Kicking off the fifth annual United Latino Pride Week the organization known as United Latino Pride held a marriage celebration event June 1 at the Chicago Urban Arts Society.
Four couples were wed in a public ceremony at the venue on Cermak Road. Janet Cecil with Juanita Gonzalez, Neida I. Alvarado with Jacqueline Gonzalez, Anita Ortega with Christina L. Ayala, and Mae with Carol Yee were presented to a crowded room full of emotional vows spoken in both Spanish and English.
The newlyweds danced their first song together Etta James' "At Last" sung live by Kara Carrell.
A large buffet was catered by Culinary Cocina. After eating, Christina Ayala sang a traditional song dedicated to her new partner. The band Cuerdas Latino Americanas finished their set then the DJ continued the festivities with a vibora dance where guests held hands running underneath the bride's bridge of arms.
Sol's Sweet Cakes supplied a rainbow cake for everyone to enjoy while supportive family members and friends danced the afternoon away.
For more information on the group visit www.unitedlatinopride.org .
Text and photos by Jerry Nunn. Additional photos at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/photospreadthumbs.php .
