Love often asks for courage. For B and S, that courage meant crossing oceans to celebrate their commitment in a place that recognizes what their home country does not.
B and S are from Singapore, where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. At home, they live with the reality that their partnership is invisible in the eyes of the law, reduced to being seen as two single men. Yet love is not something that can be erased by paperwork or politics. It exists in the quiet moments, the shared laughter, and the choice to build a life together despite the obstacles.
Why San Francisco
San Francisco became the city where their love could be honored openly. Known as the gay capital of America, San Francisco has long stood as a beacon for LGBTQ+ communities around the world. The Castro district became one of the world’s most famous gay neighborhoods, a place of pride, resistance, and belonging.
In 2004, San Francisco City Hall made headlines when it issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples during what became known as the “Winter of Love.” Four years later, California courts officially recognized same-sex marriage, and San Francisco City Hall became the site of historic weddings, including that of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, pioneers in the fight for equality.
The Beauty of San Francisco City Hall
City Hall itself carries a unique weight. Beyond its history, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Its grand rotunda, sweeping staircases, and ornate architecture create a setting that feels both timeless and monumental. For many couples, it is more than just a government building—it is a symbol of progress and a stage worthy of life’s most meaningful vows.
Their Wedding Day
It was here, surrounded by this legacy and this beauty, that B and S chose to exchange vows. With B’s mother and a close circle of friends by their side, their wedding was both intimate and monumental. The walls of City Hall held not just their promises, but decades of history—moments of struggle, progress, and triumph for the LGBTQ+ community.
My Perspective as Their Photographer
As their photographer, witnessing this wedding was deeply moving. To see gay love celebrated so openly, in such a historic place, felt extraordinary. Surrounded by so much love, joy, and emotion, it was impossible not to feel it in my own heart. Guests were wiping away tears, laughter filled the space, and the air carried a sense of freedom and celebration. Being there reminded me of how powerful it is when people are allowed to love freely, and how meaningful it is to capture those moments forever.
Living With Dual Realities
Their story is layered with complexity. In San Francisco, they are husbands. Back in Singapore, they are not. This dual reality is one they must navigate daily, balancing the joy of their union with the limitations placed upon them at home. Yet through it all, their love endures, stronger than any border or law.
A Story of Courage and Hope
B and S’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. Their vows in San Francisco connect them to a larger movement—a history of love and equality set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful and symbolic buildings in the city.
– V
