Philadelphia’s Love Park hot with romance on chilly Valentine’s Day as couples tie the knot
In an annual Valentine’s Day tradition, couples lined up to exchange vows in front of an iconic backdrop in Philadelphia’s Love Park. The Love statue holds a special significance for many of these couples, symbolizing their love and commitment.
The wedding ceremony of Amy Brown and Mike Snader marked the beginning of the day’s celebrations. Mayor Cherelle Parker served as the officiant, adding a touch of officialdom to the heartfelt event.
For Brown and Snader, the Love statue holds a special meaning in their love story. They first met several years ago on the island of St. Lucia, where Brown is from, while Snader was working there. Six years ago, they returned to the island on vacation together, and their love has grown stronger ever since.
Despite the low temperatures and chilly wind, Brown, in her wedding gown, didn’t mind the weather. She described the experience as beautiful and expressed her happiness at marrying the person she loves.
Shortly after Brown and Snader’s marriage, it was Lorraine and Daniel Smith’s turn to say I do. This was the second time they were marrying each other, having divorced in 2020 after tying the knot in 2018. However, their love for each other couldn’t keep them apart for long.
We did get a divorce, but we knew we wanted to be together, Lorraine Smith said. We missed each other, and we didn’t really stay apart.
While some couples chose an intimate ceremony, Cory Wells and Becca Butler decided to have a larger celebration. Their wedding attracted a crowd of people, including Wells’ sister-in-law, Sara Walsh, who had already attended another wedding earlier in the day.
This is actually the second wedding I’ve been to, Walsh said. My best friend got married in Clark, New Jersey… then we went all the way down here to this one because we could not miss this.
Emotions ran high during Wells and Butler’s ceremony, with Walsh tearing up as she saw her husband’s brother tie the knot. She fondly remembered Wells from his first-grade days and expressed her pride in seeing him marry the love of his life.
Wells himself described marrying Butler as the easiest decision he has ever made. He expressed his happiness and admiration for her, stating, There’s just nothing not to love about her. She makes me really happy. I knew the minute that we were going to get married, I was good.
The Love Park weddings brought together couples from different backgrounds and love stories, all joined by the desire to make a lifelong commitment on this special day. Despite the chilly weather, the warmth of love filled the air as each couple celebrated their unique journey together.
Valentine’s Day in Philadelphia’s Love Park was a reminder of the power of love and the joy that comes with finding that one special person to share life’s ups and downs. As the day came to a close, the Love statue stood as a symbol of the love and unity that can bring people together.
