The sweetest kiss I think I've ever had June 5, 2016 6:37 AM   Subscribe

On June 26th 2015, as the U.S. celebrated marriage equality, my then girlfriend said with joyful certainty and a beaming smile "This means you're gonna be my wife someday." On Friday June 3rd 2016, Tina and I were married in our lovely backyard garden surrounded by close friends and loved ones. And *THAT* dear mefites, was the sweetest kiss I've ever had.

Marriage equality, while just the first step, is an important step for those who desire it. We have so so so much further to go to make the U.S. and the world an open and accepting place for the lesser-understood letters of the queer rainbow, and in this current political climate it is important to acknowledge that one of the most important barriers still facing trans people is equal access to love.

I am grateful to have found my life partner. The love we have is amazing and brilliant. It is my hope that our love in the world helps other people understand that trans people can be loved, that trans people can be married, or not married, or poly or mono, that we are as varied in our desires for love as anyone, that our gender can be seen as a beautiful part of who we are, not a limitation or barrier or question to have to figure out. Here's to everyone having the sweetest kisses they've ever had!

Team Sparkles 4 EVA.
posted by Annika Cicada to MetaFilter-Related at 6:37 AM (127 comments total) 123 users marked this as a favorite

Aww, that made me all teary-eyed - love is the best! Congratulations to you both, and MANY happy years ahead!
posted by DingoMutt at 6:52 AM on June 5, 2016 [2 favorites]


┗( ^o^)┛ ♪♪♪ ┏( ^o^)┓ ♪♪♪ ┗( ^o^)┛

happy dance
posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 6:54 AM on June 5, 2016 [7 favorites]


Congratulations!
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:12 AM on June 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


<3. Wishing you many years of happiness!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:13 AM on June 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


(¯`v´¯) congrats Annika & Tina!
`*.¸.*´ !
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)!
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
posted by taz (staff) at 7:22 AM on June 5, 2016 [4 favorites]


Aw, congratulations!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 7:25 AM on June 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


yay! congrats!
posted by and they trembled before her fury at 7:33 AM on June 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


Félicitations ! Much happiness to you two :)
posted by fraula at 7:47 AM on June 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


Aww, between your happy announcement and the FPP on the Woodstock couple, this is turning into Schmoopy Sunday. Mazel!
posted by Room 641-A at 8:01 AM on June 5, 2016 [3 favorites]


Wishing you long years of joy and contentment. Congratulations!
posted by MonkeyToes at 8:02 AM on June 5, 2016


Hooray!
posted by leahwrenn at 8:29 AM on June 5, 2016


Aww, that's great! Congratulations and may your lives always be happy. Enjoy these rainbow-colored cats.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:33 AM on June 5, 2016 [3 favorites]


(For real ya'll my legal last name is now Sparkles. Annika Sparkles. That's like, mad rad mega juice)
posted by Annika Cicada at 8:37 AM on June 5, 2016 [62 favorites]


No fucking way! That's awesome!
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:41 AM on June 5, 2016


Hooray! Congratulations!

LOVE WINS!

My now-wife and I first discussed the possibility of getting married on the lawn in front of Cambridge City Hall on the evening before MA became the first state in the US to recognize same-sex marriages. And this January, we (finally) got married.
posted by rmd1023 at 8:54 AM on June 5, 2016 [7 favorites]


Mazel tov!
posted by asterix at 9:00 AM on June 5, 2016


Eeeeeee! I just got choked up. Congratulations!!!!
posted by AFABulous at 9:09 AM on June 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


Huge congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉
posted by ellieBOA at 9:10 AM on June 5, 2016


Every happiness.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 9:16 AM on June 5, 2016 [8 favorites]


YAAAAAAYYYYY!!!! Congratulations!
posted by rtha at 9:35 AM on June 5, 2016


Oh, congratulations!!! May you have many many very happy years together!
posted by Lexica at 9:42 AM on June 5, 2016


Congrats!!
posted by Fig at 10:15 AM on June 5, 2016


Hooray!!
posted by stet at 10:30 AM on June 5, 2016


<3 !!!!!
posted by librarina at 10:31 AM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations!
posted by bedhead at 10:34 AM on June 5, 2016


Wonderful! Congrats!
posted by iamkimiam at 10:40 AM on June 5, 2016


happy dance!!!!!
posted by supermedusa at 10:51 AM on June 5, 2016


For real ya'll my legal last name is now Sparkles

TOO PRECIOUS FOR THIS WORLD
posted by poffin boffin at 10:53 AM on June 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


