The Wedding Planner

See the full map of events here

The days of gay guys feeling like the proverbial bridesmaids who will never be brides themselves are over. Same-sex marriage has been legal in New York for two years now, and with the Supreme Court’s historic rulings striking down both DOMA and Prop 8 earlier this summer there’s plenty of reason to celebrate. That’s why the folks behind Fire Island’s annual Pines Party are putting a ring on it! This year’s all-night beach party benefitting the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association’s Charitable Foundation is devoted entirely to a matrimonial theme. From the wedding shower to the bachelor party to the honeymoon, each of the events surrounding this year’s Pines Party gets you one step closer to tying the knot—maybe even literally if you manage to meet the right guy on the dance floor!

With parties happening all over the Pines, we thought we’d provide a handy guide to your march down the aisle. Grab a slice and think of this as your rehearsal dinner.

The Major Sponsor Wedding Shower

225 Bay Wk, (btwn Holly/Teal Wks)
This is your chance to hobnob with all the other deep-pocketed Pines Party sponsors. DJ Jeff Hall provides the soundtrack at this exclusive kickoff party hosted by Ed Schulhafer and Crayton Robey. July 26 from 7pm–9pm; invitation only.

Are you the marrying kind?
DJ Jeff Hall: “I am absolutely the marrying kind! But this year’s Pines Party theme is really bigger than just saying ‘I do’ to marriage. It’s about saying ‘I do’ support equality in employment, ‘I do’ support equality in access to housing and ‘I do’ support equality and social justice in every area for the LGBT community.”

The Pool Bachelor Party

135 Beach Hill Wk (@ Fire Island Blvd)
Party like it’s your last day of freedom at this stag night-themed pre-party. Queen with a thousand voices Porsche performs live and emcees the festivities. Meanwhile, DJ Justin Dawson spins for the sexy crowd of confirmed bachelors. July 27 from 1pm­–6pm; $50 in advance/$65 general admission.

The Main Event: Celebrate…I Do!

On the beach, Fire Island Pines
DJ Brett Henrichsen has been coming to Pines Party since it was called the Morning Party. “Each time I’ve left dreaming ‘Someday I will play this party,’” he says. “I’m excited that this year makes a lifetime dream come true.” Joining Henrichsen in the main DJ booth is producer Isaac Escalante. Meanwhile, the Pines’ own DJ Lina turns it up in her Love Chapel with performances by Shequida and Logan Hardcore. And of course, the boys will be on that dance floor until the sun comes up. July 27 from 10pm–dawn; $180.

Are you the marrying kind?
Billy Porter: “I didn’t think I was the marrying kind until the decision was in our favor. Since marriage is now an option, my heart and spirit have been opened up to the idea of it.”

Brett Henrichsen: “Being raised Mormon and with parents that have been together for 50 years, yes, I’ve always dreamed of marrying. But with my career and the other challenges out there, I haven’t found Mr. Right yet. I’m still looking, so if you’re at Pines Party, come say hi!”

DJ Lina: “I am a free spirt, and if it’s in the Jewniverse for Lina, hey, slap it to me! I wouldn’t want a ring, but a huge shoe and clothing room!”

Logan Hardcore: “Absolutely I am. I have been in a relationship for over a year and could see myself being with my boyfriend for the rest of my life!”

Isaac Escalante: “Absolutely, I’m the marrying kind, but I think it is hard to date a DJ. Our schedules are unpredictable and our traveling is demanding.”

The Honeymoon After Party

58 Bay Wk (btwn Lone Hill/Pine Wks)
What kind of special surprises are in store for all you honeymooners at Pines Party’s closing event? “You will have to be there to find out!” teases DJ John Ceglia. One thing’s for sure: he’ll be spinning along with Michael Fierman through the afternoon while you enjoy the open bar. July 28 from noon–6pm; $40 in advance/$55 general admission.

Are you the marrying kind?
Michael Fierman: “When I was a young child I listened to the Broadway Cast Recording of My Fair Lady obsessively. One day when Henry Higgins sang the line ‘I’m a confirmed old bachelor and likely to remain so,’ it hit me with certainty that this would be me.”

John Ceglia: “It’s safe to say that I am definitely the marrying type.”

Michael Fierman: “When I was a young child I listened to the Broadway Cast Recording of My Fair Lady obsessively. One day when Henry Higgins sang the line ‘I’m a confirmed old bachelor and likely to remain so,’ it hit me with certainty that this would be me.”

Pines Party Weekend, various locations throughout The Fire Island Pines, July 26–28; individual general admission varies/$250 all inclusive tickets/$750–$2,000 VIP sponsorship tickets. Visit pinesparty.com for more info.