Today is a historic occasion in California: Starting at 5 p.m. PDT, same-sex couples will be able to apply for marriage licenses throughout the state. Most courts and clerk's offices are staying open later to accommodate couples who've been waiting years to the knot, including Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, who have been together for more than half a century.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi have announced their plans to wed, and if you live in California, you probably know at least one couple who plans to do the same. I remember when the city of San Francisco briefly legalized gay marriage in 2004, we had an impromptu champagne toast at my office for two couples who'd just gotten hitched. Even if you don't live in a state where gay marriage is legal, chances are you know a same-sex couple who has had a commitment ceremony or who has been together for years. What are some of your favorite love stories of same-sex couples? Share them in the comments below!

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