To some, there is no better way to express love on Valentine’s Day than getting married. It’s become a tradition for Justice of the Peace and Non-Denominational Minister Marie Tyler Wiley to unite couples out of the goodness of her heart on the holiday.
“That’s my day to give back. That’s my thanks to God for my great life,” Tyler Wiley said, adding she struggled to accept money from couples on Valentine’s Day.
She said she’s been marrying people on Valentine’s Day for about 20 years, more than half of that time at the Meeting House Chapel in Olde Mistick Village for free. The meeting house is donated.
Her photographer and greeter also donated their time. Tyler Wiley had previously married both of them.
Couples did need to present an official wedding license from the Town of Stonington.
“At least when they get married, they’ll do so with a full heart from me because I’m in love with love,” Tyler Wiley said. She eloped with her husband and wanted to give other couples a ceremony that was more special than the one she had.
Rhode Island couple Rionda Geraldes and Michael Marinelli were among the newlyweds who married on Thursday, promising to love each other forever.
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“We’re eloping,” Marinelli laughed.
The pair said they ditched the stress of planning a summer wedding.
Marinelli was dressed in a suit, Geraldes in a wedding dress. Both had red detailing - from Marinelli’s vest to Geraldes’ shoes and the bow around her waist.
“We already has some things in place. We just changed the color scheme for the holiday,” Geraldes said.
They had the ability to choose their service and with the blessing of Tyler Wiley, said I do.
“When you see that ring on somebody else’s finger,” Tyler Wiley said to the couple, “it clearly says to the rest of the world that you are loved and cherished. And indeed you are.”
“This is beyond what words could express,” Marinelli said of the day, adding that he felt the presence and love of his mom and godfather in the room. Both passed away.
After 15 and a half years married, Heidi and Timothy Mulligan are still in love with one another.
They couple renewed their vows with the help of Tyler Wiley Thursday.
“Since we’ve gotten married we’ve had a lot of rollercoasters. So I got sick about seven years ago and it put a real scare into our relationship as well as myself. And we came out of it. And I think it makes you appreciate everything so much more,” Heidi Mulligan said.
While the couple didn’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day before, they’re now going to make it a tradition.
And for the first time, Tyler Wiley officiated the wedding of Olde Mistick Village business owners in Olde Mistick Village on Valentine’s Day.
“We got engaged actually about six years ago and last week during Jeopardy I said, ‘How do you feel about getting married on Valentine’s Day,’” said Clifford Smith.
“And I answered with a question: ‘Really? When,’” Diana Smith said with a laugh.
The couple owns Smith’s Boutique that neighbors the meeting house chapel. They didn’t know they were the first couple from an area business to be wed during the event.
“Why doesn’t everybody do this? It’s marvelous,” Diana Smith said.
Their family filled the chapel. The Smiths dated in high school and found each other again.
Thursday night, they already have a fitting plan.
“Have dinner and watch Jeopardy,” Clifford Smith said.
