Fran Drescher to Officiate Same Sex Marriage Ceremony on March 6

NEW YORK, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 two children. 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 the house 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

Please log onto www.tvlandpress.com for up-to-the-minute information, press releases and photos.

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, motion picture, 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 by John 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 uses creme 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 Yena Jung 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 cafe treats. www.SugarFactory.com  @SugarFactory

SOURCE TV Land

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