Once upon a time, not so very long ago, in a metropolis not so very far away, there lived a man named Tom. Tom had searched far and wide for the love of his life. One day (because this is a modern love story) he found his True Love on the Internet. Because they lived so far apart, theirs was to be a long-distance courtship.
     After years and years of emails, letters and telephone calls, they deemed the time was right for their first date. There was only one place to have such an enchanted encounter and that, of course, was the Magic Kingdom of Disney World. Tom journeyed the great distance from Minnesota and his True Love traveled from Louisiana. Once they met, they knew they were meant to be together forever and ever.
     One year later, when Tom asked for his True Love's hand, they made plans. Tom would move to New Orleans. As it always happens in tales such as this, trouble brewed. A willful witch named Katrina spoiled things. Unwilling to let the witch's wake get in the way of their happiness, they changed course.
     Tom's True Love packed up the hard-earned Ph.D and headed north, to the state of 10,000 snowflakes. A warm coat and gloves and a new job teaching special children completed the transition. Tom, who also works with special children, made arrangements to attend graduate school so he, too, could be their teacher.
     Tom and his True Love bought a house and turned it into their castle. They made plans to become a couple. Sadly, there is an edict across the land that bans some people from being joined in marriage. Even though Tom and his True Love are committed to each other, want to raise children together and contribute to their community, they are not among the lucky people allowed to "tie the knot," as we say in modern love stories.
     Because their love is so strong, though, they made plans for a commitment ceremony at a beautiful hotel in New Orleans, the city where Tom's True Love grew up. They would both be outfitted in finery of fancy fabric. Each would choose six of their special women friends to attend them. Their mothers would wear elegant ensembles and walk them down the aisle. There would be a feast fit for kings. People would travel from all corners of the land for this special occasion.
     But first, many lavish parties were held in their honor. To make their castle into a true home in which to begin their new life together, they were showered with gifts. Towels and pots and pans. Even monogrammed bathrobes. Five parties, in all. They were fêted by co-workers, friends and family, everyone eager to bless the union of this devoted couple.
     When the long-anticipated day arrived, Tom and his True Love were united in a ceremony officiated by a woman named Sassy. Before God and loved ones, they exchanged rings and spoke of their love for each other. Someday, when the proclamation is sounded throughout the land and the ban lifted, they can renew their commitment before a representative of the kingdom, so they will have the rights and entitlements two people in love deserve.
     For theirs is a true love. And even though their troth is not recognized by the kingdom now, it is real and they will honor it because they are honorable men. And they will live happily ever after.