July 24th, 2011 Artvesta at Brooklyn Borough Hall
Tatiana Valerie, the owner of Artvesta studio, was the photographer for Brooklyn Borough Mayor’s office on Sunday, July 24th, 2011, the first day when gay marriage became legal in New York state. All together, 659 couples were married in New York City on the first day the new law went into effect.
Jamie Markowitz, Marty Markowitz, and Tatiana Valerie
On Sunday, July 24, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz opened historic Borough Hall to host more than 60 couples—more than half of them having their ceremonies performed here—and celebrate the first day of marriage equality in New York. The newlyweds were treated to free champagne, sparkling water, cake and photographs to celebrate their nuptials.
Pastor Ann Kansfield, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, couple Linda Wilkins and Annette Fisher of Sea Gate, BP Markowitz, Jamie Markowitz
The first couples to be married at Borough Hall were eight-year partners Stacey Minondo and Barbara Tremblay of Downtown Brooklyn,
Stacey Minondo and Barbara Tremblay - the first gay couple married in Brooklyn Borough Hall
followed by Clifton Murdock and Paris Fields of Park Slope, together for 24 years.
Clifton Murdock and Paris Fields wedding at Brooklyn Borough Hall on July 24, 2011
For Barbara Pilgrim and Geraldine Whitsett of Park Slope, today meant the culmination of 48 years together—and after getting married at the Brooklyn City Clerk’s office, they stopped by Borough Hall to celebrate.
BP Markowitz, Jamie Markowitz, and newlyweds Barbara Pilgrim and Geraldine Whitsett of Park Slope
The exterior of Borough Hall has long been a popular choice for wedding photographs of couples who are married at the Municipal Building across the street.
Brooklyn Borough Hall Exterior
During this rare Sunday opening of the 163-year-old Greek revival Borough Hall—Brooklyn’s oldest public building—couples were able to be officially married by a judge, rabbi or minister and enjoy the grand Rotunda, historic Courtroom and the newly renovated Community Room as a backdrop for their special day.
Tatiana’s pictures were published all over the world in local and international publications, including online portals, such as:
New York City 1st TV channel’s website NY1.com: (http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/143554/marriage-equality-comes-to-the-city)
New York Public Radio’s website: (http://empire.wnyc.org/2011/07/new-york-city-officials-record-breaking-first-day-of-same-sex-marriage/)
BroadwayWorld.com: (http://broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-BP-Marty-Markowitz-Opens-Borough-Hall-For-Marriage-Equality-20110724)
Turkishny.com: (http://www.turkishny.com/new-york/60-new-york/61147-markowitzden-ecinsel-ciftlere-surpriz)
GreenPoint Gazette: (http://www.greenpointnews.com/news/3596/borough-hall-opened-to-dozens-of-couples-on-first-day-of-marriage-equality)
SheepsHead Bites: (http://www.sheepsheadbites.com/2011/07/open-thread-mondays-they-legalized-it/)
Read more at: http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/
- Connect with ArtVesta Studio on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/artvesta
- View our photo portfolio: www.artvestastudio.com/upload
