Singer Melissa Etheridge, 47, and her partner, Tammy Lynn Michaels, 33, held a large commitment ceremony attended by 175 guests in September, 2003, but were not permitted to marry legally under California law at that time. Their first ceremony was a traditional wedding complete with a proposal from Melissa, a custom-designed three carat diamond ring for Tammy, and a ceremony and reception on a location overlooking the Pacific. They wore Badgley Mischa outfits, with Tammy in a gown and Melissa in a cream linen and silk pantsuit. The reception tent was decorated with 2,000 candles, periwinkle hydrangeas and lavender roses. Guests include Tom Hanks, Ellen DeGeneres, and Al Gore. They described it as their dream wedding, and it’s clear they put a lot of thought and planning into it to make it an event they’ll always remember.

Now that Melissa and Tammy are able to marry legally under California law, they say they’ll do it when they find time. After watching footage of their wedding, below, you can tell why they’re not in a hurry to make it technically “legal” – they already had a lavish wedding that meant a lot to each of them.

Melissa and Tammy are raising four children together, Bailey, 11, and Beckett, 9, from Melissa’s relationship with Julie Cypher, and boy and girl twins Miller Steven and Johnnie Rose, who turn two in a couple of weeks. They have their hands full.

Singer Melissa Etheridge is ready to wed longtime partner Tammy Lynn Michaels!

“Yes, we have four children and we’re trying to find the right time,” she told Extra.

Etheridge, 47, and Michaels, 33, first exchanged vows in Malibu in 2003.

Now that gay marriage is legalized in California, the couple will make it official.

“We are so grateful for the blessings from our friends and family as we commence our vows, and begin the rest of our lives together,” the pair, who exchanged platinum-and-diamond wedding bands, said in a statement at the time.

[From US Weekly]

Congratulations to Etheridge and Michaels on finally being able to make it official. It’s about time.

Here’s a video that features Etheridge and Michaels’ wedding. They talk about the first time they met, Melissa’s proposal, and their relationship. It’s really touching and you can tell how much they love each other.

Melissa Etheridge and Tammy Lynn Michaels are shown on 4/18/07 at the 24th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards. Credit: Juan Rico/Fame Pictures