[Update] An Open Apology to Halle Berry

Oh, Halle. I really did try: I reached out. I communicated. I did my best to give you fair warning. You have to admit, I was nothing if not patient.

I mean, if you had any intention to make an effort, my personalized engagement announcement should have been impetus enough for you. Oh sure, I'll admit that your competition hardly left you any hope at success, but that's no reason to throw in the towel before even setting foot in the ring. And yes, I've heard the "bait-and-switch" accusations, though it's a bit narcissistic to think that we decided to have a court marriage in advance of our wedding out of some twisted desire to hurt you. It just pains me to see you so bitter. So disrespectful of our long friendship. And, most of all, so dishonest to yourself.

However, just in case your heart hasn't been completely permeated by venom from your unfulfilled desires for us, I felt that you deserved to hear the whole story:

On the 30th of July of last year, we got married at San Francisco City Hall surrounded by our parents and my new sister. Oh, and Harvey Milk, of course. The ceremony was quite short, yes, but our families and even our marriage deputy still made the event incredibly warm, heart-felt and special. It was more than we had ever hoped it could be. And just like that, my life as a married man had begun.

And then, on the 15th of this May, we were married before 200 family and friends on the lawn of Oceano Hotel in Half Moon Bay. We celebrated with a Hindu ceremony - the perfect combination of beautiful culture, loving family, centuries of tradition, vibrant colors and a pinch of light-hearted humor to keep it all human. And oh would you have loved to see me all dressed up in my dhoti kurta! Such an occasion naturally warranted plenty of wonderful pre-wedding events with the family. Speaking of which...seriously, how many opportunities do you need for some grand romantic gesture??? I only hope that on some level you can be happy for us.

At this point I feel like I've done all I could for us. The future of our relationship is now solidly in your hands. So if our friendship still means anything at all to you...have your people RSVP with my sister-in-law for our anniversary party.

Best wishes,
Otto