Couple finds overwhelming support

Jenni and Sonya were the first same-gender couple to apply for a Wapello County marriage license on April 27, 2009. The couple has been together for 8 years and was officially married May 3, 2009, their eighth anniversary.

Sonya has been in Iowa for most of her life, and Jenni is a Canada native. The two met 9 years ago, started dating 8 years ago, and have been inseparable ever since. Neither were closely following the legal developments leading up to the Iowa Supreme Court's April 3 decision, which cleared the way for committed same-gender couples to marry in Iowa. Although somewhat caught off guard by the news, Jenni thought, "It’s about time." 

Starting with the April 3 decision, the couple had only one month to prepare for their May 3 wedding. "Friends really pitched in to help pull the wedding together. We were running around like chickens with their heads cut off," they said.

The couple held their wedding at Pioneer Ridge Conservation Area and rented a cabin nearby to celebrate with family and friends in advance of the wedding ceremony.

When asked about response from their community, both agreed it was overwhelmingly positive. "We surround ourselves with family and friends who know and respect us. Like most Iowans, they have a live and let live mentality."