Love Match

Donna Green is all smiles after getting married to John Hosey at the Rockingham County Courthouse on Wednesday afternoon. The Harrisonburg couple was among five on hand to tie the knot for 12/12/12. (Photos by Nikki Fox / DN-R)

Heather Reardon, deputy clerk of circuit court, performs the wedding ceremony for Bethany Lewin and Ryan Popelish, both of Augusta County, in the Rockingham County Courthouse’s “love chapel” on Wednesday afternoon.

Heather Reardon, deputy clerk of circuit court, gives copies of the marriage certificate to newlyweds Bethany Lewin and Ryan Popelish, both of Augusta County, after Wednesday’s ceremony.

HARRISONBURG — Unlike some couples, Augusta County residents Bethany Lewin, 30, and Ryan Popelish, 37, are unlikely to get into any heated arguments about the date they were married.

That’s because the day they picked to get hitched — 12/12/12 — isn’t an easy one to forget.

“I wanted to move it up, but he said no because then he would never remember our anniversary,” said Lewin, who married Popelish at the Rockingham County Courthouse Wednesday. “We were stuck with it.”

For Lewin, getting married on one of the decade’s “triple dates” — where the month, day and year are identical — has been a long-running joke with a friend.

Wednesday marked the last “triple date” until Jan. 1, 2101.

“[She said], this is your last chance,” Lewin said with a laugh.

Lewin, who plans to change her name to Popelish, was one of five brides scheduled to wed at the Rockingham County Courthouse on Wednesday.

Donna Green, 38, and John Hosey, 42, both of Harrisonburg, said the date also inspired them to tie the knot Wednesday.

“This was something thrown together for 12/12/12,” said Hosey, adding that the couple is planning a larger celebration for the spring. “It’s a day you’ll never see again.”

Heather Reardon, the deputy clerk of circuit court who oversees weddings at the courthouse, said that, as with such special days as Valentine’s Day, Wednesday was slightly busier than usual.

“We got ’em coming every half-hour,” said Reardon, who has conducted her share of vows at the courthouse. “It’s [interesting] to see how different people celebrate.”

One of the more unusual weddings Reardon’s been involved with actually took place in 2006 the day before she was sworn in. That’s when actor Richard Dreyfuss, in town to give a speech at James Madison University, walked through the doors of the courthouse to get hitched.

Now Reardon expects the unexpected: Mardi Gras enthusiasts wearing masks, brides in strapless dresses during snowy outdoor ceremonies and even a couple who stopped to get married while the bride was in labor.

“[I said], ‘If you’ve got a few minutes to wait and get the license, I’ll get you married,’” she said with a laugh. “[One time] I had a couple come in for information and leave with a gun permit, passport and they got married. It’s your one-stop shopping.

“This is a fun part of my job, it’s interesting and it’s nice to help people celebrate.”

One couple who wished to remain anonymous were even attentive to the time they got married.

“We were probably close to 12:12 [p.m.],” the groom said.

Contact Emily Sharrer at 574-6286 or esharrer@dnronline.com