Congratulations!!!
posted by epj at 10:55 AM on June 5, 2016


Mazel tov!
posted by Faint of Butt at 11:01 AM on June 5, 2016


Mazel tov!
posted by brujita at 11:01 AM on June 5, 2016


Oh this is great news. Wishing you two all possible kinds of happiness!
posted by Too-Ticky at 11:32 AM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations!
posted by une_heure_pleine at 11:42 AM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations!! What a sweet and beautiful story!
posted by hollygoheavy at 11:52 AM on June 5, 2016


Best wishes for your happiness, now and in the future! Congrats!
posted by angiep at 11:53 AM on June 5, 2016


Oh, congratulations!
posted by Secretariat at 12:27 PM on June 5, 2016


This makes my heart so glad! Mazel tov, Annika and Tina! May you have a lifetime of happiness together.
posted by palomar at 12:34 PM on June 5, 2016



posted by Mchelly at 12:40 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations!
posted by lazuli at 12:41 PM on June 5, 2016


Yay! Congratulations!
posted by bondcliff at 12:45 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations! Love always wins! ♥
posted by mochapickle at 1:03 PM on June 5, 2016


Oh, I just read the bit about the Sparkles name and I am just beaming!
posted by mochapickle at 1:04 PM on June 5, 2016


I remembered your post in that thread because it made me so happy, and this is just the best! Congratulations!!
posted by skycrashesdown at 1:12 PM on June 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


Awwww! So happy for you both!!!
posted by chicainthecity at 1:13 PM on June 5, 2016


Huge congratulations and best wishes for a long, happy life together! ♥
posted by Lynsey at 1:17 PM on June 5, 2016


Yay!!! Congratulations! May you have a joyous marriage filled with love and happiness!
posted by zarq at 1:39 PM on June 5, 2016


Congrats!
posted by EndsOfInvention at 1:39 PM on June 5, 2016


Congrats!

Raise your hand if you think Annika needs a star next to her username, you know, for Sparkles.
posted by romakimmy at 2:03 PM on June 5, 2016 [6 favorites]


Congrats!
posted by Michele in California at 2:26 PM on June 5, 2016


Awww! Mazel tov!
posted by SisterHavana at 2:36 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations, how lovely.
posted by smoke at 2:39 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations! *tosses birdseed*
posted by kimberussell at 2:51 PM on June 5, 2016


Yay! We all deserve love!
posted by Vaike at 2:52 PM on June 5, 2016


That is so lovely! Congratulations to you both!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 3:04 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations, yay!
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 3:08 PM on June 5, 2016


Congrats!
posted by Joseph Gurl at 3:20 PM on June 5, 2016


This is just too beautiful - you totally win Metafilter today! Congratulations and may you both have the Sparkliest of futures together.
posted by billiebee at 3:24 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations!
posted by RainyJay at 3:38 PM on June 5, 2016


Mazel Tov!
(It turns out I cry at MetaFilter weddings, too!)
posted by mon-ma-tron at 4:09 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations!
posted by Quietgal at 4:11 PM on June 5, 2016


Heartfelt congratulations. Finding someone to adore that also adores you is magic when it happens. Yay Tina and Annika Sparkles! Photos or it didn't happen! Xx
posted by taff at 4:39 PM on June 5, 2016


Yeah!
posted by clavdivs at 4:40 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations! I am so happy for you, thank you so much for sharing your happy news with us Annika!! All the happiness in the world to you and your beloved.
posted by msali at 4:45 PM on June 5, 2016


Congrats! Great joy!
posted by Lyme Drop at 4:54 PM on June 5, 2016


Raise your hand if you think Annika needs a star next to her username, you know, for Sparkles.

Is there a glitter emoji? We need a glitter emoji.
posted by nebulawindphone at 5:18 PM on June 5, 2016 [2 favorites]


Congratulations! I wish you both all the best and many happy years together!
posted by _Mona_ at 5:49 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations Team Sparkles!!
posted by cynical pinnacle at 6:31 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations! Go Team Sparkles!
posted by areaperson at 6:33 PM on June 5, 2016


Ten thousand blessings on you both!

!
posted by GenjiandProust at 6:48 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations! Hurrah for good things happening to good people!
posted by Pink Frost at 6:53 PM on June 5, 2016


For Team Sparkles:
💛💙💜💚❤️
💐💖👭💖💍💍💖💐
❤️💚💜💙💛
posted by easily confused at 7:28 PM on June 5, 2016 [4 favorites]


"It is my hope that our love in the world helps other people understand that trans people can be loved, that trans people can be married, or not married, or poly or mono, that we are as varied in our desires for love as anyone, that our gender can be seen as a beautiful part of who we are, not a limitation or barrier or question to have to figure out."

