Planning a wedding can be a lot of fun, especially if you're in show business. Joe Bailey and Joe Plambeck, owners of the Ringwald in Ferndale, held what they called their "big gay wedding" on Sept. 4, 2010. About a hundred people came to the ceremony, which was held on their very own stage.
Like many of the plays done at the Ringwald, the wedding was quite a production. "Our friend Cassandra really took the reins on most of our wedding planning," Plambeck said. "It was definitely the largest and craziest party I have ever helped put together, but it was the most perfect day I ever had, so it was definitely all worth it."
Like many couples, the guys wanted to make their ceremony very personal. "We asked an amazing and hilarious friend of ours, Jaime Moyer, to officiate; we incorporated three songs sung by a crazy talented friend of ours and included a slide show of photos from our relationship over the years. Figuring out all the pieces, like which three songs for example, was pretty time consuming," Plambeck said.
"I really wanted the wedding to be a reflection of who we are. We incorporated our favorite colors – blue, orange, yellow and brown – into the wardrobe, the stage's painting and all of our print materials for the wedding, like the program, signs, etc. We also started the ceremony off with an 'opening number' which incorporated our family, wedding party and closest friends. We also had some of our besties read some of our favorite romantic quotes from our favorite films, which was a blast!
"Because we worried about the size of our theater for the reception, we also used Go Comedy! for a second reception spot since it was a hop, skip and jump from The Ringwald. We had a midnight improv show and also a photo booth, which was a huge hit. The snow cone machine and Candy Bar were also big hits."
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Plambeck kept a video log counting down the days, sharing some of the joys and stresses of planning as well as sentimental stories. At day nine, for example, Plambeck recalls how he and Bailey met.
In 2003 they worked in a traveling theater show together where they quickly hit it off. Their mutual love for theater kept them on the same path and eventually they returned to Bailey's home state of Michigan and opened up The Ringwald. Seven years after they met they tied the knot.
Of Plambeck, Bailey said, "He is very funny and kind and talented. He is a good man and I'm lucky to have him in my life. Plus, he puts up with all of my junk, so how could I not love him?"
Plambeck's favorite moment of the evening was hearing Bailey's vows to him. "I had no idea what to expect, of course, but it was just a lovely moment and I felt so incredibly close and intertwined with him. It was really lovely.
"I love Joe for so many things," Plambeck said. "He is my best friend. He makes my life better and easier. He and I laugh so much it's ridiculous."
The couple is taking part in the 2012 Wedding Expo, as they and other Ringwald performers will be guiding guests and providing a little improvisational entertainment. "It's going to be so fun seeing other couples making their plans," Plambeck said.
His advice: "Do what you want to do! Make sure the day suits you as a couple, first and foremost. You don't have to please or make anyone else happy. It's your day and it should be glorious. But above all: relax! breathe!"
The Same-Sex Wedding Expo: Celebrate the Power of Love is 1-5 p.m. April 29 at the Detroit Marriott Livonia on Six Mile Road, just east of I-275. Tickets are $10 at the door, with discounted $5 tickets available at https://www.PrideSource.com and at https://www.DailyGaypon.com.
