New York City issued 659 marriage licenses yesterday and volunteer judges married 484 couples, gay and straight, according to a news release from Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office.
"Today, surrounded by family and friends, you are making history," Bloomberg said as he presided over the wedding of two aides at Gracie Mansion, his official residence.
The marriage-rights victory, which Governor Andrew Cuomo orchestrated and which and made headlines worldwide, more than doubled the number of Americans free to marry either gender, to 35 million.
Here are 10 of the most loving pictures of gay weddings.
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Luz Heurtelou and Nastassia Heurtelou look at photos with family after marrying at the Brooklyn Clerk's Office.ReutersMintz, New York City's consumer affairs commissioner, and Feinblatt, a chief adviser to the mayor, celebrate after being married by New York City Mayor Bloomberg in New York.ReutersNew York City Mayor Bloomberg walks away after presiding over the wedding of Mintz , the city's consumer affairs commissioner, and Feinblatt, a chief adviser to the mayor, in New York.ReutersSame-sex couple Mishan Moore (L), 39, wipes a tear as her partner Jacqueline Rodriguez, 34, looks on during their wedding ceremony at Queens Borough Hall in New York July 24, 2011. Thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers are getting ready to say "I do" this weekend, as the Empire State becomes the sixth in the U.S. to embrace same-sex marriage. ReutersMargie Baker wipes frosting on her spouse Edie Jud after being married at the Brooklyn Clerk's Office, July 24, 2011. They have been together for 20 years. Thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers are getting ready to say "I do" this weekend, as the Empire State becomes the sixth in the U.S. to embrace same-sex marriage. ReutersSame-sex couple Adam McKew (L) and his partner David Lewis pose for a photo before being married at the City Clerk's Office in New York July 24, 2011. A state law signed June 24 by Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo goes into effect at 12:01 on Sunday, allowing hundreds of couples statewide to tie the knot, including 823 in New York City alone. Thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers are getting ready to say "I do" this weekend, as the Empire State becomes the sixth in the U.S. to embrace same-sex marriage. ReutersWendy Torrington (L) and Kimberly Moreno, both of Long Beach, Mississippi, celebrate after getting their marriage license at the Manhattan City Clerk's office July 24, 2011. Thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers are getting ready to say "I do" this weekend, as the Empire State becomes the sixth in the U.S. to embrace same-sex marriage. ReutersSame-sex couple Daniel Mackey (L) and his partner Dennis Josue pose for a picture after their wedding ceremony at the City Clerk's Office for their wedding ceremony in New York July 24, 2011. Thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers are getting ready to say "I do" this weekend, as the Empire State becomes the sixth in the U.S. to embrace same-sex marriage.ReutersCarol Anastasio (L) and Mimi Brown of New York embrace during their marriage ceremony at the City Clerk's office in New York Sunday, July 24, 2011. Thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers are getting ready to say "I do" this weekend, as the Empire State becomes the sixth in the U.S. to embrace same-sex marriage.ReutersSame-sex couple, Cat Yezbak (L) and Rachel Priebe blow bubbles outside the Manhattan City Clerk's office July 24, 2011. Out of the more than 150 schools surveyed, 33.3 percent of medical schools that responded spent zero hours on LGBT health-related content during the students' clinical training.Reuters
