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August 1, 2012 | www.gaycitynews.com
MARRIAGE
Van Bramer An Honest Man, At Last Queens city councilmember marries longtime partner BY DUNCAN OSBORNE
JESSE WINTER
J
immy Van Bramer, 42, the openly-gay City Councilmember who has represented parts of western Queens since his 2009 election, married Dan Hendrick, 41, his partner of 13 years, in a ceremony on July 28. "We are overjoyed that so many family and friends witnessed our wedding Saturday night,” the newlyweds said in a statement. “For over 13 years we have been in a committed and loving relationship, yet before marriage equality passed last year, we were denied the right marry one another. At this time, we are grateful for our loving families, friends, and the numerous neighbors, constituents and even complete strangers who wished us well on our union.” The wedding was held at Studio Square in Long Island City, a venue that features panoramic views of Queens and Manhattan. Roughly 225 friends and family attended. Audrey I. Pheffer, the Queens county clerk, officiated. The couple wrote their own vows. Much of the food, flowers and party favors were locally sourced. The flowers were from Brooklyn Grange, an urban rooftop farm, and the candy that guests received was from Malu, a Queens ice cream and sweet shop.
Jimmy Van Bramer and Dan Hendrick tied the knot on July 28.
“Our happiness at having fulfilled our dream of getting married knows no bounds,” the couple’s statement continued. “We are grateful to live in a state and city that recognize that we are equal and should not be discriminated
against. And we'll redouble our efforts to make sure that all Americans can get married to the one they love.” Hendrick is the communications director at the New York League of Conservation Voters.
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