Gay Rustic Barn Wedding at Maple Shade Farm Dedicated to LGBTQIA+ Advocates

Sep 1

Chaz + Grant

Normally, when one thinks of New Yorkers, the image of a person living in the concrete jungle, running their finance firm in Wall Street, donning a sleek look and fresh Italian brewed coffee in hand comes up. One thinks, they must hate nature and everything about it. Well, apparently not Chaz and Grant! They made all of their NYC inhabitants (including me) drive five hours away from the comforts of home to right smack in the middle of nowhere—the charming rural town of Delhi, NY, where cell service becomes an unexpected luxury.

Their wedding weekend began in a stunning Airbnb with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows stretching across two stories. Light poured in as Chaz and Grant prepared for their day, the expansive glass framing the rolling Catskills landscape beyond. This architectural gem served as both preparation space and backdrop for their initial portraits—a modern structure nestled within Delhi's untamed natural beauty.

The journey to Maple Shade Farm revealed why this remote Upstate destination was worth every mile driven. Mountain views stretched across the horizon, creating a majestic backdrop for their outdoor ceremony. When rain clouds gathered (traditional Jewish good luck for weddings), guests unfurled rainbow umbrellas—an unplanned but perfectly symbolic gesture as the precipitation began during their vows.

Inside the reception barn, each table told a story larger than the celebration itself. Chaz and Grant had dedicated every table to pioneers of LGBTQ+ rights and allies—Marsha P. Johnson, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Audre Lorde, and others whose courage paved the way for their marriage. These thoughtful tributes transformed a beautiful reception into something profoundly meaningful, a celebration acknowledging both personal joy and collective history.

And then there was dancing—so much dancing. Between heartfelt vows, stunning mountain views, and meaningful tributes, the dance floor remained consistently packed. Delhi's lack of cell service became a blessing, keeping everyone present and engaged rather than distracted by the digital world left behind in the city.

I have to admit, even though my shoes and car ended up caked in mud, it was all so worth it. Chaz and Grant wanted everyone to remember one awesome, unique experience, and they succeeded beyond measure. This wedding was full of nothing but love. From the getting ready moments to the tearful vows to the enthusiastic celebration, every element reflected their relationship and values.

As their hashtag #grantlovescox proclaimed, this was indeed a celebration of love winning—not just for Chaz and Grant, but for the generations of activists they honored whose work made their marriage legally possible. Congratulations on making all the adults in the room cry, gentlemen. And congratulations on your new life together in a world where #lovewins.