Former Miss America Marries Same-Sex Partner in Alabama Ceremony

A former Miss America was married over the weekend to her same-sex partner in a Southern-style ceremony in Alabama.

Deidre Downs Gunn was crowned Miss America 2005 and has since gone on to accomplish even more. Now a medical doctor, Downs Gunn works in obstetrics-gynecology and specializes in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Downs Gunn was representing her home state of Alabama when she clinched the national title.

On Saturday, she reached perhaps the most important milestone yet when she married her partner, Abbott Jones, in a Southern romance themed ceremony.

"I feel overjoyed to have found someone to share life’s adventures," Downs Gunn told People magazine, where her wedding photos appeared in an exclusive last week. "The wedding was beautiful and special, but it was really just the beginning of our life together. I’m so lucky to have a wife who fills even small, everyday moments with great joy."

The 37-year-old met her new wife early in 2017 and both of them say they knew they'd found the one and have now celebrated their love in front of family and friends.

Downs Gunn's 8-year-old son, Jack, reportedly got to be best man and also give his mother away. Jack is Downs Gunn's son with ex-husband Andrew Gunn. 

Following the nuptials, about 200 guests were treated to decadent Southern specialties, including fried green tomatoes, mini chicken and waffles and buttermilk biscuits.

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