Big Gay Wedding held on Capitol steps celebrates marriage equality

Austin American Statesman:

For native Texans Kaye Draper and Abigail McNeely, being married on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol on the Fourth of July was something they never thought would occur.

"It's something we didn't know was ever gonna happen in our lifetime," Draper said.

Draper said she and her wife had a commitment ceremony 26 years ago and have been together for 29 years.

"So I say, we married before God 26 years ago and we married, finally, with the validation of the United States and State of Texas today," McNeely said with tears in her eyes.

The couple was wed at the Big Gay Wedding celebration held at the Capitol on Saturday afternoon.

"We now pronounce you married. Please kiss," said Lenore Shefman, event organizer and an Austin attorney, to the applauding crowd.

About 50 couples took part in the wedding ceremony as friends, families and supporters watched. Bubbles and confetti filled the air as the crowd of about 300 cheered and clapped, taking pictures of the happy couples kissing.

People passed out flowers to the couples as they waited after the ceremony to have their marriage licenses signed by Shefman and Jodi Flint who both officiated.

"It doesn't matter, they can go. We waited a long time," said Rob Bennet, letting another couple go before him and his husband to have their marriage license signed.

This was a sentiment shared by many during the day's festivities. People were patient, smiling and overjoyed to finally be joined in matrimony after years of waiting.

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☛ The event meant "legal recognition that we matter like anybody else," Bennet said. He never thought this day would come to Texas.

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