or


[03/01/12 - 01:39 PM]
Fran Drescher to Officiate Same Sex Marriage Ceremony on March 6
The lucky pair, Tom and Russell, who have been together for 20 years, are winners of Fran's "'Love is Love' Gay Marriage Contest."

[via press release from TV Land]

FRAN DRESCHER TO OFFICIATE SAME SEX MARRIAGE CEREMONY ON MARCH 6

Star Of TV Land's "Happily Divorced" Will Perform The Union At XL Nightclub In New York City

New York, NY - March 1, 2012 - Fran Drescher will make one deserving couple's wedding an occasion to remember when she officiates their marriage in a special event at XL Nightclub in New York on March 6. The lucky pair, Tom and Russell, who have been together for 20 years, are winners of Fran's "'Love is Love' Gay Marriage Contest." Fran will marry the two to show her support for equal rights in the LGBT community, as well as to celebrate the second season launch of her sitcom, "Happily Divorced," which premieres on TV Land on Wednesday, March 7 at 10:30pm ET/PT.

New York City-based Tom and Russell have a love story that touched Fran. Neither of them heavy internet users - but lifelong Fran fans - it was Russell's sister who first notified them of the contest and encouraged them to enter. In their submission, they recounted the story of their 20-year relationship, making it obvious to all who read it that Tom and Russell are a very special couple.

Tom and Russell's story began when they met at a restaurant that Tom managed, and they bonded over a classic pop culture staple - a mix-tape. A tape led to a date, and that date led to a lasting relationship that now spans 20 years and twochildren. Later in their relationship, a crucial period of their lives ended up involving Fran Drescher. Russell, like Fran, is a cancer survivor; but during his days of treatment and recovery, he waited every afternoon for "The Nanny" to come on, brighten his day and give him a good laugh. Now, healthy and happy, Tom and Russell live in Manhattan with their two children and two loveable dogs.

Tom and Russell, who are Jewish in faith, will marry under a chuppah, perform the breaking of the glass in the ceremony and dance the Hora. And of course, their children will take part in the special event - as flower girl and ring bearer.

The exclusive event is also set to start trends in the social media world with the official launch of the #LoveIsLove hashtag. Fans of Drescher and "Happily Divorced" will be able to experience the excitement by checking into the event on FourSquare, interacting with Fran (@FranDrescher) and TV Land (@TVLand) on Twitter and viewing photos and status updates on the "Happily Divorced" Facebook page.

Rounding out this event to remember, Sylvia Weinstock - renowned wedding cake genius - will be designing the couple's wedding cake. Blush Designs will be providing the grooms' boutonnieres and floral arrangements, KITCHIN will serve delectable appetizers for the guests, and Georgetown Cupcake will make over 300 cupcakes for the occasion. M2M (Music 2 the Max) will be DJing the event, and The Sugar Factory will provide yummy treats for guests.

"Happily Divorced" is inspired by the real-life story of sitcom favorite Fran Drescher ("The Nanny"), and revolves around Fran, a Los Angeles florist who finds out after 18 years of marriage that her husband is gay. Unable to sell thehouse with the economy tanking, she and her gay ex-husband Peter (John Michael Higgins, "Best in Show") must continue to live together happily divorced as they both re-enter the dating world. "Happily Divorced" also features acclaimed actors Tichina Arnold ("Everybody Hates Chris") as her best friend Judi; Rita Moreno ("OZ") and Robert Walden ("All The President's Men") as Fran's parents Dori and Glen and Valente Rodriguez ("George Lopez") as Cesar, her flower shop employee. According to Nielsen, the first season of "Happily Divorced" attracted an average audience of 2.2M total viewers, up +125% versus primetime levels (Source: Nielsen, 6/15/11-8/17/11, Wed 10:30p-11p, L+7 data).

Fran Drescher, Peter Marc Jacobson ("The Nanny"), Frank Lombardi and Franco E. Bario are executive producers, and Larry W. Jones and Keith Cox serve as executive producers for TV Land.

