June 26, 2015 is when the historic Obergefell v. Hodges ruling came down from the Supreme Court, legalizing LGBTQ+ marriage across the US. I remember when it happened. I remember the change in the wedding industry and seeing queer handfastings and commitment ceremonies become legally recognized weddings, often quoting Obergefell during the ceremony. What I’d never looked into before was the actual story behind the court case.
Did you know that the marriage between Jim Obergefell and John Arthur took place in Anne Arundel County, Maryland? Did you know they flew to Maryland to get married in 2013 because it was legal here but not in their home state of Ohio? Did you know Jim Obergefell officiates 🏳️🌈 weddings in the US? I’ve just gone down a research rabbit hole on this because I did not do my homework, but the couple in these photos sure did.
These two decided to elope in Annapolis, Maryland and chose the location because it is in Anne Arundel County, a tribute to Obergefell & Arthur. They brought a small group of friends and family from all over the world to celebrate as they became husbands, something they could not have legally done when they first started dating. It was such a joy to be there and to photograph this celebration. Happy Pride 🏳️🌈