QFT, as they say.

Congratulations, young Sparkly ones!! All the best to both of you!
posted by marienbad at 7:29 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations!
posted by drezdn at 8:01 PM on June 5, 2016


Mazel tov!!!
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 8:10 PM on June 5, 2016


C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !
posted by sandettie light vessel automatic at 9:09 PM on June 5, 2016


So happy for you both. Yay!
posted by Bella Donna at 9:13 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations!
posted by EvaDestruction at 9:16 PM on June 5, 2016


Best to you both!
posted by Oyéah at 9:34 PM on June 5, 2016


From one queer married lady to another -- congratulations!
posted by gingerbeer at 10:14 PM on June 5, 2016


Congratulations and best wishes on your wedding! So your actual family name is Sparkle? That is just the BEST! If you want to adopt a cranky ill-behaved 50 year old, I'm totally down with changing my name to S'Tella Sparkle. Just sayin'.
posted by S'Tella Fabula at 10:15 PM on June 5, 2016


Aaaaa congrats!
posted by mikurski at 10:44 PM on June 5, 2016


Congrats, and much happiness to you both!
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 12:16 AM on June 6, 2016


A truly happy-making tale, full of wonderfulness - and it behoves us all to wish Anika Cicada-Sparkles an infinitely happy and wonderful marriage! But ... won't this inevitably lead to the destruction of our society?

Let's face facts: especially of late, the world has been beset by a thousand horrors, several hundred tribulations and a small number of inconveniences. In the face of all that, we could be forgiven for breaking down and crying in the hopelessness of the dark night. But now Anika's beautiful news is revealed, demonstrating that justice and love are real and powerful forces - and the happiness we feel at the sight of such revelation can only inspire us all to create a more lovely and more just world. Thus we cry tears of joy.

But the problem is that we are still crying, only now for a much better reason. And the constant out-flux of eye-juice from our very BODIES threatens us ALL will severe dehydration - yea, even unto DEATH.

The only way to end the threat of excessive lachrymation (and thus bodily dessication) is to replace our pitiful "human" bodies with new technology. Luckily quidnunc kid Laboratories is working on a way to upload our minds into the "Cloud", thereby freeing us from the threat of losing all our delicious liquids.

"Wait, what if it rains?," I hear you ask. Well ... ah ... OK. Good point. Shit. OK then, how about this: we DOWN-load our bodies into the SOIL, thus leaving our disembodied minds to wander the Earth eternally and ... wait that sounds like I want to kill everyone and turn them into ghosts. OK, strike that - here's what we're going to do: transmute ourselves into beings of pure WATER and then we'll be MADE of fluid! Or better yet - beings of pure BEER! Hell, I've already started my transmogrification! OK then - vote #1 quidnunc *hic* kid! *BURP*

... or just ignore quidnunc kid, and vote #1 Team Sparkles.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:17 AM on June 6, 2016 [17 favorites]


"Annika", sorry ...
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:33 AM on June 6, 2016


Congratulations! :D
posted by sukeban at 4:38 AM on June 6, 2016


Absolutely #1 Team Sparkles. Congratulations, y'all.
posted by soundguy99 at 5:02 AM on June 6, 2016


Aw, congratulations! I'm really happy for both of you!
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 5:41 AM on June 6, 2016


Well, I couldn't even get through the first sentence without getting teary. Huge congrats.
posted by zutalors! at 7:04 AM on June 6, 2016


Congratulations! What wonderful news!
posted by jillithd at 7:44 AM on June 6, 2016


Congratulations!
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:42 AM on June 6, 2016


Congratz.
posted by jonmc at 9:03 AM on June 6, 2016


Beautiful! Congrats. What a beautiful thing to have be on MetaTalk! Best wishes to you!

BTW, a link to pictures would lead to *even more* gushing comments.
posted by jasper411 at 2:13 PM on June 6, 2016


(As a reminder, I can now legally marry couples in New Orleans and the rest of the state of Louisiana. My first MeFite wedding is scheduled for this fall.)
posted by ColdChef at 2:31 PM on June 6, 2016 [10 favorites]


Pho-tos! Pho-tos! Pho-tos!
posted by latkes at 2:36 PM on June 6, 2016 [3 favorites]


I have to get to them, the photographer hasn't handed them to us yet hahahaha!

