Imagine being with someone for 25 years and not being considered a committed couple in the eyes of the law. That is the story of Timothy Bostic and Tony London - a couple who sued for the right to marry - and won - in the state of Virginia. Ivory Morgan-Burton, owner and "WishMaster" of Storybook Events, had the honor and pleasure of working with Tim & Tony on their English themed wedding. Here's their story as told through Ivory's eyes ...

When you think of weddings, you think of the love, compassion and joy a couple want to share with each other and their families, friends and guests. My involvement with Tim & Tony began at a networking event for Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR), an LGBT Chamber of Commerce organization. This led to them learning more about my event planning services. After being hired by the couple to plan their wedding day, I learned Tim & Tony were the faces of the LBGT movement in Virginia for marriage equality, taking their case to the Supreme Court. 

The wedding date was set for May 2, 2015 with the ceremony at the couple's church, Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal, and a reception at the Harrison Opera House. Then the hate calls and emails began, demanding that under no circumstances should I plan this wedding. I learned that Tim & Tony's attorney, who was also one of their wedding party members, received death threats. All this just made me more determined than ever to make sure Tim & Tony's wedding day would be as close to perfect as I could make it.

Things began to happen and before I could make contact, both local and federal law enforcement reached out, asking for wedding details and giving us great support. We even had a call from a reality TV show producer from California. But once they spoke with me and my couple, they determined we didn't have enough drama. Can't help but give a giggle at that.

Tim & Tony moved through all the things my wedding clients do - tasting cakes, looking at linen styles and colors, meeting with floral designers. I wanted Tim & Tony to have all the components of planning their wedding any couple would have. During the planning (and even now when they speak at public events), Tim & Tony would say "We never thought we would ever be allowed to marry, so planning our wedding was never even thought of." 

On wedding day the Storybook Team was in two places. And like most weddings, there was a last minute glitch. In this case, Tim's trousers to his tux were left behind at the formal wear shop. I picked them up and got to the church with just moments to spare. I spoke with security and confirmed all was in place. It was time to have a wedding!

This wedding had so many wonderful details. The grooms arrived in style in a Rolls Royce wearing top hats, gloves and tails.  The wedding party included three flower girls and two ring bearers. The venue was bathed in purple and the reception featured an ice bar with a custom monogram and a suspended cake with the same monogram as a topper. My gifts to the couple were a set of cuff-links with the moniker "groom" (they each worn one) and garters with their wedding colors (made by yours truly). Each worn one on his sleeve - making the tradition of garters into a new trend. 

Here are the vendors who made Tim & Tony's day special: Ceremony Venue - Christ & St Luke's Episcopal Church; Reception Venue - Harrison Opera House; Wedding Planner - Ivory Morgan-Burton, Storybook Events; Catering - East Beach Catering; Ice Bar - Ice Art; Floral Design - The New Leaf; Lights & Sound - Spike Lights & Sound; Ceremony Music - Skye Zentz; Reception DJ - DJ Siler Entertainment; Photography - Keith Cephus Photography; Videography - Still Sequence; Cake - Gourmet Bake Shoppe; Paper Products - Jays Creations; Signed at the wedding - American Sign Language; Linens- Classy Event Rentals & Waterford Event Rentals; Flower Girl Halos - Clutch & Petal; Dinnerware - Distinctive Event Rentals; Makeup - Makeup by Kim Porter; Guest Accommodations - Marriott; Lady attendants gowns - Maya Couture on Main; Grooms & Groomsmen attire - Miquel's Grooms' Corner; Rolls Royce for Grooms - Royal Coach Limousine; Shuttle Service - Venture Tours; Custom Design & Tailoring for attendants Pashminas - Toula's.