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Valentine's Day ceremony is one they'll remember
By Katie Byard
Beacon Journal
Published on Friday, Feb 15, 2008
Valentine's Day was not their first pick for a wedding day.
Sherry Bailey and John Labbe Jr., of Lakemore, were hoping to get hitched on a day they consider to be even more romantic — today, Feb. 15, the day after Valentine's Day.
That's when they met six years ago.
But Sherry, 51, and John, 43, were among 21 couples that had filed to get married Thursday at Akron Municipal Court in the city's downtown.
Labbe, 43, a supervisor at a paper recycling company, said a court worker had told him weddings weren't scheduled for the 15th.
''They do so many on the 14th,'' Labbe said in a hallway while waiting for his ceremony to begin. '' I guess they need to rest.''
Bailey, wearing a lavender dress, white veil and white pearls, stood nearby.
Labbe said Thursday was still a good day to say ''I do.''
''I figured the 14th was just as good . . . every time Valentine's Day comes around we'll remember it's our anniversary,'' he said.
The two met at a bar. ''I told her I love camping, the outdoors,'' Labbe said. ''I told her what I was about.''
The scene at the municipal court was a mix of formal and casual.
Judge Kathryn Michael officiated in a jury room that court workers had decorated with heart-shaped balloons and a white trellis. Rose petals were scattered on the floor.
The chatter and laughter of those in a nearby hallway could be heard during the services.
Sparkling grape juice was available for toasts after each ceremony. Court employee Cynthia Caprez made heart-shaped cookies. Melissa Briggs made cupcakes.
Rick Owens, Michael's
bailiff, wore his red jacket in honor of the day, and took on the role of wedding planner, directing nervous couples to the jury room. He also tended the CD player that provided wedding music.
Wedding days ''are the only time people are ever happy to see me at the courthouse,'' Michael said as Sherry Bailey and John Labbe and family members walked into the jury room.
''You look beautiful,'' Michael said to Bailey, who was tightly gripping a bouquet of lavender-colored flowers.
Michael, who was officiating at her first Valentine's Day weddings, directed the couple to the front of the wood trellis that served as a canopy.
''You need to face one another, because I'm an old romantic,'' Michael told the couple.
After the service, Bailey, who works at a McDonald's, said she didn't mind the casual atmosphere.
''It feels great . . . my family is here,'' said Bailey as she walked to the elevator.
''She's happy,'' said one of her daughters, Jamie Bailey. ''She's happy to be married.''
The only hassle was going through the metal detector in the lobby of the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center, said Sherry's daughter Kim Bailey.
''I had a lot of change in my pocket,'' Kim Bailey said. ''I had to take it all out.''
Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781 or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com.
Valentine's Day was not their first pick for a wedding day.
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