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!
Molly & Juli
St. Petersburg, Florida
Molly, 28, Marketing
Juli, 27, Marketing
Molly and Juli met in Boston at a mutual friend’s birthday party. “We were intrigued by one another and eventually pursued a relationship that permanently changed our lives,” says Molly. Both retired soccer players, the girls are passionate about sports, music and their two dogs, Jax & Henry. Laughing and having fun are a priority for Molly and Juli. “Our secret for a successful relationship is booze,” says Juli. “But seriously, it’s just wanting to do whatever makes you happy—sometimes that means putting your pride aside and trying to understand what the other person is truly feeling. And sometimes it means just looking into that person’s eyes and telling her how much you love her.”
