When ASU English literature freshman Kim Powers and her partner, Kat, tied the knot on Friday, they chose the Student Services Building as the location to proclaim their love.
But it was more than just unity for the two women - it was also a public demonstration that same-sex couples have a right to marry.
"We wanted to demonstrate public awareness of the cause and have support of the students," said 18-year-old Powers.
"I think it will bring a lot of response," said Kat, 19, who could not reveal her last name because of the U.S. military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy.
Arizona law will not permit Powers and Kat to get a marriage license. Vermont is currently the only state that legally recognizes same-sex marriages.
The couple hopes this will change, though. By making their marriage a public display, the two joined ASU's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Coalition's drive to promote national freedom-to-marry awareness week.
Act Out and the Gay Straight Whatever Alliance, both coalitions of smaller groups, organized the ceremony in a January meeting.
"People don't think about rights denied to same-sex couples, and we want to make a visible statement," said Act Out president Sam Holdren.
Same-sex couples are denied more than 1,049 benefits and protections given to heterosexual couples, including inheritance and adoption, according to Lambda Legal, a civil rights watchdog group.
Though marriage is illegal for same-sex couples in Arizona, Kat and Powers held a wedding ceremony anyway, complete with a reverend, wedding party and reception.
The two said they wanted to show themselves, friends and any passersby that they are committed to one another, and a "holy union" between two people should be a basic human right everyone can enjoy.
"It was very touching that it affected people so much," Powers said. "I saw people crying in the audience."
Nearly 40 audience members, as well as passing students, looked on as the two exchanged rings and roses. The ceremony was lead by the Rev. Joseph Burns Smith of Peace House, a "new thought" church.
"I wasn't sure what was going on," said dietetics senior Jillian Freeman. "I thought it was just a wedding, and then he announced Kim and Katherine.
"It's touching because I'm getting married in August," Freeman added. "It doesn't matter if they are heterosexual or homosexual, it's still beautiful because they are announcing their love for one another."
After the wedding, Dilia Loe, a member of the Arizona Human Rights Fund, told the audience people should have the right to choose whom they want to marry.
"The legal thing, or lack thereof, is something we should correct," Loe said. "Don't allow them to make your love immoral or illegal because it shouldn't be."
Powers and Kat, both from Avondale, said they met at a café and immediately hit it off.
"We made up every little excuse to go see each other," Powers said.
Nine months later, Kat proposed. Both Kat and Powers said they "came out" to their parents and friends while they were in high school.
"My parents really supported me," Powers said. "It's not something they wish for their daughter though, because it's a difficult edge to put on."
The couple said their parents were more concerned they were entering into a high-level commitment at "such a young age."
However, Kat's mother and two younger brothers participated in the ceremony to show their support.
"I think it's wonderful," Kat's mother Delilah said. "I wholeheartedly support her, and I accept Kim as my daughter. Love makes a family."
Before the service, both Kat and Powers were concerned a public ceremony could jeopardize Kat's status in the military.
If Kat's sexual orientation were revealed, the Navy would immediately discharge her.
"If it happens, it happens, and we'll go from there," Kat said. "Hopefully, this will be legal in the military one day; then maybe one of these days I will legally be able to wear my uniform for my wedding."
Reach the reporter at sarah.muench@asu.edu.
