Real Gay Engagement in Disneyland: Beth and Jenny

Beth and Jenny were awesome enough to write all about their engagement story after Amy from Teegan Photography submitted their engagement photographs. They went to Disneyland(!!) for their engagement session and I’m very jealous that they could include ferris wheels in their shots.
From Jenny:
Beth and I dated for approximately three years before our big day. We fell in love fast and instantly had an unmistakable connection. Within about a year of dating, we knew there was something special there and that we didn’t want to be with anyone else.
Disneyland has always had a special meaning to us. It has always been our “thing to do”, having season passes, naturally, living in Southern California. Beyond that, this is a place where we always connected. It became a special tradition. It was about special connection, walking while holding hands, enjoying the carefree atmosphere, screaming on rides together, etc. Specifically, there was one moment while sitting on a bench in California Adventure overlooking the water (fabulous view at night), where we spent a good amount of time reminiscing about our relationship and how special it was. From then on we spent the next year building a strong, solid foundation and were bonded more than ever before.

Talk of engagement started after we obtained domestic partnership and the California laws regarding marriage equality were in jeopardy. In mid 2008, it was a no brainer, mutual decision, that we wanted to get married. (and OFFICIALLY!) recognized by the law. Since I was the one that initiated domestic partnership, I wanted my official “proposal” from Beth. She did this very creatively at a family event. I received a heartfelt card filled with the most loving words, and at the end of her card were the words “open your present and make me the happiest woman alive”. My present was a mac book computer that I still use to this day, with a customized desktop background. The background was a picture of us, with a special note that read “Jenny, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me”? =] What a creative proposal, huh?

From then on, planning and arrangements started. Naturally, being 2 girls that love to go all out, we wanted engagement photos. Our decision of where to have them was fairly easy. Disneyland. Not only for the sentimental value, but what place has better colors and backgrounds than Disneyland? Amy was recommended to us by Beth’s brother and sister in law. Amy was fabulous. You instantly feel at ease with her. She has a pretty clear strategy for taking pictures and wants as much candidness and natural movement as possible. She basically followed us around the park for three hours, snapping constantly. Her attention to detail and personal connection is great. We were really happy with the photos. I think they really captured our meaning behind why we love Disneyland.


We got married officially (legally) by a justice of the peace in October 2008 right before the elections, in the event that the votes would win yes on proposition 8. As you know, this proposition indicated that only marriage between a man and a woman would be recognized in California. The votes barely won “yes”, a huge disappointment. However, the thousands of gay couples that got married before November 4th are happily still legally recognized as legal spouses in this state. We feel fortunate to be a part of that group.
Our actual wedding for family and friends to attend took place three months later on February 15, 2009. As always, yes, we went all out. It was the happiest day of our lives. We got married at an all inclusive venue in Las Vegas, NV. As we were already married and Nevada does not yet recognize gay marriage, a family member of ours officiated a wonderful personalized ceremony for us. The ceremony was followed by a wonderful reception. It was the perfect night. I’ll let Amy reflect that in our wedding photos.