Paul Trubey and Mark Pearsall

Paul Trubey (left), 42, and Mark Pearsall (right), 38, from Lebanon, Connecticut met at University of Massachusetts Lowell and have been together for 16 years.  They were both born and raised in Massachusetts, and both of their families still live here.  Mark and Paul want to get married in the state where their families live, and feel that it is important to embrace an institution that recognizes and protects them legally and validates their relationship together. Mark and Paul experienced a defining moment on the importance of having a marriage license when Paul was hit by a drunk driver and was taken to the hospital.  Mark rushed to the hospital, but personnel would not allow him to see Paul for over an hour and refused to provide any information as to his status.  Later, the couple attained powers of attorney and health care proxies but still believe legal security is more likely with a marriage license. Both come from large, extended families that are supportive of their relationship.   Mark and Paul both have graduate degrees from Boston University and have been in the same professions for nearly 10 years.  Paul is a social worker in Hospice, and Mark is a high school teacher.  In addition, they operate a small dairy farm at their home.  Mark and Paul were married in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Photo Credit: Mainframe Photographics