In the final part of our series, State of the Unions, borough reporter Erin Clarke introduces us to a couple who got married after a two decades love story made in the Bronx.

It's a real-life Bronx tale that started 17 years ago at Orchard Beach.

"I just saw this guy on top of a rock, and he was just standing there in a bathing suit," said Hector Cotza. "He said, 'Come on over,' and we sat and we spoke for like seven hours."

Hector and Fabio, affectionately known as Bert and Ernie, have been through everything together.

"We've been psychological, spiritually and emotionally married since the day he moved in," Fabio said.

But despite more than a decade of commitment, when Fabio had surgery a couple of years back, the two were hit with a harsh reality.

"They told me I couldn't go in, and I said, 'But I'm his partner,' and they said, 'Uhh, no, you're not family,'" Hector said.

That has changed. The couple married in style two years ago, choosing only Bronx vendors because they wanted to give back to their community. But the future Mr. and Mr. Cotza didn't know what to expect.

"It was very scary for us when we went the first time, walked into the photo place," Hector said.

"Because you're anticipating a negative reaction, so you alreday have your guard up," Fabio said.

Turns out, they were the first gay wedding for well known catering Hall Villa Barone AND their photographer...and openly  accepted.

"Martone Brothers actually put our wedding photo in the display window," Fabio said.

Looking back on that day and the time that's passed since same-sex marriage became legal in New York, the two say things have changed, but some Americans, gays included, still aren't accustomed to gay marriage.  

"Last week, when I went to give blood, the nurse said to me, 'Are you married?' I said yes. 'What's your wife's name?'" Fabio said. "And then I said, 'Hector,' and she says, 'Your wife's name is Hector?'"

"I will say, 'This is my husband Fabio,' and the response to me back is, 'So where's your partner?' And I said, 'No no no, it's my husband.' And I can see the struggle," Hector said. "And I'm talking about my gay community as well."

But the Cotzas are hopeful for change.

"My dream would that it become so accepted, it's just going to be like, 'Big deal,'" Fabio said.

And that maybe love stories like theirs will help others understand that they're no different than other couples out there.