Remember to join in on March 6th and tweet #LoveisLove here: http://www.twitter.com/tvland

TV Land and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

About TV Land

TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s and 50s. Consisting of original programming, classic and contemporary television series acquisitions, hit movies and a full-service Web site, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. homes.

About Viacom

Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) is home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motionpicture, online and mobile platforms in more than 160 countries and territories. With approximately 170 media networks reaching more than 600 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, Spike TV and Tr3s. Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.

Event Vendors

About XL Nightclub

XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge is an exciting new nightlife destination byJohn Blair Promotions and FornabaioVoss Events. The venue features a state-of-the-art dance club with 14,000 square feet of high-tech party space, a professional 2400-seat cabaret and a comfortable lounge catering to neighborhood residents, hotel guests and the community. XL Nightclub is open seven nights a week and ideally situated as the city's premier entertainment destination for gay New Yorkers and tourists alike. www.xlnightclub.com

About THE OUT NYC

THE OUT NYC is New York City's first "straight-friendly" urban resort, located on iconic 42nd street in the epicenter of gay life - Hell's Kitchen. Steps away from Times Square and Chelsea, the complex comprises a 105-room boutique hotel, the 14,000 square foot XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge by John Blair, Betto Sutter, and FV Events, KITCHIN, a restaurant opening in May, three lush courtyards, a business/conference center, function space and a wellness center.www.theoutnyc.com

About Sylvia Weinstock

Sylvia Weinstock has created celebratory cakes for 30 years. She was motivated to produce not only beautiful cakes but also the most delicious cake. She usescreme de la creme, finest butter, heavy cream, fresh fruit and imported chocolate to create the most memorable delectable creations. www.sylviaweinstock.com

About KITCHIN

Operated by the team behind Hell's Kitchen favorite, Eatery Restaurant, KITCHIN offers a menu of New American classics, serving the style of upscale comfort food for which Eatery Restaurant is known. Open for brunch, lunch, dinner and late night dining, guests can get social with large communal tables, pack for a picnic in the hotel courtyard, or enjoy room-service direct from KITCHIN. www.theoutnyc.com/kitchen-510

About Blush Designs

Blush Designs is a full service floral design and styling company run by duo YenaJung and Jeeyun Lee. Blush specializes in modern, monochromatic arrangements, using various shades of a particular color to create texture and depth. Yena and Jee, West Coast natives, combine their eclectic background of design influences with New York City's signature cosmopolitan flair, to inspire, design, style, and manage an array of social, corporate, and non-profit events. www.blushdesignsny.com

About M2M

M2M's staff of entertainers have extensive Social, Corporate & Private party experience. As Winners of the BizBash 2011 DJ of the Year Award, M2M provides DJs, MCs, & Event Productions. A diverse team and top choice for any event, large or small. For more information contact 877.4.M2M.DJS. www.music2themax.com

About Georgetown Cupcake

Georgetown Cupcake was founded by sisters Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne. Katherine and Sophie pride themselves on their freshly baked, preservative-free cupcakes made daily with the freshest ingredients and topped with handmade fondant decoration. Georgetown Cupcake just opened their third location in NYC's SoHo neighborhood and now employs over 200 people and bakes 10,000 cupcakes a day. www.georgetowncupcake.com

About The Sugar Factory

The Sugar Factory Las Vegas flagship retail location is a sweet-lovers' dream filled with 6,000 square-feet of delectable treats, scrumptious chocolates, and an incredible array of candy-inspired apparel and novelty items. The retail store offers signature sundaes, milkshakes, cupcakes, gelatos, ice creams, and café treats. www.SugarFactory.com @SugarFactory





  [march 2012]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
    


· HAPPILY DIVORCED (TV LAND)





[05/20/26 - 12:02 PM]
"A Woman of Substance": Brenda Blethyn Limited Series Marks BritBox's Next Prestige Period Drama
Other June premieres include new seasons of "Beyond Paradise" and "Trigger Point."

