SIDEBAR Spring 2017 - 21

MONTGOMERYBAR.ORG

SIDEBAR FEATURE

Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom becomes

Ceremony Central
on Valentine's Day
By Denise S. Vicario, Esq.

V

alentine's Day in
the Courthouse
started with a
traditional bow from a
bridegroom...and then a
quote from Hon. Joseph
P. Walsh: "Love is more
than a feeling...to love
means to do good things."
Certainly, good things
were happening as the Judges of Montgomery County Court of
Common Pleas performed weddings throughout the day.
In the end, 20 couples were married in Montgomery County
Courthouse on February 14, 2017, and all the Judges ensured that
each ceremony had a personal touch. There was a guest from Brazil
who attended via Skype; lots of charming little ring bearers and
flower girls bringing smiles from family, friends and court staff; and
a Russian and a Korean interpreter provided by the Court for two
of the ceremonies. Of course, there were lots of cameras snapping
pictures on such a happy day in Courtroom A!
Old traditions met new traditions in a very traditional
courtroom, and customary attire (including many wedding dresses
and even a beautiful Korean chima jeorgi - worn by a mother
of the bride) as well as casual attire was welcome. No wedding
would be complete without flowers and food, and the thoughtful
touches of roses and sweet treats were graciously provided by the
Judges and their staff. As Judge Walsh stated: "The Valentine's Day
weddings afforded a very unique opportunity to use our judicial
positions so that both parties left the bar of the court in complete
happiness. The day was great fun!"
The idea was spearheaded by Judge Walsh and Hon. Risa Vetri
Ferman - and greatly assisted by the Registrar of Wills Office who
provided marriage applicants with flyers to advertise the day. This
is truly a case of build it - and they will come. In addition to Judge
Ferman and Judge Walsh, Hon. Cheryl L. Austin, Hon. Carolyn
T. Carluccio, Hon. Garrett D. Page, and Hon. Gail A. Weilheimer

presided over
nuptials that
day. Many of the
smiling couples
expressed how
grateful they were
to the court for
performing the
ceremonies and
providing such a
thoughtful public
service.
As Judge Ferman said: "As Judges, we see people on a daily basis
dealing with trauma and crisis. Judge Walsh and I were thrilled to
find the opportunity to share a day in our courts with people filled
with joy over joining their lives in marriage. We were delighted by
the support and involvement of our colleagues on the bench and
the dedicated members of our staff who made the day so special for
everyone."
Montgomery County Court now has a new tradition; we've
already got Valentine's Day 2018 blocked off for weddings!

SPRING 2017 21
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SIDEBAR Spring 2017
