Late Friday the order was given to resume same-sex marriage in California. Several couples already tied the knot in San Francisco and Los Angeles. But Valley couples must wait until Monday to say 'I do'.
Most Central California counties did not receive the order from the state to once again allow same-sex marriage licenses, until the close of the business day. One couple said that it is s okay, it just gives them time to plan their celebration for Monday morning.
As soon as word came down from the supreme court that gay marriage is once again legal in California, the phones began ringing at the Fresno County Clerk's Office.
Arriana Hernandez was at work in Hanford when she received a life-changing text message.
"I looked at my coworker, like oh my god, they lifted the stay. I text her back saying do I need to leave work right now? I was shocked," said Hernandez.
Hernandez and Myndi Hardgrave are already married, Though not legally. They said 'I do' on April 27th...
" It was a little bitter sweet because we couldn't sign that paper, " said Hardgrave.
"I considered it my wedding in every way, shape or form. I was committing myself to the person I love the most in the world. It meant the same thing, I just didn't get to sign the piece of paper. And now I do," said Hernandez.
Across the state clerk's offices stayed open late to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Attorney general Kamala Harris presided over Kris Perry and Sandy Stier's wedding at San Francisco city hall.
In Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa officiated for Jeff Katami and Paul Zarrillo. Both couples are the plaintiffs in the US supreme court case that overturned the gay marriage ban. As for Myndi and Arriana, they said the wait is sure to be worth it.
"To finally have that piece of paper... The piece of mind that comes with it, that we are forever legally connected, when that happens is worth all the last four and half years of waiting," said Hardgrave.
Most local counties say staff members will be ready for some long lines Monday morning. At the Fresno County Clerk's office they are anticipating such a large crowd that other departments will be brought in to help file the marriage license paperwork.
