Getting married at City Hall is commonplace in cities across Canada, but it’s never been allowed in Victoria until now. Monica Martinez reports.
It’s an unforgettable day for any couple, but this one goes down in history as Victoria’s first ever wedding at City Hall.
“I ask who has the privilege of bringing me this most beautiful bride for her marriage today?” asked commissioner Iain Hooey.
In council chambers, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Paula Ronald and John Ehses say “I do.”
“It is my pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. Please, an expression of affection and make it a good one, people have been waiting a long time for this.”
Mayor Lisa Helps said this is the most love she’s seen in City Hall for a long time.
City Hall is a special place for this couple. It is not only where they got married, it’s where their love story began six years ago.
“I used to see him all the time and thought he’s the one, he’s the one,” said bride Paula Ronald.
She works in building services and the groom removes graffiti, but their paths would often cross.
“He was like a magnet. It was like I need to know that person, even though I didn’t know him, I needed to know him,” she said.
And in one courageous move, Ronald took the first step.
“So I left him a note to go golfing and we’ve been inseparable ever since,” she said.
Groom John Ehses said from their first encounter, he knew she was really special.
“I’m glad I took her up on the golfing date,” he said smiling.
Unlike many other City Halls in Canada, Victoria has not been available for weddings until Friday. Council changed the policy last year to open up the room for ceremonies.
There are three dates available this year as part of a pilot project. If all goes well, City Hall will be open for weddings.
The couple is throwing a party Friday night, and they’re back at work Tuesday, a short break before returning to the same place that brought them together.
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