Love is in the air in a lot of places on Valentine’s Day, as couples profess their love to each other on this annual event in their own special ways.
At the Historic Osceola County Courthouse Wednesday, it was really, really, REALLY in the air, as 14 couples took the opportunity to day represents to really, really, REALLY profess their love — and get married.
They will never, ever forget their anniversary date.
It was part of the Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller’s Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony and Reception.
Like he’s done the past two years at Halloween and during December and January, creating themed ceremonies, Osceola Clerk Kelvin Soto presided over the wedding, done in both English and Spanish, heavy on the loving theme of Valentine’s Day.
After the touching 10 a.m. ceremony, a reception with festive cupcakes and more photo opportunities was held, as the newly-wed couples celebrated with friends and family. As part of the package, the couples received a decorative marriage certificate and a commemorative photo.
“Love is why all of you are standing here,” Soto said during the ceremony. “I cannot promise you an easy pathway through life, but I can promise you will have a hand to hold and a loved one to cherish.”
Like any other wedding — and Soto’s staff pulled off a dozen at one time Wednesday — there were details to work out before the couples walked down the historic Courthouse aisle — but they pulled it off.
“We’ll do better next year,” Soto said, already thinking about another opportunity to create lasting memories. “I can’t express how grateful I am for everyone’s participation. We got to see that expression of joy in all of the couples. That’s what’s most important to me, those opportunities to have that engagement with our community.”
So, why get married on a Wednesday morning?
“Love,” said Valeria Rivera, who married Dwight Wednesday. The pair was stunning in her red dress and his matching red and black tuxedo, pulled off elegantly and perfectly. “And (Tuesday) was (Dwight’s) birthday. We asked if we could do it then.
“But this is better. Valentine’s Day is such a special day,” Dwight said.
David Virag and Sebastian Hernandez wanted a February wedding anyway, but said getting married on Valentine’s Day just clicked when they heard about it.
“Valentine’s is the most romantic day of the whole year. So why not? Let’s do it!” Virag said. “And it was a great day, with a room full of people!”
So, what’s next at the Clerk’s office? St. Patrick’s Day or Easter weddings?
Said Soto: “I never know what my team has in store next.”
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the happy couples!
