To celebrate New York state's recent historic marriage equality vote, the management and staff of Molly Blooms bar and restaurant in Sunnyside, Queens are planning to host a free wedding reception for one lucky same sex couple after gay nuptials become legal on July 24.

To sweeten the deal, a well-known Irish photographer has volunteered to capture the winning couple’s big day for free too, bringing a professional polish to already remarkable deal.

“It is important to be part of this groundbreaking civil rights victory,” Ciaran Staunton, owner of Molly Blooms, told the Irish Voice. “This is a wonderful moment for New York State and all of its residents.”

It is certainly a wonderful moment for the city’s hotel, bar, restaurant and tourism industries. A recent report predicts that marriage equality will bring New York an estimated $391 million in extra revenue in the first three years, an astronomical sum to a city in dire need of the extra revenue.

_________________

Read more:

Catholic Bill Donohue is furious at marriage equality law in New York

Gays not winning gay marriage debate says Catholic group

Daniel O’Donnell reveals what gay marriage means to him
_________________

The recently opened Molly Blooms restaurant and beer garden is home to Sunnyside’s progressive community of writers, artists, Irish traditional musicians, politicians and community activists. Named after a leading character in James Joyce's masterpiece Ulysses, the Victorian style bar and restaurant’s has already emerged as one of the most distinctive venues in the five boroughs.

Queens has a high percentage of same sex couples and it will certainly do no harm for the venue to become a destination for anyone seeking a welcoming environment to celebrate tying the knot.

To have your same sex wedding reception hosted by Molly Blooms simply stop by the bar in Sunnyside, complete a quick application form and the best of luck.
The winning couple will be picked from a hat on July 13, and the prize on offer is a substantial one.  Staunton said the reception in the bar and restaurant’s beer garden will include a three-hour open bar and buffet for up to 75 people. Now that’s the way to let freedom ring in style!

Molly Blooms is located at 43-13 Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside. Visit MollyBloomsNewYork.com for more details.