Gay marriage in Riverhead Town, one year later
Some same-sex couples in Riverhead Town are celebrating their first wedding anniversaries this week, as today marks a year since the marriage equality bill went into effect in New York.
One of those couples is Theresa Claudio, 46, and Nancy Zaharick, 53, of Mastic. They were the first same-sex couple to say “I do” Riverhead Town, in a ceremony performed by Town Clerk Diane Wilhelm last July 28.
“Life is still the same,” Ms. Claudio said in a telephone interview this week. “We were thankful we were able to do it and will continue to celebrate our lives together.”
The two women, who were set up by friends more than two decades ago, decided to marry after Ms. Zaharick popped the question while walking along a boardwalk in Carolina Beach, N.C.
Ms. Zaharick believes things haven’t changed much since they tied the knot, but said they feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to make their relationship extra special.
“Everything has been wonderful,” Ms. Zaharick said. “Everybody has been so supportive and happy for us.”
To celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary, the couple plans to see the play “The Best Man” in Manhattan and grab some grub at their favorite place: John’s Pizzeria, an old church in midtown that has been converted into a restaurant.
“We’re pretty low-key,” Ms. Zaharick said.
Ms. Zaharick and Ms. Claudio were married in a simple ceremony on the lawn outside Town Hall.
The one bride wore a white button-down and a pair of black slacks while the other bride wore a black button-down with white pants. Both wore a crown of baby’s breath. They were surrounded by giant heart-shaped balloons and chose calla lilies for the bouquet.
“For us to get married in the view of the public meant the world to us,” Ms. Zaharick said. “It’s nice to be recognized.”
Ms. Zaharick and Ms. Claudio are one of 21 same-sex couples who have applied for a marriage license in Riverhead Town over the past year.
Pick up Thursday’s paper to read more about the first year of same-sex marriage on the North Fork.
