Local Businesses Ready For Same-Sex Wedding Boom

Erin Black of Beachscapes Flower Shop in Fire Island Pines was busy putting the final touches on a flower arrangement for soon-to-be newlyweds Ken Pollard and Tom Bozzelli shortly before noon on Sunday, July 24. The aromatic assortment featured Casablanca lilies and two fuschia roses that symbolize the couple's commitment to each other.

Pollard and Bozzelli also wore matching boutonnieres at their wedding at Whyte Hall after they returned to the beach with their marriage license from the Brookhaven Town Clerk's office in Farmingville.

"Flowers make you happy," said Black. "I'm just thankful I can be a part of their day."

Black is among the Fire Island businesses that cater to gay and lesbian couples and hopt to cash in on the expected same-sex wedding boom after the state's marriage equality law took effect.

The Grove Hotel will join other Cherry Grove hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses in what is being described as a mass wedding that will take place from Sept. 16-18. The Ice Palace is planning a

reception with Porsche as the wedding singer. Restaurants will offer romantic dinner packages to newlywed couples, while hotels and homeowners will offer accommodations to friends and family members who come to the Grove to witness their loved ones exchange vows.

"We know so many people who will be getting married that this is a way for friends to attend all the events," said organizer Dell Harbin.

Couples who have already married outside New York can also renew their vows. The Belvedere will host the ultimate in Grove bachelor parties, complete with strippers and more. Organizers are even encouraging "wedding crashers" to participate in the weekend.

"Everybody's pretty excited on Fire Island about doing it," said Mark Fleurimont, assistant manager of the Grove Hotel.

Peter Brundige, owner of Jalston in the Pines, hung a sign outside his clothing boutique almost immediately after state lawmakers passed the marriage equality bill on June 24 that congratulated same-sex couples on their newfound equality. It also encouraged them to sign up for Jalston's wedding registry.

Brundige also designed a pink, yellow and orange window display that featured Hermès and Yves St. Laurent bags and a Cartier box centerpiece. He conceded that nobody had yet signed up for the registry, but the sign certainly caught potential newlyweds' attention. "They appreciated the suggestion," said Brundige. "They appreciated the fact I did something about it."

A state Senate report in May estimated that marriage equality could pump $391 million into New York's economy over the next three years-this could include $283,810,725 from wedding-related spending and tourism, $3,792,400 from marriage license fees and $22,704,858 in sales taxes.

Black is planning floral arrangements for another same-sex couple who plans to get married in August. She expects more gays and lesbians will exchange vows on the beach after Labor Day.

"It's going to be a very exciting season," said Black.

The Madison guesthouse in the Pines has already booked two September weddings, while another is scheduled to take place at the Blue Whale. FIP Ventures co-owner Andrew Kirtzman expects to host even more same-sex weddings once the Hotel Ciel's expected renovation is complete next spring.

"We're expecting the Pines to become one of America's major gay wedding destinations," he said.

Couples are certainly not wasting anytime in planning their big day.

Brundige said a bag of wedding gifts he brought to a post-July 4 birthday party in the Pines was nearly empty within four hours. "There's going to be an influx of weddings on the island, but they need time to prepare for it," he said. "Once they have time to get organized, they're going to start doing it in their houses-so party planner people better start going to get ready. They're not going to be doing a buffet!"