9th October 2010. The best day of my life. I married my soulmate and best friend Paul. We met in 1995 as penpals after answering an ad from a TV teletext page believe it or not!
In 2015 we will celebrate 20 years together. We've had some tough times along the way and it hasn't been easy - but one thing's for sure, we're still very happy together and the support we offer one another continues to grow.
This is for you Paul - you truly are amazing (just the way you are).
Civil partnerships in the United Kingdom, granted under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, give same-sex couples rights and responsibilities identical to civil marriage. Civil partners are entitled to the same property rights as married opposite-sex couples, the same exemption as married couples on inheritance tax, social security and pension benefits, and also the ability to get parental responsibility for a partner's children, as well as responsibility for reasonable maintenance of one's partner and their children, tenancy rights, full life insurance recognition, next of kin rights in hospitals, and others. There is a formal process for dissolving partnerships akin to divorce.
A lovely shot. Thank you for the information on civil partnerships which I found very interesting as I was not aware of all of it. I think your stoy of how you met will give hope to others looking for their soulmate.
Nicely done Darren and I like the idea of having the certificate under your rings. There's someone out there for every one of us and you've obviously found the one meant for you.
Many congratulations to you both. Finally glad to see this happening. Should be nationwide. As longvas you are happy who gives a flying fig what sex you are. AWESOME
So 13 cán be a lucky number :) I hope that Paul and you live happily ever after :) CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!! It's so very important that the same-sex couples have been given the same rights (and responsibilities) as heterosexuals!!!!!! I'm hetero but have many lesbian and gay friends and it hurts to see them being discriminated or worse in some countries... Good for you, you're married! Carpe diem, life can be so short!
well what can i say, thanks to everyone for there very kind comments, and a very, very big thankyou to darren for the past 18 years of my life. heres to growing old together. love you and love the photo too x.
A beautiful image for the word of the day and a wonderful story to accompany it. Here's to both of you: hope you'll continue to find joy and fulfilment in each other.
Beautiful shot, Darren. Congratulations to you and Paul on your many happy years together. 18 years is a great accomplishment and I wish you both many, many more together. You are right, it isn't always easy but it is worth the time and work it takes. My union is 42 years this year! Ups and downs all over the place but still with the man I was meant to be with... Sounds like you two have that too.
Aww, congratulations to you both. 18 years is amazing. Here's to lots more. What a great shot to celebrate it with. Love the colours and composition here.
Beautiful shot Darren ...... I do now have that Bruno Mars song going through my head now!
Hope you and Paul are going to do something special to celebrate 20 years together :)
This is wonderful Darren. I am sorry I missed it yesterday! So very happy for you both. A wonderful tribute to your commitment and love. Much happiness to you both. A FAV for me also!
Darren that is a lovely shot. I pray that the US will follow suit and all of our states will begin to treat all that love one another fairly. Congrats to you both and here's to many, many more years together.
Excellent shot and personal story ... important to remember what rights are connected to marriage and how they ease so many potential situations that may arise during a life together ... Lovely tribute to your number one guy!
Congrat's and Awesome shot! I think everyone is entitled to make there own choices without judgement !. Sounds like you a Paul have a great relationship...your story reminds me of something i just went through with my family ...regarding the" definition" of family and the "meaning" of family..if you look it up in a dictionary/online, you will see there is a BIG difference!! Congratulation's to you and Paul for finding the real" meaning "of family! Not very many do..... :) .
Hope you and Paul are going to do something special to celebrate 20 years together :)
20 years and without ups and downs would not be normal.
Congratulations and love this shot