Not since David Beckham’s last match have so many gay Frenchies been glued to the TV. In Montpellier, the first same-sex couple to wed in France said “oui,” then locked lips in a lengthy kiss. All of it was broadcast on live television across the 14th and most culturally significant country so far to recognize marriage equality.

Hundreds of guests gathered for the historic ceremony inside City Hall, officiated by the city’s mayor, Helene Mandroux. Hundreds more assembled in the square outside as Vincent Autin, 40, and his 30-year-old partner, Bruno Boileau, tied the knot.

Security was tight (it wouldn’t be a gay marriage otherwise!), with police using tear gas at one point to disperse a small band of demonstrators behind the building.

“Even if we have passed the hurdle of equality, there are still more battles to fight,” said Autin after exchanging vows, “but for now, it’s a moment for festivity, for love.” Guests burst into smiles and tears as Frank Sinatra’s hit “Love and Marriage” played. The two later held a private ceremony for friends and family.

Meanwhile, on the topic of his famous Siamese cat, Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld told CNN’s Alina Cho, “There is no marriage yet for human beings and animals (but) I never thought that I would fall in love like this with a cat.”