Thousands of LGBT people and their friends, family, and allies, gathered in San Francisco this weekend to celebrate Pride, along with two historic Supreme Court rulings that returned marriage equality to California and struck down a key section of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act that barred the federal government from recognizing legally married same-sex couples. 

Media reports from the celebration described the crowd as "ecstatic,"and "colorful," calling the entire celebration "epic." In the wake of a surprise decision from the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstating marriage equality in California, the San Francisco clerk's office was staffed all weekend long by volunteers who issued almost 400 marriage licenses to same-sex couples, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Proposition 8 lawsuit plaintiffs Kris Perry and Sandy Stier ride in a spot of honor.

Members of Dykes on Bikes roll down Market Street to kick off the 43rd annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade Sunday.

Janae Smith of Santa Clara (right) and Melaura Bunnell of Mountain Vie, kiss before hopping on their bike to ride with Dykes on Bikes.

U.S. Customs officer Karen Hughes (left) yells out "Legal!" while walking the San Francisco parade route with partner Barbara Stone. They live in Alameda, Calif.

Participants carry balloons forming the message "Love Won" in the 43rd annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade.

Dressed up as the Supreme Court justices who ruled in favor of equality, representatives of the National Center for Lesbian Rights walk in the 43rd annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade.

Members of A.B.A.D.A. Capoeira perform.

Bend the Arc, a Jewish social justice group, dances around two women dressed as brides.

U.S. representative Nancy Pelosi waves to the crowd.

California lieutenant governor Gavin Newsom and wife Jennifer Siebel.

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