‘A lifetime event’ : First same-sex marriage in Morristown town hall

Bob Parker and Jorge
Bob Parker and Jorge "Geo" Marques exchange vows in Morristown town hall. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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There were no Bridezillas at Thursday morning’s wedding ceremony in Morristown town hall.

In fact, the nuptials were so low-key that the only strains of Here Comes the Bride were hummed by well-wishers and by the couple themselves, as they sauntered down the aisle of the council chamber.

But make no mistake: Bob Parker and Jorge “Geo” Marques could not have been happier if they had tied the knot in a grand cathedral.  They were making local history–the first same-sex marriage at town hall, after New Jersey last month became the 14th state to allow such unions.

Bob Parker, left, and Jorge "Geo" Marques, after being declared legally married in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Bob Parker, left, and Jorge “Geo” Marques, after being declared legally married in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“Wow! Never thought about it 40 years ago, when I was first experiencing these feelings. It’s an amazing day. A lifetime event,” said Bob, 61, known to friends as Parker.

“I feel very privileged and blessed to be able to share my life with the man I’ve loved for 15 years,” said Geo, a 44-year-old native of Brazil.

parker marques wedding sign
The first same-sex wedding in Morristown town hall, Nov. 7, 2013. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Although Mayor Tim Dougherty has performed civil union ceremonies–including one for Parker and Geo a few years ago–Thursday’s same-sex wedding was a first for him, too.

“Hey, this is what people fought for in the state of New Jersey. This is the law, and I’m proud to preside over this ceremony…and I wish Geo and Bob many, many years of happiness,” said the Mayor, a Democrat who was re-elected to his second term on Tuesday.

Parker said it felt good to “come out of the shadows” and publicly affirm his feelings for Geo, a design consultant he met on the beach at Sandy Hook years ago.

The couple were heading later to Atlantic City. They plan to spend New Year’s with Geo’s family in Rio de Janeiro.

Parker is executive director of Newbridge Services Inc., a nonprofit based in Pompton Plains. He was honored last year by the Community Health Law Project for helping create 175 units of housing, largely for clients with disabilities and special needs.

Bob Parker and Jorge "Geo" Marques exchange vows in Morristown town hall. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Bob Parker and Jorge “Geo” Marques exchange vows in Morristown town hall. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

He also was instrumental in the creation of Kleitman Park, two acres of open space on Morristown’s Hillcrest Avenue. After a decade of lobbying, Parker saw the park become a reality last year, with grants secured by the town and help from other local activists.

Parker’s sisters were among a small group of invited friends and business associates who attended the brief wedding, which was followed by lunch at Millie’s Old World Meatballs and Pizza on South Street.

“The main thing that’s going through my mind is thinking of our parents, and how pleased they would be to see what has transpired here,” said Kathy Parker. “It’s been quite a sea change.”

THIS...WON'T...HURT...A...BIT!  Jorge "Geo" Marques works to get ring onto Bob Parker's finger. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
THIS…WON’T…HURT…A…BIT! Jorge “Geo” Marques works to get ring onto Bob Parker’s finger. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“You have to know that, most of our years growing up, I had no idea,” added Parker’s other sister, Mary Lou Horne, who traveled from Corning, N.Y., with her husband Keith for the service.

“Bob, he’s a child of the ’60s and ’70s, and it’s just a thrill to see him as happy as he is now.”

There were some chuckles as Parker placed the ring on Geo’s wrong hand, and Geo struggled to wedge a ring onto his spouse’s finger.

But for best man Kieran Kole, the overwhelming emotion was joy.

“This is like a breath of fresh air,” said Kieran, a gay man from Morristown. “I feel good about myself. I feel good about my friends. And I no longer have the power of shame holding me back.”

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty officiates his first same-sex wedding, of Bob Parker, left, and Jorge "Geo" Marques. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty officiates his first same-sex wedding, of Bob Parker, left, and Jorge “Geo” Marques. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

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