(Credit: Becky Miller for Beekman 1802)
When June comes around, Upstate New Yorkers know they’re in for warmer weather. Along with the first signs of summer, June is also the start of peak wedding season and Pride Month. This year, all of those signs of summer fell in line when Beekman 1802 announced their Let Love Bloom Wedding Marathon.
Goodworks
Here at The Mailworks, we’re committed to bettering the communities where we live and work. That’s why, when we heard about the Let Love Bloom Event, we knew we wanted to help or contribute in some way. For a little background, last year we created Goodworks, our community engagement program that channels valuable resources and attention into various causes. We aim to identify causes that align with our corporate values, specifically seeking out initiatives that foster progress and equality. For the month of June, we wanted to celebrate Pride Month through our Goodworks initiative and give back to the community that we work and live in.
About the Event
As part of Beekman 1802’s commitment to kindness and creating a more inclusive world for everyone to express their love, they welcomed couples to the farm on June 26th. Couples took the quick trip north to the very spot Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell were married years ago atop ‘Matrimony Hill’, the highest point of the Beekman farm in Sharon Springs. There, 30 weddings and vow renewals were performed under a beautiful Tom Fruin Glass House Art Installation. Couples paid $100 to participate in the event, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Ali Forney Center to support homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
(Credit: Becky Miller for Beekman 1802)
Meet the Artisan: Tom Fruin
Upon his arrival in New York City in 1996, artist and sculptor Tom Fruin became fascinated by the idea of community engagement, particularly the ways in which art can reflect the authenticity and individuality of specific communities. Using highly colored recycled acrylic and steel, Fruin created magnificent, highly visible pieces that accurately showcase communities in a positive light and reveal that what may be seen as waste to some can be transformed into something beautiful.
The Mailworks and Beekman 1802 Team Up
To commemorate the event, we collaborated with Beekman 1802 to create an exclusive gift – a paper model replica of the Fruin sculpture that the lucky couples cut out and built. “Beekman 1802 is a brand built on kindness. Partnering with our neighbors at The Mailworks to create this unique gift will Let Love Bloom, as well as to help celebrate the anniversary of the day the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage 6 years prior in 2015,” said Dr. Brent Ridge. Our President & CEO, Brianne Baggetta shared, “It’s an honor to be part of such a special event and support Beekman 1802 in their effort to build compassion and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s our hope that the paper replica of the Fruin sculpture is a joyful reminder to each couple of this momentous day.”
Love to Last a Lifetime
The wedding day was a success as 30 couples, from as far as Texas, Ohio, and Florida, tied the knot or renewed their vows under the Tom Fruin Sculpture on Matrimony Hill. Upon arrival, they were lovingly greeted and chauffeured to the one-of-a-kind glass altar, in an officially ordained ceremony. To say that the day was filled with love is an understatement.
We want to thank Beekman 1802 for letting us be just a small part of such a wonderful day!
