From Cape Cod Times, May 18, 2004

Excerpts from:
'Perfect Day' for Orleans Couple
By Jason Kolnos

ORLEANS - They are hailed as pioneers for helping reverse the ban on gay marriage in Massachusetts, and lauded as heroes by thousands of gay couples nationwide. But as soon as the Rev. Mykel Johnson gave her final blessing yesterday to the two brides, Gloria Bailey and Linda Davies claimed the title that mattered most.

Legally married spouses.

"We finally did it," shouted an ecstatic Bailey to enthusiastic applause from more than a dozen friends huddling around a makeshift altar on the sands of Nauset Beach.

* * * * *

In 2001, Bailey, 63, and Davies, 58, were thrust into the public spotlight after joining six other gay couples to sue the state over its ban on same-sex marriage.

After three years of waiting for the lawsuit to make its way through the courts, Bailey and Davies celebrated their dream wedding by the sea yesterday. It was a day the soulmates had longed for since falling for each other 33 years ago.

"It really is all about love," said Davies, joyously staring into Bailey's eyes.

That message was certainly the theme of the couple's whirlwind day, which saw them in front of a judge requesting a waiver of the three-day waiting period, at Orleans Town Hall to get their marriage license and at the popular beach for their emotional wedding ceremony.

The words "It's about love" were drawn by friends in pink and yellow chalk on the pavement leading both to town hall and Nauset Beach.

There was hardly a dry eye among the close-knit community of friends that encircled the barefoot pair as they exchanged vows. Tears flowed freely after Johnson delivered a moving speech about the couple's struggle for what she described as basic civil rights.

"Thank you for your willingness to take a risk. You truly are prophets for justice and equality," said Johnson, a minister at First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church. "It is with warm hearts that we acknowledge this special bond that has existed for many years."

* * * * *

Last November, the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled the state's ban on same-sex marriage violated the constitutional rights of gay men and women, opening the door yesterday for the first state-sanctioned gay nuptials in the country.

"They deserve to be the stars today," said longtime friend Paul Hush, clearly moved by the event.

"It is so wonderful how much love they have for each other, and how much love and support the community gives to us all," said friend Susan Fleming, who plans to wed Susan Eitel, another longtime friend, later this week.

Though Bailey and Davies anticipated the historical ramifications of the court's progressive decision, they hardly imagined this kind of fanfare. Throughout the day, they were shadowed by a bevy of reporters and photographers from across the country.

Future spouses Maureen Wilson and Meg Stewart, who were the first to line up outside Orleans District Court when they arrived at 6:30 a.m., graciously allowed the Orleans couple to get the first waiver to skip the three-day waiting period.

"They have certainly earned it," Wilson said. "I think we all have."

When Davies and Bailey finally entered the judge's chambers, following a round of applause, they were greeted warmly by Judge Robert Welsh Jr.

"I want to congratulate the both of you on this special day," Welsh said, adding that he had seen the couple recently on television.

"I'll be issuing a lot of life sentences today, I bet," Welsh joked as the women marched through the clerk's office, waving the waiver proudly as if it were a flag.

A small crowd of friends then followed Bailey and Davies to town hall, where they continued to sing and celebrate even before the marriage license was issued.

Jane Lowey serenaded the couple by playing "Chapel of Love" on her red accordion. Carol Chichetto operated a machine that sent thousands of soapy bubbles into the air inside town hall.

* * * * *

"The moral of this story is we all need each other," Bailey said, after proudly displaying their license to scores of onlookers.

"We finally got it. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day," added Davies, draping her arms around her partner.

When they look back at the lengthy legal process, the couple admitted it had been an emotional roller coaster.

Now, they just want to enjoy married life and look forward to preparing for a more elaborate July ceremony.

"This is beyond exciting," Davies said, scrambling to find the right words.

"I'm overjoyed," Bailey said, beaming.

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