A year ago, the Mbonfals met at work. This year on Valentine’s Day, during lunch, they tied the knot in a free ceremony.

The Honorable Gina Brandt officiated their ceremony, a welcome change of pace for the judge. “It’s such a nice thing to be able to have good happiness in this courthouse,” she said, “I love being part of love, and this is a great event every year.”

While the couples hope this is the only year they participate, the judges come back as often as they can. For Judge Brandt this is year seven.

For Judge James Moore, he explained “I think this is my third time. I volunteer every year but a lot of judges volunteer and so we take turns. Last year I got aced out.”

One of the brides, Kari Sky, said, “This is so heartwarming, like, I’m a diehard hopeless romantic and so this is just sweet as pie to see a bunch of people come out and celebrate Valentine’s Day.”