Well, we did it! It was awesome, and I've been jubilant since last night.
Highlights and pictures below the fold. . .
So, as it turns out, not every country clerk's office stayed open late, only a few. Therefore, not everyone got to get married last night. We live in Sonoma County (not Humboldt anymore), and they're staying open late every night this week and are staffed with a lot of volunteers to handle the paperwork and the ceremonies. So, it was even more rare and special than we thought being one of only a handful of people to get married last night. But I'm rambling. I'll move on to the good part.
When we arrived at the CC's office, the place was just packed with people, mostly couples there to apply for a marriage licence, but also well wishers from UU. They stood outside and handed the couples wedding favors and roses. It was really festive and the vibe was just amazing. Even the clerks in the office were beaming! Of course, the press was there too: AP, Press Democrat, and the local Channel 7 guys too.
Despite the crowd and the unprecedented nature of things, the process was very orderly and efficient. Once we paid the fee, took the oath, and processed the paperwork, an officiate lead us outside under an arch.
The weather was beautiful, as was my wife. Everything seemed to happen so fast that it was almost a little startling to actually stand across from her and repeat the vows to each other. Somewhere nearby, a gentleman was releasing doves, and they made quite a sight taking flight into the air above our heads. The press was snapping pictures, and I was aware of the well wishers and onlookers, but honestly, all I could think was "holy crap! we're actually doing this."
I got very emotional and overcome by the weight of the historical nature of the moment. I kept myself in check, however, and got through it without falling apart. I felt a lot of emotions, but the one that stands out the most is proud. I felt proud of myself, proud of my wife, of all the people who fought to earn us this right, and I felt proud of all the people there who came out to support us. It was an amazing moment, one I'll never forget.
I hear that some counties are refusing to do any ceremonies in places like Yuba City and Bakersfield, where my wife and I were born and raised, respectively. It pisses me off. I hear, too, that in some places protestors will be heckling the newlyweds, disrupting their special day, and while I'm incredibly relieved my wife and I didn't have to endure that, it saddens me that others will have their day sullied by the haters.
To those of you who encounter this behavior, I say this: remember the little children who had to walk up to the schoolhouse doors in the 1950's and how brave they were. Remember how they didn't flinch from the hateful grownups shouting epithets at them, how they went through those doors determined and in so doing, knocked down some pretty thick walls. Stay strong! And to anyone out in California who isn't getting married, go to the courthouses and clerk's offices and stand with us. Your strength makes us all better.
Okay, I'm having tech problems, and can't seem to post my pictures. Here's at least a link to the pictures that made the Press Democrat.
I promise to return with more pics once my tech issues are resolved!
UPDATE: Okay, here's the wedding album. Hope you like it!
http://flickr.com/...