<Going to the Chapel>

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Going to the Chapel of Love

In Sunday, Feb. 2’s Polish section of the Hickory Daily Record, the following story was a preview to the Register of Deed’s Office, “I Do” ceremony. It’s not too late to sign up.

BY JENNIFER MENSTER
RECORD STAFF WRITER

NEWTON - Jessica Farris and Lucas Garcia want a low-key wedding. At the same time, Farris says she wants a little more than the gray carpet and white walls at the magistrate’s office.

The couple found the perfect solution a couple of weeks ago when they went to get their marriage license: A Valentine’s Day wedding at the Catawba County Register of Deeds Office.

It’s the second annual “I Do” ceremony at the courthouse. The Register of Deeds Office hosts the event. It’s for couples that want to marry on Valentine’s Day and not spend thousands, or even hundreds, of dollars. The cost is $20, plus the required $50 fee for a marriage license.

Register of Deeds Donna Hicks-Spencer came up with the idea because of the large number of people that get their marriage license on Valentine’s Day. Many turn around and get married by the magistrate. She wanted to have a special alternative.

During last year’s event, 23 couples married. The day attracted onlookers, courthouse employees and those going to court, as well as groups of family and friends. The Register of Deeds Office looks forward to another successful Valentine’s Day.

Farris, 29, and Garcia, 27, both of Catawba, are certainly looking forward to the day; although Farris said it will still be a fairly normal day. She chose a 4 p.m. wedding time because she’s in school at Catawba Valley Community College. Garcia said he hasn’t decided if he’ll take all or part of the day off from work. The couple plans to eat out after the ceremony to celebrate their nuptials.

Farris said she didn’t need much time to decide to marry on Valentine’s Day. She called to re-serve her time slot the day after learning about the “I Do” ceremony.

“I think it will make it a little more special,” Farris said. “I think it’s neat. It’s the most romantic day of the year. What a way to celebrate it.”

Farris is also excited because her mother and sister are coming from West Virginia for the wedding. They will most likely serve as the required two witnesses.

To learn more or sign-up to get married on Valentine’s Day, call the Register of Deeds Office at 465-1573.

| 322-4510 x5409 or 304-6916

DETAILS
* A N.C. marriage license is $50; visit http://www.catawbacountync.gov/depts/regdeed/faqs.asp#marriage for requirements for a marriage license.
* Appointments are required. Call 465-1573 to sign-up.
* Pastor service is $20.
* The romantic setting is free.
* Bouquet and boutonniere are free for the first 25 couples.
* A professional photographer will provide you with a free 5 X 7.
* Two witnesses are required and should come with you.
* Sponsors are: His World Photography, Park Inn, Rock Barn Golf & Spa, Holiday Inn Select, Honey’s IGA, Abundant Life Book Store & Florist and Lillians.

REFER
Need a reminder or want to know how last year’s event went? Visit http://valentinesdayweddings.blog.com/ to see how the Record covered last year’s event, and don’t forget to check back with the Record at http://www.hickoryrecord.com the day of event to read this year’s blog.

♥Posted by jennifer_menster on Tuesday, February 05, 2008

(1) Comments

Comments

congratulations! remember communication is the key. here’s to many happy years together!

♥Posted by mjz on 02/12/08 at 08:18 PM

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