American Idol Jim Verraros Marries Bill Brennan
Idol Season 1 Contestant Weds Partner in Civil Union
Sep 10, 2009
Many may remember Jim Verraros who placed ninth in the first season of American Idol. Following on his Idol success, Jim went on to participate in the American Idol tour and greatest hits recording. Jim released an indie CD before releasing a mainstream album in 2005. He even entered the indie film industry by starring in the movie Eating Out and its sequel.
Jim officially announced to Advocate in early 2003 that he is gay. On the Jim Verraros website, Verraros comments, "I needed to be true to myself and embrace the reality that people are just people, and no one should ever be judged based on their sexuality." Two years after this announcement, he would meet entrepreneur Bill Brennan, his soul mate and best friend.
Jim Verraros Meets Bill Brennan in a MySpace Exchange
The couple met by chance in 2005 through increasingly popular MySpace. On the Jim Verraros and Bill Brennan wedding website, Bill explains how he sent a message to Jim never really expecting a response. While Bill had 25 MySpace friends, Jim boasted 10,000. But, something about Jim drew Bill to reach out and within a few hours Jim replied.
Bill and Jim soon learned they had a lot in common and that they only lived 20 minutes from one another. A first date led to another, and the two realized each had found a strong connection to the other. After a few years of courtship, Bill proposed to Jim a year and a half ago.
Jim Verraros and Bill Brennan Wed on September 6, 2009
The couple wed in Illinois last weekend, sharing the day with 174 guests in a classic old Hollywood themed wedding. While gay marriage isn't yet recognized in Illinois, Verraros stated to People magazine, "We wanted the day to be a reflection of our love and commitment to each other as well as a statement to other gay couples in Illinois."
The ceremony featured both traditional and new aspects, each groom using his father as best man. With an evening wedding held at Oak Brook Hills Resort, the ceremony was followed by a formal dinner decorated with elaborate centerpieces of roses and orchids. Dessert featured a white wedding cake coupled with homemade Greek desserts, a tribute to Jim's Greek heritage.
Jim and Bill are anxious to visit Tahiti and relax on the island of Moorea and Bora-Bora. Their wedding registry asked for gifts to be made in their name at a travel agency. Now that is an excellent wedding registry idea!
Jim Verraros and Bill Brennan put on an elaborate and beautiful wedding, one that must have taken them many months of planning. The newlyweds likely need some time away to rest and recoup, as Jim also recently released two new singles on YouTube and is working on a new album.
Source:
People, "Jim Verraros's Dream Wedding," Ulrica Wihlborg (September 7, 2009)
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