Couples say ‘I do’ on Valentine’s Day at courhouse
NORRISTOWN >> With abundant love in their hearts, Andrew Lucien and Alicia MacMullen locked eyes as they exchanged marriage vows on Valentine’s Day, describing it as a powerful moment that will never be replaced.
“We love each other and it might be hard to put it in words, but to look at each other and say such meaningful words was the best part,” Alicia, wearing red, said after she and Andrew completed their “I do’s,” during a special Valentine’s Day event at the Montgomery County Courthouse.
“She just took the words out of my mouth,” laughed Andrew, of Norristown. “Just looking right into her eyes in front of everybody and saying those vows, it’s just really special. There’s no moment that will ever replace that.”
Judge Jeffrey S. Saltz presided over the couple’s nuptials, one of 22 marriage ceremonies held at the courthouse during
what has become an annual event when judges play Cupid for a day.
“Every day people come into the courthouse to deal with traumatic situations. They’re often coming in for one of the worst things that ever happened to them. Our bench wanted to open up the courthouse for people to come in for a joyous day,” said Judge Risa Vetri Ferman, who spearheaded the special event now in its
third year.
The joy surrounding the weddings was a welcome distraction from usual courthouse business.
“This is always one of my favorite days of the year. It’s just a happy day. People come in, they’re happy to come into a courtroom. They’re all smiling and they’re full of hope and excitement and joy about the rest of their lives,” said Ferman. “It’s really a privilege to bear witness to those moments with people.”
Ferman, who wore redhued boots in honor of the holiday, presided over the nuptials of Spring City couple Thomas Buthusiem and Yisayra Castro, who met on Valentine’s Day 2018.
“You have chosen to commit to a lifetime together, each of you supporting the other for the rest of your lives. Marriage is the most important decision that a person can make in life and you two have made that choice and stand ready to take a vow,” Ferman addressed the couple.
“Your marriage vow is a promise that each one of you makes to the other. It’s a promise that says for the rest of your life you will love, you will cherish, you will support and take care of your loved one,” Ferman added.
Many of the couples learned about the Valentine’s Day event via a flyer that was posted in the county’s marriage license office.
“It’s very special. We met a year ago today and that’s why we chose today to get married,” Yisayra said. “I was very excited, nervous and happy.”
During cherished moments, Thomas’ mother, Deborah, used sign language to interpret the ceremony for her son.
“I felt like I was part of their ceremony. It was fantastic. All that the judges put into this, it just makes it so special,” Deborah Buthusiem said.
Vases filled with fresh, red roses welcomed visitors to Ferman’s courtroom. A pink neon sign placed on the judge’s bench blared, “Love.”
“Welcome to the love shack,” Ferman said with a smile as the event got under way at 9 a.m.
A table filled with candies and desserts was arranged by the judges’ staff members, who used cameras and cellphones to snap photos of the happy couples, obviously enjoying being witnesses to the exchanges of love.
“It becomes a real team effort and it’s so much fun for all of us to be a part of,” Ferman said.
“This is a fun day,” said Judge Gail A. Weilheimer, who presided over the nuptials of Christina Carr, a native of Lansdale and a North Penn High School graduate, and James Stanton, of Philadelphia.
Together nearly 10 years, Christina and James have five children, who wore red outfits and attended the wedding along with the couple’s extended family.
“It’s more special,” Christina said about a Valentine’s Day wedding.
“For me, personally, every day is Valentine’s Day,” said James, adding it was Christina’s decision to get married on Feb. 14. “I left it in her hands. She chose Valentine’s Day. I didn’t even question it. It was meant to be. This is the day of love. I love her. I’m glad it was today.”