In 2003, Andrew Berg and Dominic Pisciotta appeared on the cover of Newsweek under the headline "Is Gay Marriage Next?" Eight years later, they were the final couple to marry at the New York City clerk's office on Sunday, July 24, the first day that gay and lesbian New Yorkers were permitted to legally wed. Here the couple (Berg left, Pisciotta right) pose after their nuptials with their 8-year-old twins, Spencer and Olivia.
Phyllis Siegel, 77, arms raised, and Connie Kopelov, 85, in wheelchair, celebrate after becoming the first same-sex couple to get married at the Manhattan city clerk's office.
"We feel validated and amazing that our love and commitment is recognized."
"We feel out of this world and over the top. We wanted to get married on the first day that we could. We are going to have a beer after this!"
"We are elated, just elated. This is huge. We are planning to go to the Plaza Hotel and have some champagne!"
"We are super-excited there are so many happy people here. Personally and historically, this is a significant day."
Ramin Talaie for The Daily Beast
"We have been together for 36 years. This is more of a statement for civil rights and human rights."
Ramin Talaie for The Daily Beast
"We are planning on getting married on Labor Day weekend. We are happy to be here. This is very significant for us and our families. However, we feel that marriage is not the most important issue facing the LGBT community. We still have such a long way to go to combat violence and discrimination against queer and gender-nonconforming people."
"We feel amazing. We were happy that this process was smooth, easy, and joyful. We have no plans for a honeymoon yet. The judge that married us is also openly gay. By chance we met him when we were getting our hair cut for our marriage. We kept in touch with him via text, and he was able to marry us today."
"This is a major thing for us that allows us to protect our family. Maybe one day we will have kids."
Ramin Talaie for The Daily Beast
"We feel privileged to be part of this day."
Ramin Talaie for The Daily Beast
"We are very excited, of course, but this means a step along the road as we look forward for the federal government to join in as well."
"We are elated to be married. We will have a celebration in the fall to share our joy with our family and friends."
Ramin Talaie for The Daily Beast
Janet Coleman, right, and Kawane Harris arrive at the city clerk's office to be married.
Shannon Stapleton / Landov
Richard Skipper, left, and Daniel Sherman, of Sparkill, N.Y., wait to get married at the Manhattan city clerk's office.
Jason DeCrow / AP Photo
Same-sex couples wait in line to receive marriage licenses at the Manhattan city clerk's office.
Jason DeCrow / AP Photo
Kitty Lambert, right, and Cheryle Rudd celebrate their marriage in Niagara Falls. With a rainbow-lit Niagara Falls as a backdrop early Sunday, Lambert, 54, and Rudd, 53, were among the first gay couples to tie the knot with the blessing of the state.
David Duprey / AP Photo
Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings performs same-sex marriage ceremonies at City Hall.
Hans Pennink / AP Photo
Heather Bruner, far right, and Jody Wicker, second from right, of Cleveland, embrace as they wait to get married at the Manhattan city clerk's office.
Jason DeCrow / AP Photo
Wendy Torrington, left, and Kimberly Moreno, of Long Beach, Miss., celebrate after getting their marriage license at the Manhattan city clerk's office.
