America’s Most Captivating Couples 2009, Part I
Beverly Hills, California
Portia, 36, Actress
Ellen, 51, Comedienne, Talk show host
Married in 2008, Ellen and Portia have inspired us with their public relationship and celesbian chic. Their tabloid-worthy marriage and vocal opposition to California’s Prop. 8 caught our attention last year, and we just couldn’t resist giving them a second run as one of our most captivating couples. “We’ve both changed and grown, and we just feel like, ‘Oh, okay, this is completion,'” said the daytime talk show host of their decision to marry. Despite the struggle with California’s same-sex marriage laws, and the liminal state of their legal union, the two are still beaming. And Portia’s three-carat pink diamond ring certainly gave Ellen points in the romance department. Vegan animal lovers, they live with three cats and two dogs. Says Ellen on the Prop. 8 legal
battles, “I’m begging you. I can’t return the wedding gifts—I love my new toaster.”
Between new friends and familiar favorites, choosing the most delightful duos of 2009 was no easy task. But our hard work paid off and here we present part 1 of this year’s most captivating couples! Look for more couples in the March issue!
Athena & Annica
New York, New York
Athena, 32, Singer/Songwriter, Actress, Music coach
Annica, 27, Math Teacher, Kipp Infinity Charter School
Match.com brought Annica and Athena together. A lucky Annica sent an online wink to Athena and received “You. Are. Adorable.” as a reply. The couple took a big step this past Christmas and introduced their entire extended families to each other. The newly introduced in-laws are thrilled their daughters have found love. “Everyone got along!” says Annica. “We went for Chinese Dim Sum, played board games and exchanged gifts.” Cooking vegetarian dinners, hanging out with friends, watching TV and vacationing together keep Athena and Annica busy. They even find time to work together—Annica sings backup for Athena’s band. The girls credit a willingness to communicate, the ability to listen and making time for dates and romance as the secret to their happy relationship. “Gratitude, romance and love are important factors to staying together,” says Athena. “And don’t be afraid to see a couple’s counselor when times are rough.”
