Standing atop a 15-foot high AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) wedding cake float, Danny Leclair and Aubrey Loots tied the knot during the 125th Tournament of Roses Parade.
The AHF chose Leclair and Loots from more than a dozen couples who wanted their chance to exchange vows during the first Rose Bowl Parade same-sex marriage.rose
“Having my relationship recognized legally is already a dream come true,” Leclair said in a statement from AHF. “To be able to declare my love to the world at large in hopes of inspiring others to live proudly and authentically is an enormous honor.”
Playing off the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade theme “Dreams Come True” the AHF flowered float “Living the Dream” highlighted the idea that “Love is the Best Protection.” AHF says this message recognizes “the role marriage can play in reducing HIV infections among gay men.”
While the wedding was hit with criticism via social media, spectators still swarmed the streets of Pasadena to cheer as the men who were dressed in dark suits exchanged vows before Rev. Alfreda Lanoix.
“It’s awe-inspiring to be committing your life to another person and to have millions of people bear witness,” Loots said in a statement from AHF. “I didn’t imagine this happening in my lifetime.”