France's legalisation of same sex marriage was materialised when a couple - Vincent Autin and Bruno Boileau, walked down the aisle on Wedneday in the town hall of Montpellier, France.
The tuxedo clad couple with Frank Sinatra playing the background tied the nuptial knot at a ceremony presided by Mayor Hélène Mandroux.
Mandroux declared the marriage legal saying, "I pronounce you joined in matrimony in the name of the law," as the duo exchanged vows and rings after 11 days of France passing the gay marriage bill.
The ceremony was witnessed by 500 people including 200 journalists with local television media covering the event.
After the ceremony was over, Bruno told Reuters, "We're rather relieved it's all over," and added the experience as a whole gave him gave him goosebumps.
An emotional Autin said, "Love each other, love us, love one another, because it's important," and adding that they were free to adopt to begin a family."This protects the family we want to build."
The teary-eyed mother of Bruno said, "I cried when Hollande passed the law and I am still crying. I am proud of them."
The ceremony took place amid tight security as protests against the nation's first gay marriage loomed large. Incidentally, a smoke bomb was thrown at the city hall venue just before the ceremony.
Only last week, violent protests shook the streets of France as the bill validating gay marriages was passed. France became the 14th country to legalise same sex unions.
Only last week, the prestigious Cannes film festival concluded with the highest honour, Palme d'Or, being bestowed on bold Lesbian romance film "Blue is the Warmest Colour".
