In São Paulo, Brazil, a wedding took place that defied conventional expectations, celebrating love in a form that transcends traditional boundaries. The ceremony featured three partners—Douglas Casali, Átila Rodrigues, and Douglas Haynes—who have been in a committed polyamorous relationship. Despite the lack of legal recognition for polyamorous marriages in Brazil, they chose to celebrate their bond with a rooftop wedding, surrounded by love and resilience.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, wedding planning can feel challenging due to the traditional nature of the wedding industry. These challenges intensify when the ceremony involves more than two people. However, for Douglas, Átila, and Douglas, their wedding day became a symbol of their love, not defined by societal norms but by their strong connection.
Polyamory, the practice of engaging in consensual and ethical multiple romantic relationships, is often misunderstood. Unlike polygamy, which has cultural or religious roots, polyamory values equality and mutual respect among all partners. This means loving more than one person without secrecy or betrayal, focusing on transparency and trust.
The road to their wedding wasn’t easy. They had to navigate a wedding industry designed primarily for monogamous couples. This meant rewriting ceremony scripts, adapting roles like “best man” and “maid of honor,” and addressing the lack of legal recognition for their union. Despite these obstacles, their commitment to each other led them to a wedding that was personal, inclusive, and a true reflection of their love.
The ceremony took place at Espaço Aroo, a rooftop venue with a beautiful view of São Paulo’s skyline. The décor blended modern and traditional elements, with a subtle reference to the number three, symbolizing their throuple. The green color of their suits represented growth and harmony.
Officiated by Lidia Vas, the ceremony included meaningful traditions such as the handfasting ritual, where cords were wrapped around their hands to represent their unity. They exchanged rings and vows, promising equal partnership and lifelong commitment. It was a wedding that celebrated love, inclusivity, and commitment in a unique and meaningful way.