Thursday
31Dec2009
Happy New Year
Thank you all for your love and support over this past year. A special thank you to all of our amazing sponsors on our FABuLIST.
To our couples...we look forward to an amazing 2010!
So, what's this blog all about? Here is our "elevator" speech ::
MRSTER ::{pronounced :: miss + ter} is an online magazine for same sex and hetero couples who are planning their wedding day. Yes, wedding day! Our goal is to provide smart ideas, valuable resources, allied vendors, real life experiences and true stories for couples of all backgrounds.
With our unique line up of contributors our posts will be filled with lots of personality and passion. So grab a blanket and your laptop and snuggle up to some blog-talk with Mrster.
Entries in Personal Perspective (15)
Saturday
26Dec2009
Tips for a Happy Union
Guestblogger :: Alejandro
Sage Advice From Our Co-Founder
I recently had a chance to "sit down" (over email) with the illustrious co-founder of this savvy blog, Cicely, to interview her for the 2010 edition of the Arizona Pride Guide, a GLBT relocation and resource guide for the state of Arizona. While the focus of the interview was on wedding tips, Cicely's answer to my last question really resonated with me and I think that it will prove to be an invaluable piece of advice for all couples embarking on a lifetime journey together:
Pride Guide: I've known you and your husband for a bit now, so I've had some insight into your relationship... give us a little perspective on what makes your marriage work that you think will help other couples.
Cicely: An old college professor once told me that people have more respect for strangers than they sometimes do for loved ones. That reminds me to show more respect to my partner. Most importantly, keeping a sense of humor is a huge factor in sustaining a relationship. With me believing I am hilarious, and him being confident (he is super witty), we are always making each other laugh. Over time, we have developed deeper laugh lines, which physically show how much fun we have had with each other. That's the only wrinkle I don't mind having.
laugh lines in motion :: Photo by Largo Photography
Check-out the 2010 edition of the Arizona Pride Guide for the rest of my interview with Cicely. The 2010 issue comes out January 13 statewide. Keep checking for information on the kick-off party! For more information about the Pride Guide, please visit: www.GayArizona.com
Tuesday
24Nov2009
Girls In Tuxedos: Where Homophobia Begins
Guest Blogger :: Erika Cardenas
My fiancée Shannon was eager to share with me a recent conversation she had with her mother. Shannon and I have had different experiences as far as our sexuality is concerned; she doesn't consider herself lesbian, straight or bisexual. However, Shannon fell in love with and is marrying me; someone who struggled with the knowledge of being gay from a young age. Shan’s mom informed her of an “interesting” picture in Time magazine that lacked an article, but did have a caption near it about Ceara Sturgis. She insisted we look it up. I went online to the New York Post and found a similar article about Ceara, a senior in high school who wore a tuxedo in her yearbook photograph.
Picture courtesy of New York Post
The school district in Mississippi reports they will not print the picture because their rules require girls to wear drapes (dresses) and boys to wear tuxedos. Shan claims her mom kept saying how “pretty” Ceara was as if looking more masculine would have been reason enough to dismiss the picture from the yearbook. As for me, friends and family continue to assume that because I wear cargo shorts and used to have a faux-hawk that I’m the “man” in our relationship. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Shan loves my femininity, but this article brought back many feelings of discomfort, insecurity, anxiety and guilt from my early childhood struggles with identity. When you check out this article, think of how you would feel if boys wore pink and girls wore blue. Oh wait! They do.
But what if boys wore pink dresses and girls wore blue suits?
Until next time, live well, love well, be well! ~E~
Guest Blogger, Erika Cardenas and her fiancée are sharing with us their journey of planning their same-sex wedding. Read more about them here.
tagged 
Media, Personal Perspective, Political Perspective, Real Stories in Erika Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 8:11AM
Media, Personal Perspective, Political Perspective, Real Stories in Erika Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 8:11AM Thursday
19Nov2009
Maiden Names and Married Names
Guest Blogger :: Drew
What's in a name, really? For Andy and I, it is how we identify as one happy family, so we want to share our last name after the wedding. But how? Hyphenate with Coleman-Erickson? No, that would get really old after signing my name about twice. Mix the two and go for Coleickson or Erickman? Nah, doesn't really roll off of the tongue. Well, Andy offered to give up his name so we could both take mine. Coming soon, Mr. and Mr. Andrew and Drew Coleman!
tagged Engagement, Modern Wedding Traditions, Personal Perspective, Real Stories in Drew Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 8:00AM
Engagement, Modern Wedding Traditions, Personal Perspective, Real Stories in Drew Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 8:00AM Wednesday
28Oct2009
Introductions for the Uninitiated
Guest Blogger :: Shannon
Perusing videos at the local BB for a movie night. Almost ready to leave. And it happens; “Erika! How are you honey?” followed by big hugs, smiles and comments about Erika’s participation at her Catholic church growing up. I think “Ahhh haaa…this is why I am not being introduced. Erika only new this person when she was in middle or high school. She knows nothing of Erika’s same-sex relationship.” Because I know her so well, I can see she is completely nervous, not ashamed or embarrassed, but fearing his lady will respond negatively to her sharing her love for another woman.
It was unavoidable…introductions! “This is my roommate, Shannon.”
OUCH!
Hadn’t heard that in about four years. Initially, I was hurt. Why wouldn’t my fiancée feel comfortable sharing with everyone that she chose me? Then, while providing Erika with her personal updates, I hear the lady say that her friend lost her engagement ring. Without hesitation, I say, “Wow, crazy! I lost my engagement ring over the weekend, too.” I didn’t flinch. It just came out. I wasn’t trying to boast, or force this woman to know the truth.
Why was it so easy for me and not for her? Perhaps because I didn’t grow up feeling guilty and ashamed for wanting to find a woman to love and adore? Perhaps it is because Erika has struggled with being gay and longing to maintain her spirituality and connection with God, the church, and her family of 20 uncles and aunts and numerous cousins that will not be attending our wedding. I will never know. She got in the car. “I’m sorry I said roommate Shan. I didn’t know what to say. I felt weird.” I replied, “You do whatever makes you happy.” Although I could tell Erika was hurting and confused I was thinking, “who cares what that lady thinks?"
But I’m not Erika. I can remember several times in the first three years when I was the one calling her my friend, my roommate, my BFF…I wonder how she felt.
When will it be “normal” for everyone to share whom they love with others without feeling weird, uncomfortable, nervous, anxious, worried or scared?
For me, that time is now.
Guest Blogger, Shannon and her fiancée are sharing with us their journey of planning their same-sex wedding. Read more about them here.