(there's some on facebook but my facebook access is limited)
posted by Annika Cicada at 2:54 PM on June 6, 2016 [2 favorites]


Your happy makes me happy!
posted by drlith at 4:28 PM on June 6, 2016


Yay! Congratulations!
posted by Defying Gravity at 5:25 PM on June 6, 2016


Congratulations! Love wins!!
posted by gt2 at 6:25 PM on June 6, 2016


Congratulations!

Speaking for myself: It is the sweetest kiss when there was a time in your life you thought "This is not a thing that people will gather to celebrate."

I'm glad it was the sweetest kiss for you!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 6:52 PM on June 6, 2016 [2 favorites]


Oh that's wonderful! Belated congratulations!
posted by happyroach at 10:06 PM on June 6, 2016


Congratulations! What wonderful news!
posted by daybeforetheday at 2:08 AM on June 7, 2016


Wishing you joyful long lives together, Annika and Tina. Congratulations!
posted by Songdog at 4:49 AM on June 7, 2016


Congratulations Team Sparkles!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 8:10 AM on June 7, 2016


Okay, here's one pic, I'll try to get more

I'm wearing stripes, Tina is wearing dots.
posted by Annika Cicada at 9:18 AM on June 7, 2016 [30 favorites]




So awesome!! And so adorable!! Congratulations on making it official!!

I don't blame you for not smooshing the cake in each other's faces. I wouldn't do that to the cute white dresses either.
posted by cynical pinnacle at 9:50 AM on June 7, 2016 [1 favorite]


ooh cute pic!
posted by zutalors! at 10:04 AM on June 7, 2016


Too cute!
posted by mochapickle at 10:44 AM on June 7, 2016


So much sweetness! Congratulations!
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 11:02 AM on June 7, 2016


Awww, you two look so happy! Wishing you two the best in your new life together.
posted by PearlRose at 11:27 AM on June 7, 2016


Ohmygod! Broccoli!

I mean yay cake!

Seriously, congratulations again- I'll make a Scalia's Tears cocktail in your honor.
posted by happyroach at 11:36 AM on June 7, 2016 [3 favorites]


The happiness shines through in that photo and video--so sweet!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 2:04 PM on June 7, 2016


Yay! Congratulations!
posted by likeatoaster at 5:19 PM on June 7, 2016


Yaaay!
posted by XMLicious at 2:07 AM on June 8, 2016


Awww! Congrats!
posted by Harald74 at 4:41 AM on June 8, 2016


Seriously, not only do you two look super happy and in love, but those dresses are fire. So much hotness in the Sparkle household.
posted by palomar at 7:55 AM on June 8, 2016 [1 favorite]


My wife is a fashion designer/creative activist, we designed and made them ourselves :-)
posted by Annika Cicada at 8:25 AM on June 8, 2016 [15 favorites]


We are an embarrassment of delights, to be sure.
posted by Annika Cicada at 8:45 AM on June 8, 2016 [3 favorites]


OMGYOUTWOARESOCUTE!!!!
posted by latkes at 12:52 PM on June 8, 2016 [1 favorite]


I LOVE your dresses and y'all made me teary! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by Crystalinne at 7:02 PM on June 8, 2016 [1 favorite]


Awwww, congratulations!
posted by Gyre,Gimble,Wabe, Esq. at 7:31 PM on June 8, 2016 [1 favorite]



posted by Halloween Jack at 1:29 PM on June 10, 2016


Congratulations to both of you! I wish you much love and lifelong happiness together!
posted by arcticseal at 8:48 PM on June 10, 2016


Okay, here's one pic, I'll try to get more

are you fucking kidding me

how dare you both be so delightful
posted by poffin boffin at 11:49 AM on June 11, 2016 [2 favorites]


also does your wife have an etsy shop for dresses
posted by poffin boffin at 11:50 AM on June 11, 2016 [1 favorite]


My wife teaches fashion design and doesn't make stuff for sale anymore (she used to run an online business called sparklecraft before etsy was a thing) but! You can put your name in a action lottery (it's free, it's basically "agree to do a politically active thing" and you're entered) to win one of her dresses:
www.shiftchangedress.com

If you click into the dresses in the collection you'll see details for how to enter the lottery.
posted by Annika Cicada at 5:18 PM on June 11, 2016 [2 favorites]


http://www.shiftchangedress.com (working link)
posted by Annika Cicada at 9:11 PM on June 11, 2016


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