It's been a historic week in the state of Illinois as the first same-sex couple legally wed in the state.
Billy and Gary were both feeling calm heading into the hours before their wedding.
"Excited and very happy," is how Gary Patterson described his feelings.
The couple has been together for 26 years; they met in high school.
"Well I think after 26 years that we can endure each other; that many years, speaks volumes," said Bill Redfern.
This ceremony makes it official, their union is now part of the state's history.
"It's milestones for Illinois. Now we're able to get benefits through my employer. It's a great progress. We're moving forward," said Redfern.
The two now are able to live happily ever after.
"I think we should all be able to share the same legal rights as other married couples. I don't know why it should be any different," Redfern said.
Illinois is the 16th state to legalize gay marriage. Joining them is Wisconsin after a judge ruled that the state's ban on same sex marriage is unconstitutional in early June 2014.