Photo: Our Labor of Love
On Saturday June 28th, 2014, Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo tied the knot, surrounded by family, friends, lawyers, activists, celebrities, and all sorts of media. Not your average wedding guest list, but then again, Paul and Jeff's wedding wasn't your average celebration.The two grooms have spent years in the headlines as two of the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case that overturned California Proposition 8 and paved the way for same-sex marriage in the state. Jeff and Paul were officially wed on June 28, 2013, at Los Angeles City Hall by Mayor Antonio Villariagosa, but didn't want to stop there. "We were superstitious, and didn't talk about our wedding during the case," Paul exclusively tells Brides. "But a few months after we won the case, we knew we needed to celebrate the momentous decision — and our love — with all our family and friends." They used the case, and now their wedding, to show the world that #lovewins and to spread a message about equality and equal rights for all.
Jesse from Our Labor of Love gave us a behind-the-scenes look at Jeff and Paul's gorgeous wedding. Here are a few exclusive snaps from inside their cocktail hour and private dinner.
A year to the day after their civil union, Paul and Jeff hosted a breathtaking cocktail hour and dinner for 150 guests in the Beverly Hilton's Stardust Penthouse, then wed (and partied) by the pool in front of 220. "The Beverly Hilton was such a force," says Jeff. "They embraced us, our family, our friends, and the LGBT community. They're so committed to equality, and there's nowhere else we could imagine being on our wedding day."
An amazing team came together to bring the party to life: Stacey Ruiz and Jason Harder of Shiraz Events partnered with Luna Gardens Events to design and produce an elegant, masculine, and totally breathtaking event, from cocktails on the roof to an intimate dinner to the late-night poolside bash.
Photo: Our Labor of Love
"We told them what we like, and they ran with it," say the grooms. "It was more than we could possibly have dreamed."
Can't get enough of the sleek design, gorgeous flowers, or amazing love story? Stay tuned to Brides.com — we'll be sharing even more exclusive photos, heartwarming details, incredible vendors, and more of Paul and Jeff's amazing story later this week!