Displaying items by tag: marriage

On a day that symbolizes love, couples in Akron cemented their love by saying "I do" and marrying their significant other.

Fifteen couples exchanged vows on Valentine's Day downtown at the main branch of the Summit County Akron Public Library with Judge Annalisa Williams, of the Akron Municipal Court, presiding over the ceremonies.

Denise Norwood, 58, married her boyfriend, Jermaine, 43, of 10 years, alongside her daughter, Kalaille, 35, who also married her boyfriend, Anthony Bussey, 37. She said this is a day she will always remember.

"We will never forget it. We know Valentine's Day, that's our day, special."

Asked about what it means to get married next to her daughter, she says, "It's different, but it's a joyful thing. Because she got married with her mother and her mother got married with her daughter. It's just a joyous thing."

Mrs. Bussey said getting married was an amazing feeling. She said the fact that it was with her mom is something that will stick with her forever.

"It's an experience. I think it was a wonderful feeling. It's a memorable feeling. We'll have stories to tell down the line to the family."

Mr. and Mrs. Norwood met at Akron Baptist Church about 10 years ago. Mr. Norwood says it's kind of funny to get married on Valentine's Day, but also says it's something he will never forget.

"It's hilarious because it's going to be something that you always remember because it's a day that comes every year," Norwood said. "So, you know when that day comes, you'll know it's that special day we got married on. So, you'll never forget Valentine's Day."

Jerome Spragling tied the knot with his girlfriend of 3 years, Saleema. He said he's blessed to be able to marry her on Valentine's Day.

"I'm happy. It's very important to me as well as my wife," Spragling tells WAKR. "This is what she wanted and I'm very fortunate to give it to her on this day. I'm grateful."

Spragling said this is the day they will start their new life together, a moment, he said is very special to him.

"One of the greatest memories for me is the leap we made today," Spragling said. "Because this is the direction we both wanted to take and we're here and we are going to move forward together as one."

Patricia Williams, Chief Bailiff at Akron Municipal Court, has been involved with Valentine's Day weddings for over 20 years. She said seeing the faces of people after they get married is something that brings her an abundance of joy.

"To see that special look in their eye when they come out, it fills my heart."

Williams said it's nothing new to see people want to get married on Valentine's Day. She said it's a large number people that want to get married on the day.

"A lot of times people have set this date--waited from year to year--to get married on this day. I think that's something that's going to be lasting because they waited for this special day to do this on."

Since Valentine's Day was on Sunday, the weddings weren't able to be done at the courthouse because of they would have had to hire security, Williams said. She said the library was more than happy to allow them to conduct the ceremonies there.

A Stow couple has waited 31 years for this day.

"It's like I won the lottery," said 66-year-old John Marshall.

Marshall couldn't hold back the tears while explaining the meaning behind getting a marriage license to legally tie the knot with his partner, 65-year-old James Neilsen.

"It's just like all of your life you've been denied something that you know in you heart is right," said Marshall. "And finally the door swings open."

First male couple in Summit County to apply for a marriage license... pic.twitter.com/mM5Tq5sKjR

— Amani Abraham (@AmaniAbraham) June 26, 2015

According to the Summit County Probate Court, Marshall and Neilsen were the first male couple to recieve their marriage license in Summit County.

Marshall called it a historic day -- breaking down barriers and giving same-sex couples equal rights.

Within a two hour period, four couples applied for a marriage license Friday afternoon.