Houston Mayor Annise Parker Married Longtime Partner Kathy Hubbard in Palm Springs

Houston Mayor Annise Parker (right) and wife Kathy Hubbard | Photo from Office of the Mayor

"This is a very happy day for us," Houston Mayor Annise Parker said about her wedding to her longtime partner Kathy Hubbard. She's the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city. "We have had to wait a very long time to formalize our commitment to each other. Kathy has been by my side for more than two decades, helping to raise a family, nurture my political career and all of the other ups and down and life events that come with a committed relationship."

According to a statement from Parker's office, the ceremony was held at sunset at a private home in Palm Springs, Calif. and was attended by a small group of family and friends of the couple, including Parker's mother and Hubbard's sister.

Late Thursday she also tweeted: "I am privileged to now be the wife of the woman I have loved for more than 2 decades. I couldn't be happier. We said our vows today.-A"

The Rev. Paul Fromberg administered the vows. As the Houston Chronicle notes "Fromberg's a friend of the couple and partner of Parker's longtime political consultant Grant Martin, formerly of Houston. Fromberg and Martin now live in San Francisco. Former state District Judge Steve Kirkland and Mark Parthie, who are longtime friends and business partners of Parker and Hubbard, served as witnesses. Thursday was the couple's 23rd anniversary."

"It's wonderful," said City Councilwoman Ellen Cohen. "They've demonstrated a commitment to each other over all these years. How marvelous it is that they can look forward to a long life together as a married couple. I'm very happy for them."

Previously Parker, who is ranked No. 36 on Out's 2013 Power List, said she would not marry until Texas legalized same-sex marriage. But then she said the Supreme Court's decision to strike down DOMA had helped her change her position.

[H/T Houston Chronicle]