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Couples ‘share the love’ by taking, renewing vows on Valentine’s Day

Sharing the love at Indianapolis City Market

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Groups of couples gathered in downtown Indianapolis at the annual “Share the Love” event at the City Market.

The event gives married couples an opportunity to revisit and celebrate their wedding vows during a special vow renewal ceremony.

Before and after the ceremony, the couples were able to enjoy live music, cupcakes from City Market merchant Simply Divine Cupcakes, a photo at the decorative picture station and a personalized Valentine’s card-writing station.

Jennifer and Sean Morrow have been married almost two decades, but three years ago, they figured this ceremony would give them a new way to spend Valentine’s Day.

“It’s just a good time,” Sean Morrow said. “I know she loves it; it’s wonderful and romantic and I think we’re going to keep trying to do it.”

For them it’s about more than saying the words. They enjoy the “Share the Love” experience, but in 2020, their new tradition was in jeopardy.

“I knew it was happening, but [Sean] had just had surgery. He was adamant, saying, ‘We are going. We are going,” Jennifer said.

Mayor Joe Hogsett officiates the ceremony and says participating in “Share the Love” with these couples is one of his favorite duties as mayor.

“Today is a day when everybody can celebrate their love in all forms,” Hogsett said. “In our brightest days and our darkest hours, when we have a love that we can share we have the very best of life.”

Meanwhile, across the street at the Marion County Clerk’s Office, couples were taking their vows for the very first time.

Derrick and Clarisa Garrett were just one of many couples that got married by a judge at the clerk’s office. Even though the ceremony seems small, the Garretts could feel how big the moment was.

“I was kind of nervous, but afterwards, it came down a little bit,” Clarisa said. “I’m excited. We did it.”

“It was fun; I liked it,” Derrick said. When asked how he felt right after he officially became a married man, he replied, “Forever is forever [and] I’m ready.”

Whether you’re the rookies or the veterans in the journey we call marriage, all the couples shared the ultimate love on Valentine’s Day, love’s biggest stage.