Kane Co. weddings abound on 11/12/13
Robert and Vanessa Szumal of Naperville said “I do” and exchanged vows, rings and kisses on their perfect day: 11/12/13.
Theirs was one of 12 weddings at the Kane County Judicial Center as officials made special accommodations for couples who wanted to get married on the second-to-last day this century in which the date will have consecutive numbers in it.
“I actually wanted 12-13-14, but he moved it up a year,” Vanessa said.
Added Robert: “That’s what it comes down to for us. We didn’t want to wait another year.”
The couple plan to have a reception in Oak Brook on Saturday.
Kane County Associate Judge Christine Downs officiated and told each couple to ignore her and focus on each other while they recited their vows.
“I now pronounce you on 11/12/13, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” Downs said at the end of each ceremony.
Some couples chose the day because it’s easy to remember. Others thought the date — 11-12-13 — would bring good luck, akin to a rush of weddings on July 7, 2007, or 7/7/7.
“It’s just something different. It’s one (date) I’ll remember, too,” said Tina Mauthe of Oswego after tying the knot with her husband, Will.
Some couples actually wanted to get married on different dates, but when that was not possible, they figured 11-12-13 was a good alternative.
Jesus Navarro and Maira Martinez of Aurora wanted to get married on 12/12/12, but couldn’t.
“This was the next one,” said Martinez.
Damian Hernandez and Vanessa Walsh of Elgin wanted to get married on Monday because Nov. 11 was their 11th anniversary.
But Monday was Veterans Day and a court holiday.
“We just realized the date was 11/12/13. The next best thing,” Walsh said.
Katie Krueger of East Dundee and Robert Forrest of Kansas City, Kansas, also wanted to get married on Monday.
They got engaged in late September after meeting at Bible school and didn’t want to wait any longer to begin their lives together. They’re staying at the Herrington Inn in Geneva before moving to Omaha, Nebraska on Wednesday.
They didn’t realize Tuesday was 11/12/13, but don’t think the date itself would sprinkle fortune into their nuptials.
“We don’t believe in luck,” Forest added, “but we believe in grace.”