Now that Washington voters have approved Referendum 74, we've gone back to the four families who recently allowed us to profile their struggles for marriage equality.

These individuals participated in our "I Do" social-media campaign to approve same-sex marriage. As counties prepare to allow couples to register for licenses on Dec. 6 (with a three-day waiting period), we asked these families to react to the measure's passage and to answer the question, "What now?" They sent us their statements via e-mail below.

Col. Dr. Grethe Cammermeyer and Diane Divelbess:

"We are thrilled at the opportunity to marry and legitimize all combinations of families in the state of Washington. We had extraordinary leadership in paving the way and then gay, lesbian and straight families telling their stories. It was truth that brought justice. We will be working on a secular wedding plan as we already had a blessing by the Episcopalian church so just need to make it legal."

Dottie Neufeld, who shared memories of her late partner, Carol Brandes:

"I was so pleased at the passage of ref 74. People voted for love over fear. I'm proud of my state to be among the first to allow all of its people to marry the one they love. Thank you for the part you played in making this a reality."

Brandon and Vic Rapez-Betty:

"On the day of the election, all of our coworkers and friends were wishing us luck. It was comforting to know that voters had made that personal connection between the abstract ballot language and a specific couple who would be directly impacted by the outcome. On election night, we were surrounded by the best support group, both gay and straight, and we all toasted to a promising lead in the ballot count. Brandon toasted to our soon-to-be 'legal marriage' and noted his gratitude to the previous generations who have fought so long and hard for this right. I toasted to the future Rapez-Betty children.

As we waited for the official results to be called, we began to grow nervous. We thought that we, and many others, had somehow jinxed the election by celebrating too early. We had decided to hold off on any other celebration until the Seattle Times posted the digital check-mark next to the approve column on the election results web page.

We were happy to join the celebrants in Maryland, Maine and Minnesota when, finally, on Thursday our opponents conceded the loss and Marriage Equality became the democratically approved law of the state. We are so excited to officially become Mr. & Mr. Rapez-Betty that December 9th can't come fast enough!!!"

Chalu, Niesha, Steven and Christopher Harris-Adams:

"We are elated about the passing of R-74 and cannot be more thankful that the citizens of Washington believe that all people should have the basic human right to pursue happiness with the person that they love. We are relieved and hopeful that the experiences that we had a domestic partners at the doctors and in government offices will change now that we have the right to marry. Our children were absolutely amazed and truly happy that their parents can marry in the State where we live.

Christopher says, 'I am happy because my parents have the freedom to be what you want to be instead of what other people want you to be.' Steven says, 'I am just glad that my parents have the freedom to marry whoever they want to.' After seeing commercials and yard signs all over that urged people to 'Keep Marriage Between a Man & a Woman' they were very worried that Voter's would not pass the bill.

We do intend to marry legally in this State, but not until the new year. At this point, it is a technicality for us because we've been married over a year now, and living as life partners for a very long time, but the passage of the bill gives us the legal rights we never had. It is a relief. There is still work to be done, the measure did not pass in Pierce County where we live which means that we need to continue to work for tolerance and acceptance of same-sex families."

On behalf of the Seattle Times editorial board, I'd like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to the supporters of marriage equality in Washington State. We look forward to seeing more wedding photos!