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Julien + Thomas were married on one of the hottest days of one of the hottest months on record in Baltimore. It was stiflingly hot and humid and steamy under the midday sun when I met them outside Pazo Restaurant (now called Bar Vasquez). In their dapper dark suits and purple vests, they both had several layers of dark clothing to contend with. And yet they did not utter a single complaint about ducking outside for photos before their cocktail reception and ceremony. They, in fact, were almost giddy. About their handsome wedding attire. About the pocket watch that Julien gave Thomas as a wedding gift. About the special cuff links that Julien, a math teacher at City College, was sporting for the occasion. About all the family members and friends who began arriving for their big day. And most of all, about marrying each other. I have photographed a number of gay and lesbian civil unions and weddings over the years and there’s almost always an emotional moment when the couple sees their signed marriage license. The paperwork is so routine for heterosexual couples that they almost never ask for a photo of it (except when they erroneously think that they need to sign it as well, which only the officiant does in Maryland). But many same-sex couples request a photo with the signed marriage license. Julien + Thomas didn’t specifically ask me to take such a photograph. But I happen to be standing nearby when the family friend who officiated their wedding handed over their paperwork and I was thrilled to capture the wonder and joy on their faces as Julien showed his husband their signed and sealed marriage license. Here are many favorites from Julien + Thomas’s wonderful and wondrous day.