Bud Parsons and Darrell Walker turned in their marriage license application at the special clerk's table set up in Chillura park. They have been together 35 years, and this was their first formal bonding ceremony. Credit: Chip Weiner

Bud Parsons and Darrell Walker turned in their marriage license application at the special clerk’s table set up in Chillura park. They have been together 35 years, and this was their first formal bonding ceremony. Credit: Chip Weiner

"There was an exuberance in the air, with everyone congratulating one another." That's how CL photographer Chip Weiner began his report on the most historic Florida wedding day of the century: today, January 6, when the stay on same-sex marriage was lifted and thousands of couples married across the state. Chip was at the Hillsborough County Courthouse and Chillura Square to capture the joy. 


Twenty-eight minutes after filling out their marriage license application, Zahira Melendez and Alba Glendy-Loarca seal the deal. Credit: Chip Weiner

A well-matched couple turn in their marriage license application following the mass ceremony in the park. Credit: Chip Weiner

County Commissioner Kevin Beckner with his partner Gil Sainz. The couple was married in Canada 10 years ago. Credit: Chip Weiner

José Torres and Marcelino Velez have been together for nine years. They participated in both a private marriage ceremony inside the clerk’s office as well as the mass ceremony outside. “Just to be sure,” according to Velez. Credit: Chip Weiner

Times may have changed, but the forms still have to catch up: There are still spaces for the “bride and groom” to fill out. A clerk’s office representative said that they anticipate changing the forms soon. Credit: Chip Weiner

Zahira and Alba. Credit: Chip Weiner

This article appears in Dec 25-31, 2014.