The Mayor and the Newlyweds: Jonatham Mintz (left) and John Feinblatt, with daughters Maeve and Georgia. (photo credit: azi paybarah / observer)

The first same-sex marriage officiated by a New York City Mayor took place at Gracie Mansion Sunday evening — the first day New York State law allowed them to take place.

Jonathan Mintz, the commissioner for Consumer Affairs, entered from the eastern side of the balcony surrounding Gracie Mansion. John Feinblatt, a senior advisor to the mayor, entered from the western side of the balcony.

The ceremony was performed at the foot of the steps outside the building, with about 150 guests looking on, including: City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, police commissioner Ray Kelly, former deputy mayors Kevin Sheekey (in a tie, for once), and Ed Skyler, along with dozens of reporters.

Bloomberg — who is not known for being overly sentimental —  joked during the ceremony that he denied the couple’s request for a day off tomorrow. “I’m so glad I asked to be part of it,” Bloomberg said. The mayor kept his remarks centered on the couple getting married. Feinblatt and Mintz are top aides in his administration that have been together for 14 years and have two daughters.

“It’s taken New York State a long time to recognize what the two of you must have known instinctively,” Bloomberg told the couple. “That two people who want to be together, and raise a family together…deserves to be recognized and commemorated equally under the eye of the law.”

They exchanged rings, said “I do,” and then the mayor said, triumphantly: “Therefore, by the powers vested in me by the State of New York, I pronounce you… married.”

“It made us stronger and it made us better,” said Quinn, who is openly gay and expects to marry her partner next year, after the ceremony. “We created a better city and state today.”

And, following Jewish tradition, each groom ended the wedding by stomping on a water glass. “This custom has many interpretations,” Bloomberg said.

Afterward, as the two men and their daughters embraced one another and retreated indoors briefly, the crowd disbursed and headed to a reception under the tents that had been erected on the property, overlooking the water. Before joining the crowd, Bloomberg walked up the steps and retrieved the broken glasses.

Below, are Mayor Bloomberg’s prepared remarks from the ceremony.

Good evening and welcome to Gracie Mansion.

I want to warn everyone:  I’ve only officiated at two of these ceremonies before.  I’m going to do my best – but if I slip up, Maeve and Georgia, feel free to step in and tell me what I’m doing wrong.

We are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends to witness the exchanging of marriage vows of John and Jonathan.

Today, John and Jonathan come together to officially pledge to live the rest of their lives as one.

The ancient ceremony in which they now participate — and have asked us to share with them — pre-dates recorded human history.

Today – in this city and in this state – history takes an important step forward by allowing every person to participate.

So as we now listen to the words and witness John and Jonathan enter into the oldest, most revered contract, let’s pause for a moment and remember the importance of this to them, and to us. They wish to establish a union which is greater than the sum of its parts. And we are grateful that they are allowing us to take part in this truly momentous ceremony for them, and for us.

Maeve, Georgia… decades from now – when you are attending the weddings of your great-grandchildren – this occasion may come up. And I hope you will remember it this way:

On a beautiful summer evening, in New York City – two people, who loved each other dearly, came together in front of family and friends, and pledged their lives to each other. When all is said and done – that’s what tonight is all about.

That’s what this ceremony is about for every couple who are at this moment – making the exact same commitment to each other.   I’m so glad I asked to be part of it. And I’m glad Jonathan’s parents, Ruth and Sandy – and John’s step-mother, Lois – are here to share in this wonderful day – along with the members of their families.

But let’s not forget – there is quite a cheering section looking down from above – including John’s parents, Eugene and Marjorie.   Every one of us, John and Jonathan, wishes for you a love that makes both of you better people, that continues to give you joy, and that provides you with energy with which to face the responsibilities of your lives.  If you take care of each other – never stop listening – and never stop laughing – we know you will do just fine.

And now for the moment you have all been waiting for.

Do you, John, solemnly declare that you take Jonathan to be your spouse?

Do you promise to love, cherish, and keep him for as long as you both shall live?

As a symbol of your promise to Jonathan, please place the ring on his finger.

Do you, Jonathan, solemnly declare that you take John to be your spouse?

Do you promise to love, cherish, and keep him for as long as you both shall live?

As a symbol of your promise to John, please place the ring on his finger.

John, Jonathan, usually when the three of us are together, we are discussing the finer points of illegal guns or consumer fraud. I can’t tell you how nice this is for a change. And I can’t tell you how pleased I am that this day has finally come.

It’s taken New York State a long time to recognize what the two of you must have known instinctively:  that two people who want to be together, and raise a family together, and spend the rest of their lives together – have a relationship – and a beautiful family – that, in every way, deserves to be recognized and commemorated equally under the eye of the law.

Today, we are doing that. And today, surrounded by family and friends, you are making history. Not only for the obvious reasons. You are making another kind of history.  Equally important. You are writing the next chapter in your personal history – and that of your family.  By going through this ceremony, you are changing the future – for yourself, and for generations to follow.

When we look beyond the excitement and satisfaction of what today means to so many who fought for it to be possible. We come back to what today means to you, John – and you, Jonathan – and to your families – stretching back, and stretching forward, through the years. It’s such a simple thing… but with such incredible and profound meaning.

And now, to honor John and Jonathan –  a song from the musical “Cabaret” – sung by the great Joel Grey.

John and Jonathan, we wish for you all life’s blessings.

Inasmuch as you have consented to be united in the bonds of matrimony, and you have exchanged your wedding vows before all those present today.

Therefore, by the powers vested in me by the State of New York – I pronounce you… married.

And now – a great tradition:  the breaking of the glass. This custom has many interpretations – and since it is a Jewish custom – it has even more! But one that seems to fit today perfectly is that the broken glass is a reminder – a reminder that although the couple came together as a single union, the world – as a whole – is broken and needs mending.

I can’t think of two men who work harder to do just that. And that’s why the groom will now break the glass. In fact, today – you are in for a treat.

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