For the last year, KBSX has been following the legal battle over same-sex marriage in Idaho. The fight ended Wednesday as a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that upheld a lower court's ruling striking down Idaho's gay marriage ban went into effect.
Before their historic wedding, plaintiffs Amber and Rachael Beierle prepare for the day at their kitchen counter. After three years together and three unsuccessful attempts to get a marriage license from the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, they’ll be married in less than three hours.
Amber is reading her vows off her phone and writing them on a legal notepad, even though someone is supposed to have a printed copy waiting for them at the courthouse.
"I have my vows done," she says. "I just want to make sure, I’m sure they’ll have them printed, however I want to make sure.”
Rachael tries to peek at the words on the notepad, but Amber blocks her. They're keeping their vows secret until the wedding ceremony.
Rachael starts pacing in the kitchen, despite her recent foot surgery. They talk on the phone and text and email, trying to finalize their hastily-made wedding plans. Then it’s time to grab the car keys and head out the door.
Into the pickup and heading downtown, Rachael says she didn’t appreciate how big this day was going to be until she read her email and saw thank you after thank you for initiating the lawsuit.
“When I woke up this morning it still hadn't clicked. You know we had tried so many times, I’ve lost count," Rachael says. "But it hit me I think when I was reading my emails. It kind of made me teary-eyed so now I’m really excited.”
Before arriving at the courthouse, the pair stops at an ATM to get cash for their marriage license. They park a few blocks from the courthouse and start walking, Rachael with a cane. About a block from the courthouse a man feeding a parking meter stops the Beierles to ask if they’re one of the couples who sued. He says because of them, he’s going to marry his partner of 22 years.
“Thank you so much, you have no idea," he says to the pair. "Congratulations. Amazing. Thank you. Thank you.”
At the courthouse, there’s a party. A crowd of more than 100 people has gathered out front. There is cake, and hugs, and congratulations. The Boise Gay Men’s Chorus sings.
No one holds a sign protesting gay marriage. It seems to be all well-wishers.
Amber and Rachael meet up with the other couples from the lawsuit. They all go inside the courthouse, through security and up to the county recorder’s desk where they are greeted by applause from people already waiting in line. They still have several minutes before gay marriages become legal.
“I hope I don’t get cold feet,” Rachael jokes. “No, we brought extra socks. It’s fine,” Amber says.
Right at 10:00 a.m., the time the 9th Circuit said same-sex marriages could begin, there’s a countdown and a deafening cheer. The Beierles get out IDs and $30 cash. A few minutes later, they’ve signed their names on their marriage license.
"Fourth time's the charm,” Amber says.
Amber and Rachael emerge from the courthouse to hundreds of people cheering. The air is full of bubbles and music. They hug people and pose for some pictures. But now it's time for their wedding ceremony, so they're leaving the party behind.
“That was cool,” Rachael says.
“We’re going to city hall!” says Amber.
During the walk to city hall, the two has a chance away from the celebration to talk.
“I’m thinking about being able to hug my mom, and Rachael’s mom," Amber says. "We already shared this momentous thing with some strangers who cheered us on, so now we get to be cheered on by family. I’m not sure they can match the rock-star status that we just got though.”
Their moms are waiting at city hall along with other family and friends. Boise City Council President, and acting Mayor Maryann Jordan is waiting to officiate.
“In legal terms, marriage is a contract," Jordan says. "But we all know it’s more than that.”
Then it's time for the vows Amber wrote out earlier.
“I can do this," Amber says as she takes a deep breath. "Rachael, I promise to be faithful and committed to you and only you for all my life. I promise to make a family with you and be a mom who would make my mom proud. I promise to do the dishes, even when it's your turn. I promise to make our relationship with God our top priority. I promise to love your insanely-large family, and remember most of their names. I promise to tell you I love you every day. I promise to play with our kids even when I'm tired after a long day at work. I promise to remember these three phrases above all others: 'I'm sorry, you were right, I love you'. Rachael, my wife, I promise to be whatever you need me to be whenever you need me to be it."
Then it's Rachael's turn.
"I vow to you from the depths of my soul, in front of everyone gathered today to share in this historic day with us, that I will always be there to help you love life," Rachael says. "To always be faithful. Be the one who makes you laugh. Be there when you cry. Support, love and protect you and the family we make. And I will never turn down a dance with you in the rain, a hand-holding hike through the pine trees, or a sand-dollar search on the coast. I love you and I will always adore you."
The ceremony ends with something that could not have been said just an hour earlier.
“By virtue of the power vested in me by the state of Idaho, I Maryann Jordan as acting mayor of Boise, take great pleasure in presenting Amber and Rachael, wife and wife.”
Find Adam Cotterell on Twitter @CotterellAdam
Copyright 2014 Boise State Public Radio
