Jun 18, 200802:45 PMThe Life

Gay and Lesbian Couples in Palm Springs and Desert Cities Head for the Altar

Daddy and Poppie Get Married!

Three-year-old Roxy watched as her parents, James Tracy Hermann and Matthew McNamara exchanged wedding vows yesterday, the first day same-sex marriage ceremonies were performed in the Coachella Valley.

I witnessed it too and was honored to be a part of my co-worker and friend's special day. And though the ceremony was simple, you could feel the magnitude of this historical and poignant moment.

Once their number was called at the Indio courthouse the pair proceeded into a small room complete with a white trellis adorned with pink flowers and green leaves.

They took their spots, and even though I've never seen two men married, it wasn't at all a surreal moment. I'm a believer that when two people, regardless of gender or race, are right for one another, like Tracy and Matt, it's just a natural fit.

I did, however, hold my breath as the ceremony was coming to an end, I've heard it a dozen times, you are now pronounced.....wait, what's she going to say....and then it came out, united in marriage, — and sealed with a kiss.

And for Matt and Tracy, this was just the legalization of something that's been in their hearts since their commitment ceremony in 2004. However, they wanted to make it legal and experience the same rights and privileges as other married couples.

Growing up in a family of ten children, to Irish-Catholic parents married for 54 years, Matt had the same aspirations as his other siblings — a home, a spouse, and children.
Now the pieces of the puzzle are “officially” complete.

And as for their daughter Roxy, she doesn't see the difference. In her mind "poppie" and "daddy" have always been married.

Ready, Willing and ABLE!

Nearly 100 marriage licenses were granted yesterday and 40 marriage ceremonies performed at the Indio courthouse.

All went well, no protesters showed and for the first time in California sames-sex couples that have been in love for years were able to marry.

One couple we met, Jeff Young (left) and John Bright, traveled from Ohio, to officially wed.