The 2024 St. John’s Pride Festival kicked off in style yesterday with a flag-raising ceremony.
But it was the wedding immediately thereafter that stole the show.
Melanie Collins of St. John’s and Ally Rae James, originally from Kentucky, were wed among tears of joy from the dozens on hand atop the St. John’s City Hall parking garage.
Neither of the two could contain their emotions, but it was Collins who provided the punch line.
“I promise to accept, no matter how much it can scare me, that you love me,” she said with her own vows. “That you love me so deeply even though you see all of me—not just what I’ve put out into the world, but where it came from. And I promise with all of my heart that these vows are almost finished. Told you I’d make you laugh.”
The pride festival itself runs until July 21, culminating with the Pride Parade in downtown St. John’s.
More details on all festival events can be found online.