Wedding Equality

Sean Fritz and Timothy McQuillan, August 31, 2007

Des Moines, Iowa

They were the first same-sex couple to marry in the state during a brief window when it was legal for just a few hours. The district court judge who had ruled in favor of marriage equality issued a stay the next day, preventing any other same-sex couples from obtaining a wedding license until the state’s Supreme Court ruled in 2009. Also featured in the picture is the couple’s officiant, Rev. Mark Stringer, minister of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. The wedding took place on Stringer’s front lawn. 

Mitchell Gold and Tim Scofield, June 19, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa

Gold is the co-founder of the Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams furniture company.

If you haven’t already seen Zach Wahls’ testimony, here it is. 

Jackie and Terry, 1996

Iowa

Zach Wahls, 19, the son of Jackie and Terry, recently made a viral video splash with his eloquent testimony before the Iowa House of Representatives in defense of marriage equality. He later appeared on television together with his mothers and his sister. This picture features him at his mothers’ commitment ceremony in 1996. They later legally married in 2009 when Iowa extended the freedom to marry. At their second ceremony, Zach served as his moms’ best man.

Ken and Michael

Iowa

(via fuckyeahweddingideas)

Jen and Rose

Chicago, Illinois

The couple was legally married in Iowa, but had their wedding in Chicago. As of June 1 of this year, their Iowa marriage will be recognized as a civil union in Illinois. Thanks to Gov. Pat Quinn for signing the civil unions bill today!

Scott Emanuel and Ed Reggi, May 1, 2009

Iowa City, Iowa

The Missouri couple has organized a series of “Marriage Equality Bus” trips from St. Louis to Iowa, enabling about 100 same-sex couples, including themselves, to legally marry. They plan to continue organizing the trips. Their efforts are featured in a documentary film called “Heartland Transport.” Read more here and follow their blog here.