Melanie Hebert / WWLTV.com
GRETNA, La. - A local Marine began the annual Valentine's Day tradition in Gretna this year by marrying his fiance' at the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop.
'We wanted to get married on Valentine's Day,' said 26-year-old Sgt. Kashif Rivera-ham. He added that his fiance' 25-year-old Adela Misackiony told him about the Blacksmith Shop weddings. 'There's a lot of history here so I'm glad we chose to do it here,' said Rivera-ham.
For 13 years Gretna's Historical Society has arranged the weddings at a site it says was named after Scotland's Gretna Green, famous for its runaway marriages. The story posted on the door of the Blacksmith Shop tells of the young couples who would escape England to be married in Gretna Green, Scotland where the marriage laws weren't as strict. Across the river from New Orleans, the German settlement of Mechanickham (now Gretna) also became known for its quick marriages, with more accommodating justices of the peace. Hence, the village became known as Gretna after the romantic Scotland tradition.
This year eight Valentine's Day weddings were scheduled at the Blacksmith Shop, but volunteers say walk-ins are common. The shop has hosted up to 36 weddings one Valentine's Day.
'Every year it's been just wonderful,' said Gretna Historical Society Vice-President Elizabeth Schwarz. 'Some people come in from off the street. They just pass by and see everything going on and say ... let's get married.' Schwarz added it's good for Gretna because the whole community comes together.
The marriages are performed by Judge Vernon Wilty of the 24th Judicial District Court. 'The wedding part of my job is the fun part,' said Wilty. 'You get to see everybody happy.'
A blacksmith is part of the package too, sealing the couple's promise on the anvil in the shop.
The total cost for a wedding at the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop is $60 per couple which is a donation to the Gretna Historical Society.
