Artist Tourmaline and attorney Cameron Bills found an immediate, profound connection after matching on Tinder. Their first date in September 2022 took place on Manhattan's Christopher Street Pier, a place holding deep significance for the queer community. Tourmaline, then living nearby and researching her book on Marsha P. Johnson, felt the area was sacred. Bills, initially thought to be reading a law book, was actually engrossed in a sci-fi novel, a detail that immediately sparked Tourmaline's interest. Their conversation flowed, touching upon their shared spiritual experiences at the Metropolitan Community Church and mutual admiration for Reverend Pat Bumgardner, a pivotal figure in gay liberation and trans rights. Bills' emotional sharing about feeling God's love for the first time during a service deeply moved Tourmaline, making their date a truly electrifying and overwhelming experience in a wonderful way. As their relationship grew, their lives continued to intertwine in unexpected ways. Tourmaline discovered a poster in Bills' apartment of Marjory Stoneman Douglas's Miami home, a detail she shared with a filmmaker friend working on a documentary about Douglas and the Everglades. Just two months later, they were kayaking through the Everglades, guided by that same friend. A year later, they embraced a significant life change, moving to Florida for Bills' environmental law fellowship, finding their new home coincidentally close to Douglas's historic residence.
In October 2024, Bills proposed to Tourmaline during a romantic trip to West Palm Beach, a plan she meticulously orchestrated. Their shared hobby of metal detecting played a pivotal role; a silver ring with a heart-shaped stone, discovered on a previous outing, had planted the seed for Bills' proposal idea. To capture the moment without giving it away, Bills suggested starting a metal detecting TikTok account. On the day of the proposal, despite Tourmaline's confusion about wearing a dress and makeup for their expedition, she complied. While Tourmaline set up the camera, Bills discreetly hid the specially designed ring in the sand. As the metal detector beeped, Bills knelt, not to dig, but to ask Tourmaline to be her wife. Their wedding on June 20, 2026, held at Bills' parents' home in Virginia with the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, was a testament to their love and family ties. The date, chosen just before the summer solstice, symbolized their hopes for a long and happy life together. Both families contributed to the wedding preparations, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and history. Notably, the pecan trees planted by Bills' father when she was a child had grown to encircle the reception area, providing the pecans for their wedding cake, baked by Bills' sister Kendall.
Tourmaline's wedding attire was a collaboration with designer Claire Sullivan, her longtime muse and friend. The warm-toned gown featured a long train, complemented by a tulle veil and a flower crown made of baby’s breath and satin roses, crafted by Claire. The baby's breath served as a poignant tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, an icon whose legacy paved the way for such celebrations. Christina Kim provided an elegant yet natural makeup look. Tourmaline’s engagement ring, designed by Cameron with jeweler Diana Van Haeften, was an Art Deco masterpiece featuring a pear-shaped diamond and pink tourmaline, honoring her namesake. Bills wore a navy blue suit with a corseted top by Suited Atelier, adorned with baby’s breath to match Tourmaline. Dori Midnight, a spiritual leader and a long-time friend of Tourmaline, officiated the ceremony on a picturesque hilltop overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The scenic view was so inspiring that Tourmaline’s mother, Maureen Ridge, painted it, and her artwork graced their invitations and programs. Even their cat, Jean, joined the ceremony via FaceTime. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows and love letters, surrounded by family and friends, including Bills' nieces who served as flower girls, cherishing the garden-grown flowers too much to scatter them. The reception followed, featuring a vegetarian Southern dinner by A Pimento Catering, with a special praline pecan cake baked by Kendall. Instead of gifts, guests were encouraged to donate to the Trans Justice Funding Project, an organization dear to Tourmaline. Looking back, Cameron found the day surreal, witnessing friends and family from all walks of life come together. Tourmaline expressed deep gratitude for the love and community surrounding them, reflecting on the transformative power of connection and affection.
