In U.S. 1st gay couple in Guam tie knot

According to abcnews, Loretta M. Pangelinan, 28, and Kathleen M. Aguero, 29, sued to overturn the territory's law after being denied a marriage application in April.

Their lawsuit was based on the prevailing opinion from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which had approved gay marriage in western U.S. states. Guam falls under the jurisdiction of the 9th Circuit Court.

Guam became the first U.S. territory to recognize gay marriage after a federal judge last week struck down the island territory's ban, saying it was unconstitutional, and thus gay couples could wed.

Pangelinan and Aguero arrived at the Office of Vital Statistics on Tuesday morning, where numbers were placed on a table for people to take their turns at the window. Their card said No. 4.

Johnson and Dismuke had picked up the No. 1 card, but they gladly let Pangelinan and Aguero go in front of them out of respect. They then asked that Pangelinan and Aguero be witnesses for them.

"How can you not be emotional?" said Pangelinan, who began to cry when she heard the request.

Johnson and Dismuke said they have been together three years, the same amount of time they have wanted to get married.

They already have had a commitment ceremony, but they didn't get a wedding certificate.

"I'm not walking out here until I get it in my hand," Johnson said after the marriage ceremony.

"It's my privilege to officiate at this. Do you take each other to share your lives, to promise to take good care of one another for as long as you live?" Public Health Director James Gillanasked.

"I do," said Deasia Johnson of Killeen, Texas.

"I do," answered her bride, Nikki Dismuke of New Orleans.

"By the power vested in me by the laws of Guam, I pronounce you married," Gillan said before the two military members kissed to solemnize their vows.

Lillian Lee, 57, and her partner, Susan "Sam" Diaz, 65, were also in line to get their marriage license application. Lee said she thanks Pangelinan and Aguero for making "gay marriage possible."

Currently, gay couples can marry in 36 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.