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Gay couples across California trade weekend vows
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-06-22 10:44


Kate Kuykendall, 31, left, and partner Tory Kuykendall, 31, holding their 5-month-old daughter Zadie. The two already had a commitment ceremony in 2005, but camped overnight to be the first in line to legally marry. 'I feel like I'm being validated, like I'm normal,' Tory Kuykendall said. [Agencies] 

But the wedding spree could be short-lived if voters approve a November ballot initiative that would reverse the May 15 court ruling and amend the state Constitution to bar gay marriage.

For Susan and River Mika Coyote of Incline Village, Nev., getting married at the Sacramento gay pride festival was a statement about human rights, as well as their personal commitment. The couple held a ceremony five years ago, legally combined their names and bank accounts, and bought a home together.

River, 38, said she hopes hundreds of gay marriages in coming months will help dissuade voters from supporting a constitutional ban on the November ballot.

"It's easy when people think of gay people as 'those people,'" she said. "If you check that box you're taking away the marriage of River and Susie -- it's not 'those people.' We're normal people who want to take care of each other."

The gay wedding boom has been good for business. Tom Rosa, owner of the Cake And Art bakery in West Hollywood, said business has tripled in the past week, and on one day he did as many consultations as he usually does in a month.