Editor’s note: The IJ is reprinting some of the late Beth Ashley’s columns. This is from 2008.

We all wore grins of joy last weekend when Steve and Chuck got married.

The two men have been together for 36 years, but until this year it was illegal for them to wed.

The ceremony, at Novato’s Unity in Marin, was pretty traditional, what with the cake and the music and the walk down the aisle.

But when the “groomies” faced each other over a huge pot of flowers, and spoke their words of heartfelt commitment, we knew we were watching something special.

I had tears in my eyes. Chuck had tears, too.

Faye D’Opal, Superior Court judge, officiated. She read from the state Supreme Court decision of May 15, which made same-sex marriage officially OK.

The two men vowed to love and honor each other as lawfully wedded husbands, and D’Opal pronounced them “married as long as you live.”

Susan Vick sang, “Say it over and over again, over and over again, never stop saying you’re mine.”

From start to finish, the music had a nostalgic tone — “I Only Have Eyes For You” for the processional; “Love Is In the Air” when the ceremony ended.

The two men were preceded down the aisle by several bridesmaids/matrons of honor, including Ann Brebner, Peggy Haas, Elaine Roscoe, Jean Taylor, Anne Tillotson and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey. They had grins on their faces, too.

When the ceremony was over, the newlyweds went back up the aisle, and their bridesmaids danced behind them.

Wedding guests were all old friends who had known Chuck and Steve through dozens of political campaigns and hundreds of joyful parties. I had first met them at some kind of political fundraiser or other — I think I was interviewing Rob Lowe.

Later, we served together on the Marin AIDS Political Action Committee at a time when few in Marin knew much about the disease and education seemed crucial.

We bonded on that committee; although it has long been disbanded, ex-members get together now and then for a loving reunion.

Through the years, Steve and Chuck have always showed up in my life when the showing up was appreciated. They are forever hooking up friends with each other — for political reasons or just to have fun.

I wouldn’t have missed their wedding for the world.

Theirs, of course, is not the only same-sex wedding on the summer docket. The invitations are piling up on my desk; pictures are showing up on my email.

Thom Anderson and Beto Cam were married Aug. 7; Bob Larsen and Bob Harmon are scheduled to marry on Sunday. D’Opal says she has a calendar full of dates where she’s asked to preside.

I’m aware there are holdouts who think same-sex marriage is an abomination. My friend says unions are fine, but why change the definition of marriage?

The arguments seem so off the mark.

If two people choose to get married, let them do so. They are announcing their intent to live in harmony and faithfulness for all of their days.

What could be nicer than that?

Traditional marriage often gets off to a flying start.

Traditional marriages don’t always last.

When Chuck and Steve got married, we knew it would work out.

It had already lasted for 36 years.