[05/20/26 - 11:01 AM]
Video: HBO Releases Official Trailer for Original Film "Miss You, Love You," Debuting May 29
A blunt, grieving widow, Diane Patterson (Allison Janney) is forced to plan her husband's funeral with a total stranger: her estranged son's assistant, Jamie Simms (Andrew Rannells).

[05/20/26 - 11:01 AM]
Great American Media Announces New Original, Unscripted Series, "Mark vs. The Mountain," Premiering June 11 on Great American Pure Flix
Meteorologist and former New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Mark Ronchetti, alongside his wife, interior designer, Krysty Ronchetti, star in the new unscripted series.

[05/20/26 - 11:00 AM]
FOX Entertainment Studios Strikes Multi-Year, First-Look Deal with Emmy Award-Winning Comedian, Actor and Producer JB Smoove
Under the partnership, Smoove will serve as executive producer and creative collaborator on an unscripted slate spanning a range of formats and genres.

[05/20/26 - 10:50 AM]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Emmy-Nominated Docuseries, "Raise The Flags", Makes Its Linear Premiere on NFL Network May 25-29
The series delivers a sweeping portrait of the Buccaneers organization - chronicling its rise from humble beginnings to championship glory in the most comprehensive account of franchise history ever produced.

[05/20/26 - 10:01 AM]
Video: "Michael Jackson: The Verdict" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Told by key players who were inside the courtroom, this three-part comprehensive docuseries dissects the trial of Michael Jackson and his complex legacy.

[05/20/26 - 10:01 AM]
Video: MGM+ Debuts Teaser for "The Westies"
The gritty and kinetic crime drama centers on New York City's infamously violent Irish gang of the same name.

[05/20/26 - 10:00 AM]
Lifetime Greenlights Two New Thrillers for This June
Amber Stevens West and Michael Xavier star in "The Jealous Bride" while Remy Ma leads "Don't Trust the Girls Upstairs."

[05/20/26 - 09:31 AM]
Video: Peacock Releases Official Trailer, Key Art and New Imagery for "Strung"
From director Malcolm D. Lee, a talented violinist takes a prestigious job as a music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential and enigmatic family.

[05/20/26 - 09:31 AM]
Hit Drama Series "The Testaments" from Creator Bruce Miller and Starring Chase Infiniti, Renewed for a Second Season
Season one is now streaming with the season finale on Wednesday, May 27.

[05/20/26 - 09:01 AM]
A24's "Pillion" Begins Streaming Exclusively on HBO Max June 5
A timid man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.

[05/20/26 - 09:01 AM]
AMC Global Media's June Highlights Include "The Vampire Lestat," "You're Killing Me," "Devil in Silver," "Doctor Who" and More
Newly announced premieres include ALLBLK's "Funny Thing About Love" and BBC America's "Wild Spring."

[05/20/26 - 09:00 AM]
The History Channel's Hit Survival Series "Alone" Is Going Global! New Season Premieres June 17
On the heels of the World Cup and for the first time in franchise history, 10 skilled survivalists from around the globe will compete in "Alone: World Championship".

[05/20/26 - 09:00 AM]
Laura Benanti and Tituss Burgess to Host "The Tony Awards: Act One"
The two stage-and-screen icons will kick off Broadway's biggest night with the presentation of the first round of Tony Awards during the exciting pre-show telecast.

[05/20/26 - 07:36 AM]
After Record-Setting 2025 Season, "Sunday Night Football" Finishes Fall-Spring TV Season as Primetime's No. 1 Show for Unprecedented 15th Consecutive Year
The series averaged 23.5 million viewers in 2025, marking the show's best-ever viewership - up nearly 1 million viewers from the prior record for the series set a decade ago (22.6 million in 2015 season) and an increase of 9% over the '24 season (21.6 million).