"Amid heavy security and without many of the trappings of a traditional wedding, three gay couples were married Tuesday in a ceremony in Washington on the first day same-sex marriages were celebrated in the US capital," reports Sydney Morning Herald.

Police cars lining the streets outside the headquarters building of gay rights group Human Rights Campaign as Angelisa Young and Sinjoyla Townsend became one of the first same-sex couples to be wed in Washington, just days after the US capital began issuing marriage licences to gay couples. Young, in a chiffon and lace peach-coloured dress, exchanged vows with Townsend, wearing a white suit, and were pronounced "partners for life" by the Reverend David North. "You are my friend, my partner, my love. I love you today, I love you tomorrow, I love you forever," Young told her partner of 12 years, bringing tears to Townsend's eyes as the couple were married in front of a group of around 100 well-wishers. READ MORE

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Via HRC/About the couples:
Angelisa Young and Sinjoyla Townsend
Officiant: Rev. David K. North, Pastor of Holy Redeemer of Metropolitan Community Churches, College Park, MD
Angelisa and Sinjoyla, both African-American women who reside in Ward 8 of the District, were the first in line to register for a marriage license, and will be the first lesbian couple to legally wed in the nation’s capital. Angelisa (age 47) and Sinjoyla (age 41) have been together for 12 years and have two children.

Reginald (Reggie) Stanley and Rocky Galloway
Officiant: Rev Sylvia E. Sumter, Pastor of Unity of Washington, DC
Reggie and Rocky, both African-American, are long-time residents of the District. They are both 50 years old and have two children. Reggie and Rocky will be married immediately following Angelisa and Sinjoyla. Participating in their ceremony will be Jim Cullion (the best man) and Cherrie McCoy (the best woman).

Rev. Elder Darlene Garner and Rev. Lorilyn Candy Holmes
Officiant: Rev. Dwayne Johnson, Pastor of Metropolitan Community Churches, Washington, DC
Rev. Elder Darlene and Rev. Candy, both African-American, were both born in D.C. and are currently residents of Laurel, MD. Each serve in leadership roles in the MCC Church and have been active in the D.C. community for more than 20 years. Darlene (61) and Candy (53), are mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers, and will celebrate their legal wedding ceremony immediately following Reggie and Rocky.

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