My big fat gay wedding

Local vendors wow reception guests MILFORD — Guests might have thought they were attending a multi-million dollar celebrity wedding, or on a Hollywood stage for a high end wedding scene; rather, they were at a local Milford wedding created and executed affordably by local vendors. James Campistrous and Robert Lee Keeney were married in Westport, Connecticut on March 25 of this year after 15 years of being partners. Always wanting a fall wedding in their beloved Milford, they chose to delay their reception until Oct. 2. The décor was to be over-the-top with a casual-country-laid back feel. Their objective was to construct and create their dream wedding day with local vendors…and that they did. The style and feel of casual country elegance décor was created by Campistrous, who is the owner of J-Angelo Event Planning. The colors were orange and gold with basic black and white. The site chosen was the gorgeous lakeside of the Black Walnut Inn of Milford, owned by Robin Jara-Schneider. The exclusive site with its resident ducks and acres of woods and meadows was perfect for the feel and look they were after. The rentals were defined and supplied by Rent-Event of Honesdale after consultation with Manager Joelee Motichka. Cream china with Gold rims was chosen to add an elegant touch of sophistication. The temperature controlled tent was completely clear to merge the breathtaking surroundings into the ambiance. The guests were able to enter -in their cherished shoes - from the parking lot via an electric golf cart, through a covered walkway with a protective flooring, ensconced with orange and white walls of fabric, into the entrance tent which held the beverage bar and Latte Bar operated by owner, Judy West-Dyke of Port Java in Port Jervis. While sipping their beer, wine, soda or special latte, guests were standing on special flooring constructed for this lakeside event of black and white alternating squares with a perimeter of bamboo tiling, also by Rent Event. As you entered the main tent with continuous flooring, your eyes were fixed to the eight foot centerpieces of curly willow branches affixed with red and orange tipped yellow-gold leaves surrounded by fluffy white hydrangeas and orange orchids, created by Susan Smith Floral Cottage in Glen Spey, N.Y. Overhead was large orange satin draping with four brass chandeliers complete with fall leaves billowing from their candle holders. The table tops were cream swirl embroidered overlays over black undercloth. The round back chair covers were a vibrant gold satin with a wide orange band of fabric at the seat. This constructed look completed the fall color pallet from the ceiling to the floor immersing each guest in the outside and inside sensation. Guests entered into the cocktail hour of delectables by owner Jerilyn Coulter of Great Parties Catering in Lords Valley. Passed hor d’ourves atop trays were beside orchids and roses as guests arrived and mingled, creating the un-rushed atmosphere desired. The music was orchestrated by Ralph Cordero of DJ Flow/Hot Traxx of Milford, Pa from a special song list by both grooms. The emotional ceremony to affirm the grooms’ vows was created and officiated by Reverend Steve Huston of Port Jervis. The bridal party and grooms, with flowers from Myers Florist of Milford, entered to the unique selection of renowned cellist Yo-yo Ma’s, “Paridiscio.” Immediately following was the couple’s first dance to Barbara Streisand’s, “On My Way To You. “ The most touching part of the wedding was the tribute to the grooms’ moms. James danced with his 87-year-old mom to “Baby Mine” from the movie "Dumbo," sung by artist Bette Midler. Robert’s mom had passed on week before their March 25th wedding in Connecticut. A wedding DVD was created by Robert Knowles of Knowles Media in Milford and revealed. A copy of the DVD was reproduced and gifted to each of Bob’s seven brothers and sisters. Guests were next treated to dinner and music by the live acoustic rock trio, In Spite of Ourselves, of Westfall. The cabaret style of eclectic music by Michele Hlavacek and Ana Silberg accompanied by guitarist Glen played a wide variety of music including: Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge, KT Tunstall, Smokey, Patsy Cline, 4 non- Blondes, engaging the guests in a unique dinner experience. During dinner the three tiered Black Forest wedding cake, covered by chocolate ganache icing and decorated with gold, cream and brass colored swirl piping, by renowned Ellie Wolfe of Elligant Cakes, was cut. Later guest would be greeted by Ellie’s massive Viennese Table abound with cakes, pastries, chocolate covered fruits and pretzels, and her famous pumpkin rolls. DJ Flow/Hot Traxx got the party rocking to all 70s - gay inspired disco dance music. Tiaras, boas, sailor hats, American Indian headwear, yellow construction hats, and cowboy hats all appears throughout the hours of dancing culminating to songs by the Village People, with “YMCA” as the crowd’s favorite. Each special moment were captured by two superlative photographers, Thomas Duncan of Thomas Duncan Photography.com and Breanne Frost of MyFrostPhoto.com. You can view the event by accessing their website and typing in Name: James & Bob and Password: J&B. James and Bob offered their thanks to their friends, relatives, and well-wishers for making their remarkable journey to their marriage - possible.