Mon. September 22, 2003
Los Angeles -
Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge and actress Tammy Lynn Michaels wasted no time in taking advantage of California's new domestic partner law. Within hours of of the legislation's signing by gov. Gray Davis, Etheridge and Michaels exchanged vows at a Los Angeles ceremony
For the past two years the couple has been living at the singer's Los Angeles home.
In a joint statement the couple called their ceremony as a "wedding". Although same-sex marriage is illegal in California, the two are, under the new law, registered domestic partners.
"We are so grateful for the blessings from our friends and family as we commence our vows, and begin the rest of our lives together," their statement said Monday.
The ceremony attracted Hollywood's A-list. Guests included Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Al and Tipper Gore, Jennifer Aniston (Brad was invited but is on location with Troy in Malta and couldn't make it), Helen Hunt, Mike Myers, Sally Field, Ellen DeGeneres, Sheryl Crow, Christina Applegate and Kathy Najimy.
Etheridge wore a "candlelight pantsuit of a linen jacket with beaded accent and crepe trousers," while Michaels was attired in a lace coat "crystal embellished scalloped trim over a white matte jersey gown."
The duo exchanged matching, custom-made platinum and diamond bands designed by jeweler to the stars Rafinity.
Before meeting Michaels, the two time Grammy winner shared her life for 12 years with Julie Cypher. They went on to have two children together, Bailey and Becket, each carried by Cypher with singer David Crosby contributing his sperm. Etheridge and Cypher split up in 2000 but continue to share custody of their children.
Michaels, 28, is best known for playing high-maintenance princess Nicole Julian on the defunct WB series Popular. She'll next be seen in a recurring role in Showtime's lesbian drama series The L Word.
Last month in Toronto, singer Janis Ian wed her longtime partner Patricia Snyder. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia since the early summer.
by Mary Ellen Peterson
365Gay.com Newscenter
Los Angeles Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2003
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