Author Cheril N. Clarke Has Fairytale Lesbian Wedding Released by: Cheril N. Clarke Web Site: http://www.cherilnclarke.com Cheril N. Clarke, author of critically acclaimed lesbian novels exchanged marriage vows with partner Email: Cherilnc@cherilnclarke.com Keywords: gay, lesbian, wedding, marriage, union, civil, african-american, black, commitment, ceremony Update Date: 1/27/2007 2:50:06 PM Hits: 220 Descrption:  Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, January 26, 2007- Cheril N. Clarke, author of the critically acclaimed lesbian novels Intimate Chaos and Tainted Destiny, exchanged marriage vows with Monica Bey, her partner of three years. The black-tie, fairytale wedding took place at the exquisite Oheka Castle in Long Island, New York on January 15, 2007. The venue was an actual castle, which was a dream come true for Monica. Invited guests included family, friends, and prominent members of the LGBTQ community. Cheril and Monica’s marriage was made even more significant because they live in New Jersey, which has recently passed legislation to recognize same-sex civil unions. Although the wedding took place in New York, they will be filing formal papers to have their union recognized in New Jersey. Cheril says of the legality of their wedding, "Our ceremony and reception was symbolic---a public display (and party) for our family and friends. The paperwork will be filed in New Jersey, which is where we live." The pair met three years ago at the 29th anniversary celebration for African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change. A friendship soon blossomed and the two realized that they found the love they have been longing for in one another. Cheril proposed to Monica in front of friends at the Stonewall Bistro in Manhattan, NY in the spring of 2005. The year and a half leading up to the wedding was strenuous for the pair when Monica was suddenly stricken and diagnosed with a muscle disorder and later had a terrible car accident that totaled her vehicle a month before the wedding. Through Cheril’s love and support, they remained focused for their big day. Cheril N. Clarke is the author of four novels, “Foundations: A Novel of New Beginnings,” “Different Trees From the Same Root,” “Intimate Chaos,” and “Tainted Destiny.” She has been featured in Curve Magazine, the nation's best selling lesbian magazine, as well as Crain's New York Business newspaper. Clarke has also published poems, short stories and reviews of hip-hop spoken word theater in various literary magazines. She was a keynote speaker at an African Asian Latina Lesbians United conference at Rutgers University and has performed at events organized by African American Lesbians United for Societal Change. In her spare time, Clarke enjoys exploring and photographing nature, visiting historical sites as well as museums. She is currently doing research for her next novel and working on a stage play. Cheril’s works can be found anywhere books are sold in the United States and the United Kingdom as well as online through her Web site: www.cherilnclarke.com. With Cheril’s full support, Monica started a social networking club in the suburban Philadelphia area called the South Jersey Gay & Lesbian Social Club. More information about the social club can be found at www.southjerseysocialclub.com. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y6FwhZgS0w ###