Maryland is now the ninth state where gay marriage is now official, and it’s the first state (barely) below the Mason-Dixon line for it to happen. (9 down – 41 to go!)

James Scales and William Tasker were the first couple married at City Hall in Baltimore today, and the ceremony was presided over by none other than Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

“There is no human institution more sacred than that of the one that you are about to form,” the mayor said. “True marriage, true marriage, is the dearest of all earthly relationships.”

Congrats to those newly married. 

A toast to the  brides and brides and the grooms and grooms:

May today be the beginning of a wonderful new and long-lasting chapter in their lives, and may they always love, honor and cherish  each other, just as they do today.