© 2024 Aspen Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Same-Sex Couples Share Vows, Love in Civil Union Ceremony

“You are the love of my life… you are my very best friend…”

Credit Rob St. Mary
Larry McDonald & Brett McNamee grab some champagne after exchanging vows at the Civil Union ceremony at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen, Colorado on January 18th, 2014

The vows were simple but very sincere for the three couples who exchanged them at the Limelight Hotel on Saturday morning.

With the approval of Civil Unions in Colorado last spring, this was a first opportunity for some same-sex couples attending Aspen Gay Ski Week to be united under the law with many of the benefits of marriage in front of a supportive community.  

Sharon Breton and Kathleen Kramer were one of the three couples who took part in the civil union ceremony. The Denver couple has been together for 22 years and had previously taken part in a commitment ceremony. But, this was the first time both had a chance to make their union legal under the law.

Breton said she met Kathy through mutual friends. They met briefly at a party. But, a few weeks later a friend showed her photos from the evening.

“I saw a picture of her and I said “That’s the girl that I met at the party. How do I get to know her,” said Breton.

A few weeks later, Breton drove Kramer to the airport and they have been together ever since. Reflecting on their civil union, Breton said “We have had this feeling for over 20 years… so, it’s just to finalize it.”  

The ceremony was officiated by the Reverend J.D. Rigdon for Breton & Kramer as well as for couples Larry McDonald & Brett McNamee and Kim Foster & Anne Tully.

Following the vows and exchange of rings, champagne and cupcakes were served as the signing of the civil union certificates took place.

Credit Rob St. Mary
A group toast by the three couples who took part in the Civil Union ceremony at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen, Colorado on January 18th, 2014

It was a simple ceremony, but had a profound in feeling for those who took part like Sharon Breton.

“I feel the love of this whole community and it’s very nice. It’s wonderful. We feel so welcome. We feel like we are coming home. It’s all about love,” said Breton.

Related Content
  • Attendance is up for Aspen Gay Ski Week. Organizers say more than five thousand guests are participating. It is an increase over last year. Activities…
  • Colorado joined eight other states with similar laws permitting civil unions for same-sex couples and nine others — plus the District of Columbia — to permit gay marriage.