Demographics first! Not much has changed since last year – So You’re EnGAYged has a predominantly lesbian readership. What we did change between last year and this year, thanks to a reader suggestion, was using checkboxes instead of radio buttons for indicating your identity and your partners’. Also, all questions were optional in this survey. Basically, that means we’re using bar charts instead of pie charts for this question!

Most of you are engaged, but we still have a very diverse readership, in terms of marital status, length of engagement, and wedding budget.

Next, we wanted to know how many of you have used of (or knew about) our vendor list. This was fascinating to us – ten percent didn’t know that it existed. (For those of you who didn’t know – here it is!) Our vendor list is central to how So You’re EnGAYged started (Kelly was having the hardest time finding an LGBT-friendly set of vendors in DC for her own wedding) so we want to make sure it’s serving its purpose.

7% of you have booked a vendor (yay!). 43% just looked without contacting, 11% contacted and hadn’t booked one. The rest didn’t, either because they didn’t know it was there, or they haven’t needed to.

One of the biggest sets of feedback we got from the survey was that you want more vendors in your area. There are two ways we can do this – one, by loosening our vendor requirements (which are very strict – all vendors must use 100% inclusive language, and they must have a 4 star or above review on a third party review site). Two, by you recommending them to us or sending them to us, or even just letting them know that they should apply. We asked, and you answered – the majority (69%) would like us to keep the list as thoroughly vetted as it currently is. Right now, we’re not accepting new vendors (as we’re swamped!).

Lastly, and most importantly – let’s talk about the regular blog content. Here’s what you guys are most interested in:

We hear you loud and clear on this – it’s actually what a lot of the written-in feedback said as well. More DIY, more talk about budgets and family issues, and DEFINITELY more butch attire posts. Like last year, we also heard (and totally agree with) the need for more diversity in bloggers. We hear you and we want the same!

Some of you wrote feedback asking for more posts from bloggers. This is interesting to us; currently, the majority of pageviews that we get for the site are on real wedding/engagement posts. Only 43% of the pageviews are on blogger posts.

We asked in the survey – would you rather have more weddings and engagements, or more blogger posts? 76% said weddings and engagements.

If you have any more feedback, we’d love to hear it in the comments. Thanks so much for participating in this year’s survey!

How did you get into doing what you do?

I became a Justice of the Peace because of the clod of a JP who married my husband and me a thousand years ago. Seriously…if it took 30 seconds that would be pushing it. To the point: I have never remembered to this day…ever having said…“I do”…that’s how fast the JP was…We then walked around Manhattan for the next 45 minutes w/me questioning my husband…”Are you SURE WE’RE MARRIED????”

He was like…”yeah…I guess so…he said we were”. Duh!

At that moment, way back then… I decided…I would never, ever, let another bride go thru that mini horror show. That’s no way to be married and that’s why I am fanatical about weddings. My mission is to make sure your entire experience, not just my part , the ceremony …is stress free and is full of fun, joy and laughter!!! I’m really good at those three things!!! :)

After I became a JP I then followed that up by becoming a minister. JP’s cannot officiate in every state…Ministers can. So either way…I am legal everyday!!!

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do? :)

Unless my couples request that I wear simply a dress or dress to match…I normally wear my “robe” it’s winter white w/a tiny royal blue piping. It’s very pretty and simple.

What do you love about what you do?

OMG…what is there NOT TO LOVE???!!! :) Marrying couples is such an honor and being a part of their lives on such a special day is beyond wonderful. You know….I always say about/to my couples…” It’s all about YOU”…and then my friends say…’yeah right…it’s so about you and what you get back out of marrying people” and that’s true. I just adore what I do. I meet THE greatest people on earth! :)

Tell us about working with gay couples.

As Popeye says…”I yam…what I yam! :)” I love all people and I don’t care what color…what race…what anything…anyone is. In my eyes…everyone is equal and deserving and everyone deserves to be loved!!!!

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

Ah…this is a great one…Okay…first off…I love meeting the couples and seeing their enthusiasm for each other…that is sooooooooo much fun. Then…getting to know them is great…but…I guess the ” moment ” comes when I come to marry them that I am sooooo excited for them…the day before and the day of…it’s ridiculous…I am always feeling like…”OMG…I wish I was getting married” and then I remember…Oh yea…I already am and love it! :)~..

Please tell us a little bit about your business.

Green Stem Designs is an Eco-Friendly floral design studio serving all of New England. With edgy appeal and innovative arrangements, we can set the standard of excellence that reflects your values and creates spectacular memories. Green Stem Designs prides itself in being a Green-Friendly, Woman Owned and Operated, New England-based Small Business.

How did you get into doing what you do?

I was living in Hollywood, working 16-hour days in film and television production. Although it’s a glamorous industry, I didn’t feel completely satisfied with my position behind the scenes because it didn’t afford me any artistic outlet. A unique opportunity arose when my then girlfriend’s sister asked if I could do her wedding flowers. Although I wasn’t a designer she knew I was creative and able to interpret other people’s artistic vision. I was very flattered and gladly accepted the challenge. Designing flowers for her wedding was when I realized I had finally found my medium in flowers. Three months later I was enrolled in a floral design program at City College in San Francisco.

How is your business “pro-gay”, or how have you changed your business to be gay-friendly?

Well for starters I am an openly gay woman, and my partner assists me with all aspects of my work from the conception to finishing the bouquet with a ribbon. We are a team and she is integral to Green Stem Designs.

In regards to my clients, I never put them in a box, gay, straight or otherwise. Green Stem Designs customizes each event because everyone’s celebration of love deserves gorgeous flowers.

What do you love about what you do?

Getting to know my clients and helping them to realize their vision is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Taking natural materials and creating interesting, unique, eco-friendly and of course beautiful floral décor brings joy to my life and others.

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

Delivering the flowers to my clients is one of my favorite moments because of the anticipation, surprise and excitement. This is when I usually get hugs.

Can you tell us more about going “green”?

Yes! I create beautiful floral designs using organic, local, in season and sustainable grown flowers, plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables when available. I’m a green-friendly florist trying to tread a little lighter on the planet one petal at a time. My tag line is: “Think globally and blossom!”

I’ve chosen to be eco-friendly not because it’s easier or in fashion but because it’s the responsible and right thing to do. I live my personal life this way so it was an easy decision to continue this in my business practice.

Rave and picture time!

“Kelly and Green Stem Designs created floral arrangements, boutonnieres, corsages, bouquets and constructed a Chuppah for our Commitment Ceremony. Kelly was able to be both sensitive to my partner and my needs or desires, while remaining creative and daring in her execution. Her organic style was pure and breathtaking. Since our event was mostly outside, she was able to match the colors, theme and feeling of our day to her creation. She also assembled a skilled and professional team to complete the job. I highly recommend Green Stem Designs and Kelly McCormick’s work for any design or event where you need a professional.”
- March 16, 2009 (Therese Bogan ?hired Kelly as a Floral Design for a Gay Wedding in 2007)