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I've known Michele, an artist, and Ivan, a graphic designer and web guru, for many years, but, as it sometimes tends to go with even the closest of friends over scores and scores of evenings of conversation, have never broached the topic of their relationship, how they met, and what marriage means to them. I consider myself deeply blessed to have been amongst the invitees of their wedding years ago. It was by far the most touching and emotionally resonant wedding I’ve ever been to. Individually they are such strong independent and talented individuals but neither take the dominant role in the relationship- which I find quite rare. Until now, I was more aware of their love of cats than what they thought of their own love of each other, since there is no avoiding the issue of cat love in their household - I think at one point they had about 9 of them. Now they are joyfully raising their child Ellis amongst the cats.

“We got married because we love each other; its an expression of our love, and its a big celebration of our love that everybody can understand.” ~Ivan

“I feel like that for as many ions marriage has existed, it still has a whole new meaning for me and for Ivan and our relationship...Its an institution or idea that exists and you can make that idea what you want."

Symbolic acts are really important to people. There are all kinds of ceremonies that have significance, like christening a baby...the first birthday party, funerals...there are all of these milestones that are very meaningful and I feel that it (marriage) should be for everybody.” ~Michele

See their interview, and at least one of the cats, under video's on this site.

This film is considered one of Ingmar Bergman's best, an intense drama follows the marriage of Marianne and Johan as it deteriorates - the frustration and misunderstandings palpable. When Marianne learns of Johan's infatuation with another woman, the relationship unravels, yet through it all, a deep, underlying love keeps the couple connected. And Marianne's discovery of her power as an independent woman woos him back to a deeper union. 1973

Here are some of the questions we are asking in the interviews:

How old are you and what do you do for a living? How did you meet? Did you have significant relationships before you met each other? Are or were your parents’ happily married? Tell us about the circumstances leading up to your marriage? Why did you decide to get married?
What are your thoughts on gay marriage? What aspects of marriage are most important for you? Do either or both of you subscribe to religious or cultural conventions? Was your marriage something you did for your family? Do you think taking occasional breaks from each other may prolong marriages?
Do you look at marriage as being a long term commitment, but not necessarily till death do you part? How many people do you know who you think are happily married?