Guests gathered with the expectation of a surprise birthday party for Michael Pearce but were in for an unexpected twist upon arrival.
Contrary to their beliefs, the celebration’s honoree was already present, impressively dressed in a white lace tuxedo featuring shorts, an oversized black bow, and a cape.
This glamorous outfit was just one of many delightful looks showcased throughout the elegant evening as Pearce and his husband Matt Burrus commemorated their marriage of 17 years.
The couple had been pioneers in same-sex marriage, officially tying the knot in July 2008 at the Beverly Hills Courthouse without any accompanying celebration.
Fast forward to this July, and a vibrant group of friends was invited to what they thought was a surprise for Pearce, held at the upscale Tanglewood residence of Staci and Dr. Quang Henderson.
However, the true surprise was on the guests, who were met with a joyous twist of events.
Amid heartfelt thank yous from Pearce, he shared his long-held desire to host a party where the walls would glow “blush and bashful,” reminiscent of the beloved film Steel Magnolias.
Just then, the walls transitioned to a romantic hue, eliciting gasps from the attendees, unsure if they were reacting to the color change or the gleaming officiant’s appearance.
The couple had enlisted a longtime friend, Reverend Kristi Hoss Schiller, founder of K9s4Cops and now K9s.org, to officiate the ceremony in her uniquely humorous style.
She light-heartedly welcomed attendees with, “Congratulations, you are now guests at the gayest ambush since Cher’s third farewell tour.”
Schiller further amused the crowd by showcasing her own ensemble, acknowledging her Ralph Rucci haute couture opera coat and Hervé Léger shapewear, humorously noting its tight fit.
Both grooms made stylish statements in custom Thom Browne suits; Burrus opted for a formal pantsuit while Pearce embraced the casual elegance of shorts.
Guests honored the couple’s request for black and white attire, blending seamlessly into the theme of the evening.
“This is Houston. This is couture. This is holy fabulousness,” declared Schiller, adding to the exuberant atmosphere.
The ceremony became a family affair as Pearce and Burrus were joined by their “best people” — Gail Brown for Burrus and Staci Henderson and Neera Patidar for Pearce.
As the playful yet emotional vows reached their conclusion, confetti erupted into the air, spilling joy across the gathering, punctuated by the arrival of their armadillo cake, a nod to Steel Magnolias.
The couple was flanked by their children: Estelle Burrus-Pearce, Winston Burrus-Pearce, and Corey Pearce, who traveled from St. Louis to join in the festivities.
The evening was a heartfelt reminder for Burrus, Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Association of Realtors, and Pearce, an attorney and Chief Privacy Officer in San Diego.
For Pearce, the evening encapsulated his early promise to love Burrus even more than his extensive collection of Louis Vuitton luggage.
Catherine Anspon, PaperCity’s executive editor of visual arts and features, described the event as a joyful, imaginative, and uplifting celebration, echoing the sentiments shared by the gathered friends and family.
In an evening marked by love, laughter, and unexpected delights, Pearce and Burrus created a night to remember, successfully merging a birthday celebration with a heartfelt vow renewal.
image source from：papercitymag
