Michelle Rhee (above, third from left) reacts after being wed to Brad Rhee (above, second from left) at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Michelle’s mother, Mary Andrews, officiated the ceremonial portion of the wedding, which was later made legal by magistrate Michelle Waymire during the Marion County Clerk’s Office Valentine’s Day wedding event.
Brad first reconnected with Michelle after the death of her husband, Eric, who he knew from high school. Although he wasn’t close with Eric or Michelle, Brad felt compelled to attend the funeral and later offered to help Michelle cope with her grief through working out together.
“I just feel like my husband brought us together,” Michelle said. “When you lose your spouse, you don’t feel like you’re ever gonna love anyone again.”
Grethel Gonzalez (above right) kisses Orlando Sanchez (above left) after exchanging vows in front of their children, Ethel, 6, and Angie, 4 months, at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Sanchez said in Spanish that getting married was something they had both wanted since they began dating a year and a half ago.
Ethel Gonzalez, 6, (above right) holds wedding rings and looks up at her mother, Grethel Gonzalez, as she marries Orlando Sanchez. Sanchez holds his and Grethel’s 4-month-old daughter, Angie, during the ceremony.
Sanchez said in Spanish that he had always wanted to get married to help unify their family.
Kendrick Phelps and Patricia Phelps walk downstairs after their wedding ceremony at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
The couple, who share a love of video games and fashion, went on their first date at Sandbox VR and enjoy playing Call of Duty together. After two years of dating, they knew they were meant to marry.
Kendrick Phelps holds Patricia Phelps’ ring before the couple exchange vows.
Jacorey Tyler (above left) and Sabina Oxlaj (above right) kiss after exchanging vows.
The couple, who have been together since eighth grade, chose to marry ahead of their dating anniversary, which would have marked eight years together.
“We really wanted to get married, but the cost of having a really big wedding with all of our family was something that was making it so we couldn’t get married until a year or two more,” Oxlaj said.
The couple said they felt both excited and nervous as they recited their vows and signed their marriage license.
“It’s a beautiful opportunity for couples like us to get married, and it still feels really special,” Oxlaj said.
Terry Jones (above left) and Charles Clarke (above right) embrace after exchanging vows.
The couple met on a dating app after Jones moved to the area. On their first date, they went to a bar and it was “love at first sight,” according to Jones. They have been together for 13 years.
Rebecca Rowe (above left) and Richard Rowe (above center) prepare to recite vows as they are marred by the Hon. David J. Dreyer.
The couple divorced several years ago but reunited after Rebecca cared for Richard through a series of serious health issues. “He’s a walking miracle,” Rebecca said.
Amy Nelson (above left) and Michael Nelson (above right) embrace after being married.
The couple, who had obtained their marriage license the day before in Fountain County, Indiana, were visiting Indy when they learned the Marion County Clerk’s Office was officiating walk-in weddings and decided to take part.
When Michael met Amy in 2023, he was still mourning the loss of his wife of 25 years. He said he met Amy at a pizza restaurant he and his late wife used to visit.
“I was going through a rough time,” he said. “[Amy] brought me out of the darkness, and we’ve been dating almost three years. I never thought I’d have another soulmate.”
Khalid Smith (above left) and Kay Smith (above right) prepare for their wedding during the event.
The couple remembered their first date at a Jason’s Deli in Atlanta, a moment Khalid said stands out in his memory.
“Kay, she’s always stood out from the rest of the girls as someone who knows what she wants,” he said.
The couple said they were excited to celebrate their love at the Artsgarden, enjoying the opportunity to marry in a downtown Indianapolis venue that offers both a festive atmosphere and a personal, intimate setting.
Crystal Moore (above right) and Jeremy Moore (above left) stand together as they exchange wedding vows. The couple said they are united in their faith and believe they are honoring God by joining in marriage.
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Stephanie Amador is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach her at stephaniekblondet@gmail.com.
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