Almost 800 marriage licenses were issued in the state of Washington yesterday to same-sex couples who began lining up before midnight, when marriage bureaus in the Evergreen State opened their doors for the first time ever for gay marriage.

One group, Legal Voice, about 90 minutes before the marriage bureaus closed yesterday, noted 769 licenses had been issued, with more to come before closing.

So far, the total number of marriage licenses issued to same gender couples today is 769. (38 of the 39 counties). Wow! #MEDayWA

— Legal Voice (@Legal_Voice) December 7, 2012

Not only did marriage bureaus in the state of Washington open their doors, but they opened their hearts.

The cutest picture ever taken in Washington! #MEDayWA twitter.com/cknutson82/sta…

— Cathleen Knutson (@cknutson82) December 7, 2012

NEWS: King County rings in marriage equality law by issuing a record 489 marriage licenses today: kingcounty.gov/exec/news/rele… #MEDayWa

— King County, WA (@kcnews) December 7, 2012

This roundup of photos, videos, and tweets tells the story of the day so well, but the fact that it was put together and updated every few minutes throughout the day — by the King County government, home to Seattle — speaks volumes.

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