respond with their support.”

Guests rang hand bells in celebration as the couple strolled down the aisle after saying “I do.”

Their retro theme flowed through intimate details throughout the reception. Gray-and-white pennants were strung around the courtyard and old vinyls from Larry’s childhood decorated the tables.

The wedding planner put together whimsical floral arrangements using yellow garden roses, Queen Anne’s lace, small green hydrangeas, green hypericum berries and yellow billy balls.

Each groom was able to have his cake design of choice. Steve’s sheet confection was a nod to his six years of U.S. Air Force service, with model F4 and F16 fighter jets coasting on the blue-and-white icing. Larry’s cake was an off-center three-tiered dessert in creamy butter yellow decorated with silver filigree designs.

When it came to the favors, they offered options for their four-legged friends. “Custom-baked, hand-wrapped dog biscuits for our canine friends with a message from our dog, Lady,” says Steve. After the reception, the couple hopped into their ’69 Firebird convertible and drove off into newlywed bliss. “It was the best feeling in the world,” says Larry.