Photo by Brian Addison

Though they were second in line at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office in Norwalk Monday morning–right behind fellow Long Beach couple Darletta and Judy Horn–Bob Crow and Tony Almeida engaged today in what was many firsts.

At noon, they were joined by a handful of friends in the new Harvey Milk Promenade Park’s Equality Plaza to officially tie in the knot as one of the first same-sex couples to do so since the Supreme Court overturned Proposition 8 last week. The ceremony was the first marriage to be held in the park since its opening in May and it was also Mayor Bob Foster’s first time officiating a gay marriage, a task he was asked by the couple to do years ago. 

“This truly is history,” Foster said after Crow and Alameda sealed their vows with a kiss. “It’s both an honor and a privilege to be a part of that history.”

2013 is shaping up to be quite an incredible year for 68-year-old Crow, who co-founded Long Beach’s Pride festival. In addition to watching the celebration take on its 30th anniversary, Crow was earlier this year handed a key to the city by Foster. He says he has long awaited the day he would be legally married to his 46-year-old partner.

“It hasn’t been an easy hill to climb,” Crow said, “and we still have many obstacles ahead. But this is truly a moment I’ve been dreaming for forever. And it’s beautiful.”

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