“We met in late 1993 thru a mutual friend at a dinner party. Our second “date” was a New Year’s holiday stay at a friend’s condo in Provincetown, MA with 6 other men. Paul was 43 at the time and Duane was 37. We moved in together 8 months later in an apartment in Providence, RI. A year later we purchased our first home together in Smithfield, RI. In 2001 we moved to Albuquerque, NM and explored the southwest – new culture, new cuisine, new friends, and new experiences. Paul changed from Human Resource Management to Floral Design and started his own business. Duane landed a perfect fit new job at the University of New Mexico. In 2006 we exchanged our Pueblo style home for a Victorian mansion in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Again, new friends, new travels, new experiences. In 2011 we decided to return to the southwest and this time landed in sunny and warm Tucson, AZ, where we are today. Duane was fortunate to be able to keep his job at UNM by telecommuting and Paul is now retired. In August 2013 we were fortunate to be able to elope to Palm Springs, CA and be married in an intimate but romantic civil ceremony witnessed by a good friend.

We feel that the secret to our success is respect, communication and mutual consideration. It helps that we were already mature when we met and ready for each other. We lead an entirely normal life, dining, traveling, hiking, and hosting Dungeon & Dragons each week at our home with 4 to 5 straight guys & girls. Our family is supportive and friends with each other. Now all we want is for Arizona to recognize our marriage. Life is good.”

photo by Paul in 1993

photo by Paul, in 2013