Here's What Same-Sex Marriage In Florida Looks Like

LOOK: The First Same-Sex Weddings In Florida

A judge on Monday lifted a legal stay for Miami-Dade hours before same-sex marriage was set to become legal across the state at midnight on Tuesday. Among couples who lined up Monday afternoon in Miami for marriage licenses were several who served as plaintiffs in a lawsuit that led a judge to rule in August that Florida's 2008 ban on same-sex marriage was discriminatory.

I feel good. I am relieved. I feel vindicated,” plaintiff Catharina Pareto, of Coconut Grove, told The Miami Herald.

Pareto and her longtime partner, Karla Arguello, cheered in court Monday morning as Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel lifted the stay, which had been put in place during the appeals process following the August decision. Pareto and Arguello were then married by Zabel in her courtroom after obtaining a license.

“My daughter looks prettier today than ever," Pareto's mom told the Herald.

Check out photos from Florida's historic day:

Walter Michot-Pool/The Miami Herald/Getty Images
The same-sex couples who legally challenged Florida's marriage ban were present in court as a stay was lifted Monday. From left to right, Cathy Pareto and Karla Arguello, Jeff Delmay and Todd Delmay, David Price, Don Johnston and Jorge Diaz react as Florida joined 36 other states in allowing same-sex couples to marry. “I’m lifting the stay," announced Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel.
Wilfredo Lee/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pareto and Arguello leave the courthouse to apply for a marriage license after the stay was lifted for Miami-Dade hours ahead of a midnight launch for same-sex marriage statewide.
Wilfredo Lee/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pareto gets a hug from her mother, Marlene, as she waits to apply for a marriage license.
Wilfredo Lee/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Arguello places a ring on Pareto's finger as her mother, Berta Arguello, looks on holding flowers. The pair, who were wed by Judge Zabel, have been partners for 15 years. "It's been a long time coming," Pareto told the Associated Press. "Finally Florida recognizes us as a couple. It's just, I don't know, sweet justice."
Wilfredo Lee/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pareto and Arguello share a kiss.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Don Johnston and Jorge Diaz kiss after obtaining their marriage license from the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Monday.
Wilfredo Lee/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Vanessa Alenier holds up her number after waiting in line to apply for a marriage license with her partner, Malanie Alenier. The couple were among the six plaintiffs that sued Miami-Dade County for the right to marry.
Wilfredo Lee/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jeff and Todd Delmay leave the courthouse after Judge Zabel lifted the stay. She then married the couple, who had already legally changed their names, are raising a son together and have been wearing wedding rings on their right hands for 12 years. “We have been reserving [our left ring fingers] for when it became official,” Todd Delmay told the Miami Herald. “This means so much to us.”
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The Delmays hold hands as they wait to receive their marriage license from the clerk of courts.
Wilfredo Lee/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Monday's lifting of the stay “lets families like ours be families,” Todd Delmay told CBSMiami.
Lynne Sladky/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Couples including Juan Talavera, 46 (left, in blue), and his partner of 15 years, Jeff Ronci, 53, waited Monday to obtain marriage licenses.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
It was soon mission accomplished for Ronci and Talavera. At least two other counties in Florida will hold extended office hours to begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
Wilfredo Lee/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Deborah Shure and Aymarah Robles also applied for a marriage license in Miami.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Done!

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