The Akron-Summit County Public Library probably isn’t top of mind for many people as a romantic setting for a wedding.
But the date — Feb. 14 — sure was romantic for a mother-daughter double wedding and others who booked Valentine’s Day ceremonies at the library in downtown Akron. (There were Valentine’s Day weddings in Richfield and Stow as well.)
Denise Williams said her daughter, KaLaille Simpson, proposed the idea of a double Valentine’s Day ceremony.
“We thought about it. We said OK,” Williams said. Williams, 58, and her new husband, Jermaine Norwood, 43, have been a couple for 10 years after first meeting at Akron Baptist Church. Simpson, 33, and her new husband, Anthony Bussey, 37, have been together 13 years.
Akron Municipal Court Judge Annalisa Williams performed 15 wedding ceremonies at the library on Sunday.
“Everything is wonderful. I love Valentine’s Day,” the judge said. “Certainly it’s a day you’ll never forget.”
Ceremonies took place about every 15 to 20 minutes inside the library’s Meeting Room 1, just across from the main auditorium. A new small business, Event Customs, set up a “selfie” photograph station for the weddings, handed out free gifts and offered other help during the afternoon.
“We’re just excited to be here,” said Sunny Matthews, event coordinator.
A bit after 2:15 p.m., the time slotted for the Williams-Norwood and Simpson-Bussey double ceremony, the couples, family and friends filled the meeting room.
Judge Williams pondered a bit over where best to place Williams, Norwood, Simpson and Bussey.
“We don’t want to marry the wrong person,” Denise Williams quipped.
The judge encouraged the guests to stand wherever they wanted, including around the two couples. People took pictures and shot video as the couples said their vows.
“For richer, for richer,” Simpson joked as she repeated the judge’s words, quickly adding “for poorer” as guests laughed.
“I pronounce they are husband and wife,” Judge Williams said. “Gentlemen, you may salute your brides.”
Guests applauded, laughed and quickly surrounded the couples.
“That was my first time doing it that way,” the judge said of the double mother-daughter ceremony.
The couples afterward said they were happy and pleased with the ceremony. Their immediate plans were to go out for dinner.
“It’s hilarious,” Norwood said. “It’s something you’ll remember. You won’t forget the anniversary.”
Jim Mackinnon can be reached at 330-996-3544 or jmackinnon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him @JimMackinnonABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/JimMackinnonABJ. His stories can be found at www.ohio.com/writers/jim-mackinnon.