We take enormous pride at Men’s Vows when we get to feature the love and wedding story of a couple whose relationship has thrived for as long as that of Richard and Douglas. Forty-five years together is an extraordinary feat and one that we are proud to celebrate here by sharing their story.

Richard and Douglas were introduced at a nightclub in Columbus, OH, called The Cat’s Meow. It was Halloween and they were there enjoying a drag show. It was 1977! For 5-hours the two sat at the bar getting to know each other and continued on at an after-party at one of the bar’s regulars’ home.

All these years later, “Doug would say of our first meeting that he was infatuated with me, as I was with him. We both knew immediately that we had found our life soul mate.” These soul mates, however, were still living with their parents, who after a couple of years witnessing the couple doing everything together, knew these two were meant for each other.

Despite feeling that the two had been married since day one, but having lived a robust life together, Richard proposed to Doug a few years after gay marriage had become legal… nearly 40-years after meeting each other! “We were having Martinis in our backyard after a rough day at work. Doug had admired a ring that I had purchased at Tiffany’s in Chicago that was designed by Paloma Picasso and little did he know, I purchased one in his size and when he turned around, I had the little Tiffany box waiting for him. He opened the box and began to cry so at that moment I asked him to marry me.”

Theirs was a simple and low-key wedding in Chicago, at The Talbott Hotel, in April of 2016. An officiant presided and, despite… or even because of their near 40-years together, the two could not believe that they were getting married. “We never thought the day would come.” After the ceremony, the two stepped into the lobby to the cheers and applause of the entire hotel staff.

And, when it came time for their reception, Richard and Douglas did it up in style. “Our reception was literally Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Their friends at the store along with the entire staff hosted a champagne breakfast for the couple which, unbeknownst to them, included actress Geena Davis who, upon seeing the celebration turned to the couple and congratulated them.

Asked about advice in planning their wedding, the two offered advice more applicable to a long life together: “make sure to stay on the same page and don’t let outside interference into your relationship.” Further, the two encouraged all to “make your imprint on life and live your dreams.”

We should all dream of 45-years together with our ‘one.’