Vincent Aubin and Bruno
Boileau, who met six years ago on an online music forum, have exchanged vows in
Montpellier city hall in front of the mayor, relatives and friends, and the
world's media.
Plans to broadcast the
ceremony live on a giant TV screen and lay on drinks so that people in the
plaza outside could toast the couple were cancelled over fears that hardline
opponents of gay marriage could sour the proceedings.
More photos after the cut........
More photos after the cut........
The couple walked into the
hall to Nat King Cole's L-O-V-E wearing matching black suits as their guests
applauded them.
The grooms looked emotional
and held hands as Mayor Helene Mandroux described their marriage being a
historic moment of progress for France. She went on to read out a letter from a
10-year-old boy which said: "Thank you for helping my mum and other
homosexuals. Thank you. I am no longer afraid."
Mr Aubin and Mr Boileau were
read the civil code on marriage before taking their vows. Mr Boileau appeared
nervous and the mayor whispered to him to 'breathe'. The couple held hands as
they said 'oui', before kissing to applause as Frank Sinatra's Love and
Marriage played.
Speaking before the
ceremony, Mr Aubin reflected on the commitment he was about to undertake.
"We hope it'll be
forever, but if ever it ends, we'll be equal to any other married couple in
that mess," he quipped.
No comments:
Post a Comment