To get an idea of how marriage equality will impact not only the lives of the happy couples, we spoke to Bobby Kyser of Panache Style, located in Wilton Manors and Joseph Maijala, director of sales & marketing  at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort on North Ocean Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

“We’re wedding and event specialists. We do everything from decor to lighting, draping, linens, anything to do with the wedding planning. I help them do their timeline, they pick out their own vendors, then I make the schedule. I do day-of planning, it’s a concierge service,” said Kyser of his business, which he has run for nearly a decade, long before many residents thought they’d be legally allowed to marry here.

He says commitment ceremonies, surprisingly, have not been much a part of his business.

“I think it really just started happening when it was legal in the other states, the idea was, let’s get married somewhere else then come back here to celebrate. The whole raising of consciousness of marriage equality in other states led them to get married and come back.”

It’s really going to “open the gates” for many weddings here. While other counties may have propped up personal, or so-called religious reasons against allowing gay marriage within their jurisdiction, Broward County has already realized the economic impact LGBT weddings and the associated revenue will have. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has invested nearly one million dollars in reaching out to media vendors across the globe promoting the region as a wedding destination.

Kyser says he’s had to acquire another storage facility to keep up with more wedding décor and accessories, and expanding the business is bound to follow.

He says of the weddings, there are no particular trends among the gay couples he has worked with so far.

“There are no trends, that’s the number one trend. These weddings are all about personal taste. It’s usually more mature men, searching for something classic,” he also notes that it’s usually not 25-year-old men getting married who might want something more avant garde, or over-the-top. People think ‘gay wedding’ and they expect feathers or a pride parade, but it’s not really that way. These are often long-committed couples just happy to celebrate their love for each other. It’s been a process for them, and it’s my job to be a part of that process.”

(Oh, don’t worry: if you want feathers and drag queens, Bobby Kyser and Panache Style will deliver.)

Of course, if you’re getting married here – whether you’re a local, or from Oregon – you’ll need a venue and rooms for your guests. That’s where Joseph Maijala from the Grand Pelican Beach Resort comes in. He says the hotel has seen a substantial increase in requests from same-sex couples.

“We believe this is due primarily to the legalization of same-sex marriages.  Couples want to marry where their marriage is recognized and legal,” he said, which many readers will doubtlessly agree with; the thought of having to marry in another state and come home to Florida where marriage equality did not exist until last night was disheartening to many. The hotel however knew—-or hoped-–the day would come. And, if you have driven past the elegant, Queen Anne, Victorian-style hotel, you have probably noticed substantial construction.

“The Pelican Grand is undergoing an expansion of our banquet facilities with the addition of two new oceanfront ballrooms.  The Atlantic Ballroom is located right on the dunes of Fort Lauderdale Beach with French doors that open to the beach.  It also features a rooftop terrace and garden area outside of the ballroom,” Maijala said of the new additions. “We are also constructing the Oceanview Ballroom on the 11th floor of the hotel with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and beach.  This ballroom will also feature a step-out French balcony and a rooftop terrace on the 12th floor with a gazebo, which is ideal for wedding ceremonies.  In addition, we are adding a new spa on the 11th floor and a new penthouse suite on the 12th floor.  When all the construction is completed this March, we expect to be the premier wedding location on Fort Lauderdale Beach for weddings of up to 100 guests.”

The allure of the hotel lies in its beachfront location. Whether you wish to marry on the beach, on the sand, or you wish to have a reception or ceremony with an ocean view, the hotel can deliver a stunning event. He also sees a unique trend among destination weddings.

“A big trend for many of weddings is to hold all the events for the weekend in one location so family and friends do not have to travel. Many groups will have a block of guest rooms at the resort so no one has to leave for the weekend.  They will host a rehearsal dinner, ceremony and wedding and as well as a going-away brunch on the final day,” he said.

If you want a wedding at their intimate, luxurious resort don’t worry about having enough guests, as they offer packages for two to 50 guests.

“And don’t forget the engagement,” he advises loving couples or hopeful spouses-to-be. “We offer engagement packages where our staff will coordinate a location, usually the beach to “pop the question” which can be followed with an intimate dinner for two and an evening in an oceanfront suite.  We can offer many other details to make it a unique and romantic experience.”

South Florida has many venues perfect for planning and staging your ideal wedding. As of Jan. 6, 2015, that reality is now available for all, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. What’s more, or what’s even better, is they are ready for business.

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