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The beginning of 2015 became the start of many happily-ever-afters in Miami when Circuit Court Judge Sarah Zabel lifted her stay on Pareto v. Ruvin this past Monday, allowing same-sex couples in Miami to marry.
Today, the rest of the state followed suit, as hundreds of couples embraced for the first time as legally married people.
See also: Meet Florida’s First Married Same-Sex Couples Who Tied the Knot Yesterday in Miami
Now, same-sex couples can share the excitement of having a memorable ceremony with family and friends, a lavish cake, good food, an open bar — and a maxed-out credit card.
Fortunately, celebrity chef Art Smith and the James Royal Palm Hotel want to foot the bill for 101 couples in a fantastic group ceremony to be held Saturday, February 21, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The event, coinciding with the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, where Chef Smith cohosted the Big Gay Ice Cream Social, will feature food by some of Miami’s best chefs, a party with a celebrity DJ, and a special cake created by Duff Goldman, star of Food Network’s Ace of Cakes.
The first 101 couples to tweet to @ChefArtSmith using #101GayWeddings will be invited to participate in the free wedding, complete with a celebrity minister to officiate the ceremony. Although the officiant has yet to be announced, it was assured that the person will be a “really big name.”
Each couple will be able to invite two guests to share the big day. Couples do not have to be Florida residents to enter but will have pay for travel to Miami if they’re from out of town.
An afterparty, in lieu of the Big Gay Ice Cream Social, is also being planned, with proceeds benefiting local LBGT charities. More info when that’s announced.
Follow Laine Doss on Twitter @LaineDoss and Facebook.
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