PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mike Snader and Amy Brown had an unforgettable wedding. The date, Valentine’s Day. The location, LOVE Park. And the officiant, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, performing her first wedding as mayor.
Among the powers Parker gained on becoming Philadelphia’s mayor, was the right to officiate at weddings.
“We are here today to celebrate the love that Amy and Michael have for one another,” Parker kicked off the ceremony.
Amy was radiant in a sleeveless satin gown, which was mostly hidden under a fuzzy white coat. The day was brilliantly sunny but freezing cold, though the St. Lucia native and her fiancée Mike seemed warmed by the occasion.
“We were here about six years ago at this same LOVE sign so it’s just so sentimental for us to be back again and be committing to each other today so we’re pretty excited and elated to be here,” said Mike.
The couple met in St. Lucia, where Mike — originally from Reading — was working in the hospitality industry. They signed up to be the first couple to use the Park for the return of “Wedding Wednesdays,” not realizing the mayor would be officiating and TV cameras would be recording the whole thing.
Before getting to the task at hand, Parker announced the return of “Wedding Wednesdays,” opening LOVE Park for one couple a week to get married by the mayor.
“By the power invested in me by the city of Philadelphia, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Parker capped her first ceremony followed by cheers. “You may seal your vows with a kiss and congratulations.”